Removing floor tiles can be messy, but it should be easy if you have the right tools and know what to watch out for. So, let’s look at the floor tile removal tool and related techniques to safely remove old tiles without damaging your floorboards or sub-flooring.
How to Remove Floor Tiles Safely
Before removing the tiles from your floor, it’s essential to protect yourself. So if you’re working on a wooden floor, wear protective gear such as earmuffs and eye goggles to keep dust particles out of your ears and eyes. Meanwhile, if you’re using a power tool like a circular saw or electric drill, ensure plenty of ventilation in the room (open windows) so that any dust from cutting can escape without filling the whole house. Even if you don’t have these tools at home, wearing gloves will protect your hands when removing old adhesive or grout with a chisel or hammer.
When removing tiles from a concrete or masonry surface (concrete subfloors), always wear safety glasses in case something falls while removing them from above their position on the flooring surface itself. This includes large pieces like ceramic tiles and smaller ones like grout joints between each tile.
How to Remove Floor Tiles With a Hammer & Chisel
If you’re removing tile yourself and want to avoid paying for expensive tools, you can use a hammer and chisel to remove the tiles. So, simply place the chisel on top of a floor tile, then hit it with your hammer. The chisel will cut into the mortar between each tile, allowing you to slowly pry up each one with your hands or using a pry bar. Meanwhile, be sure not to damage the subfloor or floor joists in doing this, and ensure there is enough space for you to work in.
How to Remove Floor Tiles With a Heat Gun
The first step is to make sure you have a heat gun. If you don’t already have one, you can find them at home improvement stores. They’re relatively inexpensive and easy to get your hands on if you’re in the market for one.
Next, you’ll want to determine which tiles will be removed from the flooring. This means that any grout lines between your tile pieces must be broken up with a chisel (a hammer will also work). Once this step has been completed, it’s time to heat those pesky old tiles.
Removing Floor Tile Adhesive and Thin-Set Mortar
When ready to remove the tile, use a heat gun to melt the adhesive. This will make removing the tiles and adhesive easier as one unit (which is what needs to happen). Then, use a chisel or tool to break up any remaining thin-set mortar holding down your new floor tile. Finally, clean up any leftover adhesive and thin-set mortar using warm water, soap, or another cleaning solution.
Have the Right Tools
Removing floor tiles can be a messy job. So before removing them, you’ll want to cover areas where tiles might fall or break. Meanwhile, if you have an area rug nearby, lay it down first and then place some cardboard underneath the rug so that if something does happen to break off, it won’t land directly on your carpet or wood flooring under the rug. You don’t want any bits of tile getting into your carpet.
Next, gather all your tools: A hammer and chisel are essential for this job—you’ll need both to get rid of those grout lines that hold each tile in place. A heat gun is another tool worth having on hand as it helps loosen stubborn adhesive so that when you go at a tile with the chisel and hammer, it’ll slip right out without much effort (and no mess).
Hope this article helped you better understand floor tile removal tool options like adhesive and thin-set mortar. Remember, there are many ways to approach any job, and you must use the right tools. The key is preparation, so make sure all your tools are clean, sharpened, oiled, or whatever else they need before starting any project!