

Step 1

Remove Fixtures

Empty the room and remove any fixtures that may impede the process of removing the tile. Turn off water supply before removing a sink or toilet. If removing a toilet, drain reservoir, remove bolt and rock the fixture to break wax seal.

Step 2

Locate or Create a Starting Point


Step 3

Remove Tile

From the starting point, continue to pry up tile. Deposit tiles in a trashcan or large bucket as they are removed to minimize clutter. Remember that tile can be heavy and an overfilled waste receptacle will be difficult to haul away. 

Step 4

Access Underlayment

In some cases, tiling may have been attached directly to a concrete floor or sub-floor, but a plywood or mortarboard underlayment is common. An inappropriate or damaged underlayment should be removed, but some may be left in place for re-use. Access the underlayment and remove to expose the sub-floor, if necessary.

Step 5

Clear Debris

Use a broom or shop vac to clear all debris from the floor.

Step 6

Remove Exposed Nails

If an underlayment has been removed, it may be necessary to remove or pound in exposed nails to leave behind a flat surface. 

Step 7

Inspect Floor

Once the old tile floor has been removed, inspect the subfloor for damage that my need to be repaired before a new floor is installed. Patch or replace any rotten wood or divots in concrete floors. The subfloor should be smooth and damage-free before a new floor is installed.