How to Remove Linoleum Floor Tile

Removing linoleum flooring with a hammer drill speeds up the process.

Linoleum is an easy tile substance to use because of its variety of design and ease of cutting. Linoleum tile can be thoroughly cleaned and does not harbor microbes, making it suitable for areas that need to be clean, such as hospitals. Old linoleum may need to be removed to make way for new tile. If the tile was installed before 1980, the tile may contain asbestos. Do not remove asbestos-containing tile yourself; it is extremely dangerous and can cause long-term health issues.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer drill
• Dremel bit
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• Garbage bags

Instructions

1. Put on safety glasses and work gloves to protect your hands and eyes.

2. Insert a Dremel bit into your hammer drill. The Dremel bit should have a flat edge to it.

3. Place the bit and drill at a 45 degree angle to the floor, with the edge of the bit inserted into the seam of the tile.

4. Press the trigger on the hammer drill to activate the bit action.

5. Hold the bit against the floor as the tile comes up to remove it completely. Continue moving the drill over the floor to remove all the tiles.

6. Place the tiles in a garbage bag and dispose of according to local waste guidelines.

References

• Environmental Protection Agency: Asbestos in Your Home
• YouTube: Removing Stubborn Linoleum Tile the Easy Way
• Demesne: Linoleum Flooring