What tools do I need to remove tiles?

When undertaking a tile removal project, having the right tools can make the job much easier. In this article, we’ll look at the key tools you need to efficiently remove tile from walls, floors, countertops and more.

Tools for Removing Floor Tile

Removing tile from a floor surface often requires some heavy duty tools. Here are some recommended tools for removing floor tile:

• Tile breaker – A manual tile breaker tool is a simple handheld device that allows you to break apart tile. It works by applying leverage and pressure to crack the tile at the adhesion points.
• Tile chisel – A manual tile chisel has a long, flat steel blade that can be struck with a hammer to chip away at tiles and mortar. Look for one with a carbide tip for extra strength.
• Oscillating multi-tool – An oscillating multi-tool with a scraping/chisel blade attachment is excellent for removing thinset mortar after tiles have been removed. The quick oscillating action helps sweep away stubborn mortar deposits.
• Pry bar – A sturdy pry bar can be used to lift and pry up stubborn tiles that don’t come up easily with other tools.
• Shovel – Have a sturdy shovel on hand to scoop up tile debris and discarded mortar as you work.
• Bucket – A bucket is an easy way to collect tile pieces and debris as you demolish.
• Safety glasses & mask – Wear eye protection and a particle mask when breaking up tile to protect yourself from debris.

Powerful electric tools like a demolition hammer or rotary hammer drill with a wide chisel or scraper attachment can also make quick work of removing floor tiles and thinset mortar. However they are expensive tools to purchase or rent just for a single tile removal project. The manual tools listed above will get the job done without the need for power equipment.

Tools for Removing Wall Tile

Removing tile from walls can be approached a few different ways depending on whether you want to preserve the drywall underneath or not. Here are some top tools for removing wall tile:

• Carbide scraper – A hand scraper with a carbide tip is great for scraping off old adhesive and grout.
• Oscillating multi-tool – The right blade attachment can help an oscillating multi-tool quickly grind away grout and scrape residual tile adhesive off walls.
• Hammer & chisel – Use a mason’s chisel and hammer to chip away grout and break tile free from the substrate.
• Pry bar – After chipping away any grout, a pry bar can be used to pry whole tiles off the wall.
• Paint scraper – For drywall you want to preserve, use a paint scraper to carefully pry tiles off and avoid gouging the wallboard.
• Utility knife – Score grout lines with a sharp razor knife before scraping or chiseling. This makes it easier to break up and remove grout.

Just take care when prying and scraping tiles free from walls, especially drywall, to avoid damaging the wall surface that remains exposed when tiles are removed.

Tools for Removing Countertop Tile

Tile countertops can be removed in a few different ways depending on if you intend to save the countertop surface underneath or completely replace it. Here are some top tools for removing countertop tile:

• Carbide scraper – This hand tool excels at scraping up thinset mortar after tiles are removed.
• Oscillating multi-tool – Great for slicing through grout joints and scraping away old tile adhesive.
• Hammer & chisel set – Bust up tile and chisel away grout to separate tiles from the substrate.
• Pry bar – After chiseling away any grout, pry up tiles. Take care not to gouge or puncture the countertop surface.
• Heat gun – Heating up tile adhesive can make it easier to scrape away from the countertop.

For best results removing tile from countertops while preserving the underlying surface, work slowly and carefully with the scraper, multi-tool, and pry bar to pry tiles away without damaging the counter.

Safety Gear

In addition to collecting the right tools for removing tile, be sure to gather appropriate safety gear. This includes:

• Knee pads
• Work gloves
• Safety goggles
• NIOSH-approved respiratory mask
• Ear protection (when using power tools)

Knee pads provide cushioning and support when kneeling on hard floors. Tight-fitting gloves improve grip and protect hands. Goggles shield eyes from flying debris. A particle mask prevents inhaling fine tile dust. And earplugs or muffs safeguard hearing when demolishing tile with loud power tools.

How To Remove Tile

Once you have assembled the right tools, follow these basic steps for removing tile:

1. Prepare the workspace by clearing furniture or appliances from the area.
2. Carefully pry off any trim or transition pieces, like baseboard molding, threshold strips, or metal edging.
3. Use a carbide grout removal blade on a multi-tool or oscillating scraper to scrape out all grout between tiles.
4. Score or chip grout lines using a utility knife and hammer & chisel to further break up grout.
5. Start prying tiles free one-by-one using a pry bar inserted into grout spaces or under edges.
6. For floor tile, strike a tile chisel or tile breaker across adhered tiles to fracture them for easy removal.
7. Keep scraping with a carbide blade or chisel to remove any remaining thinset mortar after tiles are pried up.
8. Discard broken tiles and debris as you work. Vacuum up dust.
9. Once tiles are removed, scrape or grind down any remaining adhesive residue.

Working methodically to remove grout, pry up tiles, and scrape away adhesive will get the job done efficiently. Always wear protective gear when demolishing tile.

Tile Removal Tips

Follow these tips for optimal results when tackling a tile removal project:

• Go slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the underlying surface.
• Be prepared for some tiles to break during removal – have a bucket for collecting debris.
• Consider propping up a fan or opening windows to improve ventilation and air circulation while working.
• Wear knee pads when scraping floors to provide cushioning and support.
• Take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue and frustration – removing tiles can be taxing.
• Be ready to adapt tools and techniques depending on how stubborn the tile and adhesive is.
• Have a flat pry bar ready for leverage if tiles won’t come up with a chisel or scraper alone.
• For walls, use painter’s tape strips to mark removal boundaries and help prevent wall damage.

With patience and the right approach, your tile removal project doesn’t have to be an overly difficult or lengthy process. Just work systematically room-by-room to strip away tile and mastic until the surfaces are clear and ready for the next flooring or wall treatment.

Tile Removal Cost

If you choose to hire out tile removal instead of DIY, costs will vary based on several factors:

Type of Tile	Approximate Cost per Square Foot for Removal
Ceramic, porcelain, or stone on concrete slab	$2 – $5 per square foot
Ceramic, porcelain or stone on plywood or OSB subfloor	$3 – $7 per square foot
Natural stone like marble, granite, or slate	$4 – $8 per square foot
Mosaic sheets or tiny glass mosaic tiles	$6 – $12 per square foot
Wall tile removal	$5 – $15 per square foot

Other factors that can affect total costs for professional tile removal include:

• Layout complexity – Removing tile from rooms with a intricate patterns or set designs costs more.
• Adhesive tenacity – Stubborn or rebonded epoxy grouts drive up labor time and difficulty.
• Underlayment conditions – Brittle or damaged underlayment makes tile removal trickier.
• disposed.

Multi-room tile demolition projects are also usually discounted compared to single room removals. Get an on-site quote to see exact pricing for your specific tile removal needs.

Conclusion

From hammers and chisels to pry bars and oscillating multi-tools, having the proper equipment makes tile removal significantly easier. Focus on carefully prying up tiles after adequately loosening grout lines. Scrape and grind away stubborn remnants of old adhesive after tiles are discarded. Wear protective gear throughout the process and work carefully to avoid harming underlying surfaces. With some perseverance and the right tools, you can tackle a DIY tile removal project and prepare floors or walls for fresh new tile or alternative surfacing.