HOW TO REMOVE TILE FLOORING DIY
So you want to remove your own tile? It’s not as easy as it may seem on TV or YouTube. Keep in mind that we can knock out most jobs in just one day without the mess at Austin Dustless LLC, keeping it easy and worry free! But, if you really want to do it yourself, here are some floor tile removal tips.
STEPS TO DIY
Remove the Baseboards and Trim
The first step to removing tile is deciding what to do with the base boards and quarter round. Do you want to keep your baseboards? If so, after the new flooring is put down you will need to add quarter round to hid the edge of the new flooring. The installer will not be able to lay the new flooring under the baseboards. If you are trying to save a little money, leaving the baseboards would be the way to go. But if your base boards are not in good condition anyway, you may want to just take them up and get new ones.
If you already have quarter round you will have to remove it prior to removing the old flooring. To remove it without pulling paint from your base boards, use a utility knife to cut any paint or caulk along the seam. Then gently pry the quarter round off with a pry bar, working against the floor, not prying against the wall of baseboard. Do the same for removing the base boards.
Its not likely that you will be able to remove the base boards or quarter round carefully enough to reinstall them once the new flooring is installed. But you can always try.
Remove the Tile
Get your hammer and chisel out, for the fun is about to begin! Floor tile removal tips not to forget…First, there will be dust involved in the process. A lot of dust! You will want to cover any vents with painter’s tape and plastic to help keep dust from entering the ventilation system. You can also turn your AC off to help keep the dust from making it into the your entire house. Second safety is priority. Broken tile edges are as sharp as glass, and pieces go flying. Don’t forget to put on a shield or protective eye wear and wear heavy leather gloves. Now start with the first tile, break one apart with the hammer to get to the others. Once you have broken apart the first tile, you can then use the chisel to pry it up. Use the hammer and chisel to pop the rest of the tiles up by placing the chisel against the bottom edge of the tiles and using the hammer to apply pressure to hopefully pop the rest up. If the floor is down really good, it can break in little pieces and can be quite the chore!
If the flooring area you are removing is very large or is coming up very slowly or if you like power tools, you can use electric tools to for quicker, more efficient work. If you choose to use a power chipping hammer, be sure to angle it so you do not damage the slab.
Get your slab as smooth as you can.
It is important that your floor is properly prepped for your new flooring installation. Be sure to remove any and all remaining adhesive and or thin set with a scraper. If there is any old thin set left behind, it will cause uneven surfaces, potentially causing cracks and shortening the life of your new flooring.
We hope you find these Floor tile removal tips helpful.
Alternatives
The job of tile removal, or any floor removal process really, can be a daunting task. Our best floor tile removal tip is to get Austin Dustless Floor Removal to do the removal for you. Our dust-free system prevents the mess right from the beginning and our grinders get out the high spots and create a smoother, flatter floor, so your beautiful new floors can last a lifetime. If you choose to try it yourself and decide you are in over your head, stop right away and give us a call.
Austin Dustless LLC
Instead of days or weeks, we can complete up to 1000 square feet of tile removal in a single day—or less! This can cut your prep time in half! The Austin Dustless Tile Removal professionals leave your concrete slab flat and smooth, ensuring a better and faster new floor installation. Our company motto is Health Matters. Austin Dustless Tile Removal has the superior expertise and advanced equipment to ensure you, your loved ones and pets all stay healthy and happy after your floor removal project. For any questions call 512-774-0933
