Removing tile from a wall or floor is an essential step in some home improvement projects, but it can also be a daunting task. Fortunately, there are plenty of DIY tips that can make the process less daunting. Discover the benefits of a dust free tile removal Phoenix with our expert technicians and state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring a clean and efficient removal process.
The most important thing to remember is to take all necessary safety precautions and use the proper tools. Using the right technique can save you thousands of dollars and avoid potential injury.
1. Use a Chisel and Hammer
One of the best ways to remove tiles is by using a chisel and hammer. It’s labor-intensive, but it ensures that you don’t damage the tile or the underlayment beneath it.

To start removing tiles, locate a weak spot on the floor or in the grout line. Try to pick out tiles that wiggle or pop easily.
Next, insert a chisel-tip bit into a rotary hammer or demolition hammer. Position the chisel bit at the base of the tile grout and direct the hammering action until the tile fractures.
2. Use a Pry Bar
When you’re working on a tile removal project, a pry bar can be a useful tool to have. They can help you lift and remove pieces of broken tile, slid loose tiles, or even demolish whole units of tile.
When choosing a pry bar, you should look for one that is forged from metal. You should also be careful not to damage it or use it in a way that could put you in danger.
Pry bars come in different shapes and sizes, but the most common ones have a flat end that can be used as a lever and one end that is either claw-shaped or has a chisel-like tip. They are a versatile and useful tool that can be found in many DIY stores.
3. Scrape the Grout
Before you start, it’s a good idea to scour the tiles and clean the surrounding area. This will help remove any grout that may have accumulated over time, making it easier to work with the tiles.
Once the grout has been removed, you can move on to removing the tiles themselves. Here, you can use a chisel or hammer to chip away the tiles from the adhesive that holds them to the wall.
When removing the tile, make sure that you wear protective gear. This includes safety goggles, gloves and long pants and sleeves.
It is also a good idea to tape the tiles so that they don’t get damaged by the flying shards of tile as you work. This will make the job much quicker and safer, too.
4. Pry the Tiles Up
When you’re ready to start removing the tiles, locate an area where the underlayment (the material that sits between your finished floor and subfloor) is exposed. This can be a spot where a semi-permanent fixture, like a toilet, has been removed or a loose or broken tile that you can easily pry up.
Once you’ve located a spot, use your hammer and chisel to break up the first few tiles. This will help you get the larger chunks of tile out of the way and may speed up your project.
Once the first few tiles are gone, switch to a long-handled floor scraper to remove the rest of the tile. This will also save you a lot of time.
5. Remove the Underlayment
Tiles can be adhered to concrete floors using one of two techniques: adhesive mastic or a thinset mortar. While adhesive mastic is easier to remove, mortar can be tougher.
In either case, it’s best to take the time to remove the underlayment before you begin removing the tiles. This will help minimize any damage to the sub-floor and allow you to lay new flooring underneath your old tile.
If your floor has a plywood or cement underlayment, rip it out before you start to remove the tile. Use a reciprocating saw with a 12-inch-long wood-cutting blade to cut through the underlayment.