How to Remove a Tile Floor – The Only Guide You’ll Need

You’ll need to sweat and work hard if you plan to remove the old tiles yourself. This article is for those who want to experience the satisfaction of completing a difficult task on their own.

You will learn the materials and tools needed for the job as well as the steps involved in the removal of tiles. We will also tell you how much it costs to hire a professional handyman.

Remove Old Tiles Using The Right Tools And Materials

The tools are essential to any renovation project. The right tools will ensure that you get the desired results without damaging your property. You may already own some of the equipment, but you may need to borrow it from friends or rent it from a company that provides tool rental.

The age of the tiles will determine how difficult it is to remove them. Tiles that are 20 years old would be much easier to remove than those that are 5 years old. It is because the adhesive has probably reached the end of its lifespan and is waiting to be peeled off. Most of the time you won’t be able estimate the level of difficulty until you begin working.

No matter the size of your tile project, we have prepared a list of universal tools that you will require.

List Of Required Tools

• Lump Hammer
• Cold chisel
• Dust mask
• Knee pads
• Safety glasses
• Vacuum
• Trowel

How To Remove Floor Tiles Without Damaging Them

Wear the appropriate protective gear before you start working. This includes thick gloves, safety eyewear, and kneepads. Sharp tiles are dangerous and you never know what is hidden underneath them.

Prepare the area

• Clean the entire area thoroughly, removing all furniture, debris, dust etc.
• Remove the baseboards from your walls with care. If you plan to reinstall them, keep them in a different room.
• Seal vents so that they don’t become clogged with debris. Use plastic wrap or painters tape.
• Cover any surfaces or furniture that can’t be moved. To protect your home, cover the area with plastic sheets.

Remove Tiles That Are Glued Together With Adhesive

• It is better to use mastic or a natural adhesive like mastic. These are easier to remove than mortar. Here is our advice for removing tiles from the flooring:
• Start in the farthest corner, the one that is the least visible. The best place to start is with broken and chipped tiles, as they have already been removed half way.
• Create a broken tile if you can’t find any! Lift the tile up from the corner with a lump of chisel.
• You can also crack the area using a hammer. It is important to hit it hard enough that it breaks, but not so hard that you damage the floor underneath.
• The rest will follow easily once the first tile has been removed. If you come across some stubborn tiles, pry them out with a bar. Or use the chisel again.
• Continue cleaning the tiles and flooring until all of the flooring is cleaned.
• Use the special adhesive remover or the tools to remove the tile and grout adhesive.
• Follow the instructions carefully and read all the instructions before you use the remover.
• Open some windows and pat yourself for a job well done.

How To Remove Tiles That Have Been Installed Using Mortar

Mortar can be used to attach tiles to a variety of surfaces. However, it is not as popular as tile adhesive. Most people use mastic because it’s easier to spread. It’s also a bit more difficult to remove, which is another reason why builders tend to avoid it. We are here to assist you in the removal process.

• Start by hammering the tile at the edge.
• You will always have a clean work area if you break the tiles and mortar into a bucket and immediately dispose of the waste. Use the hammer with caution, as you would when using the previous method. You don’t want to permanently damage the floor.
• Don’t become frustrated if you have difficulty removing a particular tile. The mortar is easier to remove than the adhesive.
• You may find a cement tile underlayment over a wooden floor. If the adhesive is too stiff, it’s best to remove the whole thing. You will also get a better finish if you remove the underlayment.
• If you don’t have a heat gun, you can scrape the underlay with a small blade.

Our building waste disposal service is the perfect solution for those who don’t have a clue what to do with their trash.

Finalizing Your Work

It’s now time to clean your workspace. You can use a broom to remove the larger debris, and then a vacuum cleaner for the dust.

You will see that the tile adhesive was scraped away and the underlayer removed. You will probably find some areas that are uneven with lumps and holes. Apply thin-set plaster to the holes, and then scrape off any lumps.

The Cost Of Removing Tile Flooring

Costs for removing old tiles depend on the size of the area. The hourly rate in Australia for this service ranges between $45 to $150 for both ceramic and stone tiles floors. When you hire professionals, only use one team for the removal of the old tiles and the laying of the new ones. You can be assured that both tasks will be done by the same person, ensuring that the entire process is well thought out and the base is properly prepared.

Takeaway

• It can be difficult to remove old tiles, but with the right tools and enthusiasm it could become a fun home project.
• Wear protective clothing.
• To choose the right removal method, you need to know what is underneath the tiles.
• Prepare the room and secure all vents.
• Use a hammer and chisel, but do not use excessive force. This will prevent the floor from being damaged.
• Take a break if you become too frustrated.