About Removing Tile

History

Tiles have been used for over 4,000 years, both functionally and decoratively. Mosaics made from glazed tiles grace floors, walls, and ceilings for thousands of years and can be seen throughout Europe and the Far East.

Doing remodeling projects yourself can be much less expensive than hiring professionals. Even if you plan to hire a professional to set new tile, you can save money by removing the old tile yourself. This job is relatively easy to do and requires no special skills.

The simplest way to remove tile is to break it apart with a rubber mallet and discard the tile fragments. Covering the tile with a piece of cloth before hitting it with the mallet can prevent shards of tile from flying toward the face and make cleanup easier.
Using a broad knife to scrape the floor or wall will remove the remnants of tile as well as pieces of the mortar or adhesive and grout. It is necessary to do this before tiles are reapplied. If tiles are removed from walls, it is important to not to make holes in the drywall beneath. If this happens, the drywall must be patched before new tile is applied.
Rotary cutters can be used to cut along grout lines if the tiles are going to be salvaged. Placing a flat bar in the grout lines and gently prying upwards will usually dislodge the tiles without damaging them, although this depends on the adhesive used and how long the tile has been in place.

Electric jackhammers that are fitted with scraping tools have been created expressly to remove tile from flooring. These machines, which can be rented from many home improvement centers, make short work of a tedious job, and eliminate the need to scrape random areas still containing dried adhesive.

Regardless of which method chosen to remove tile, it is important to take appropriate safety precautions. Eye protection is critical, but it may also be wise to protect hands and knees as well.
Note that some old linoleum tiles may contain asbestos and must be removed by a professional. Before removing linoleum tiles, make sure they are asbestos-free.