The Best Way to Remove Floor Tile

Removing tile involves time and patience.

Floor tiles come in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes and materials, including ceramic, marble and glass. The tiles are attached to the floor and the spaces between them are filled with grout, which creates a permanent seal. The grout forms a tight bond that prevents the tiles from coming loose or breaking off the floor. While that’s good for those who want a permanent look, it’s not great for those who want to change the style of their floor. The best way to remove floor tile lets you replace or redo your flooring.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer
• Putty knife

Instructions

1. Start at a corner of the room and work toward the center. Work on a single tile at a time, hitting the center of the tile with your hammer. This breaks the tile into larger shards that are easier to clean up than the smaller pieces that result when you strike the corners.

2. Strike the grouting around the tile with your hammer. Work in small areas at a time, hitting once and then moving a few inches down. The grout must come loose because it adheres the tiles directly to the floors.

3. Use the putty knife to remove any excess tiles left on the floor. Slide the putty knife under the edge of each tile piece and pull upward, using enough force to push the tile off the floor. Repeat on any additional tile pieces left on the floor.

4. Look for signs of a backing used with the tile. The backing consists of a single piece of board or concrete that’s placed underneath the tile. This creates a smooth, flat surface for the tile to sit on. The grout or adhesive used to hold the tile down is actually attached to the backing, if once is used.

5. Hammer the backing, breaking through to the sub-flooring. Work on a small area at a time, 6-by-6 inches before moving onto another spot on the floor. Push the edge of your putty knife underneath the excess pieces of backing and pull upward to pry the pieces loose.

Tips & Warnings

• Always clean the floor carefully before laying down new tile. Sweep up any pieces of broken tile and smooth out any gouges or imperfections caused by your putty knife.

• Use caution when touching the tiles. Broken tiles have sharp edges that may puncture or scratch your skin. Try wearing gloves.

References

• Ask the Builder: Removing Ceramic Tile
• DIY Network: How to Remove a Tile Floor
• The Natural Handyman: Removing Tile