So, you’re ready to ditch the old tile and give your floor a fresh look? You have to remove the stubborn tiles to prepare the area. This won’t take long. Here’s a breakdown on how to remove floor tiles from concrete.
Safety First
We’ll head to our project but before that, gather all the safety equipments.
- Goggles and gloves are a must to protect yourself because of the flying dust and debris in the air.
- You can also wear long sleeves and pants for extra protection.
- A dust mask will help you breathe easily, especially when breaking things and there’s so much dust that has rapidly spread into the air.
Tools You’ll Need to remove floor tiles from concrete
Before we get started, gather all the tools mentioned here to make sure you’re ready to go.
- Regular hammer or rubber mallet hammer
- Masonry chisel
- Floor scraper
- Putty knife for vinyl tiles
- Work light is optional, but handy for seeing under tiles or dark rooms
Let’s Get to Cracking
- Clear the Room: Remove any furniture or belongings that might get in the way. Don’t forget to take off the baseboards!
- Chisel Time: Here comes the fun part. Well, maybe not fun, but effective. Wedge your chisel under the edge of a tile at a 45-degree angle. Gently tap the chisel with the hammer to loosen the tile’s grip on the concrete.
- Full Steam Ahead: Once the tile is slightly loose, use the hammer or pry bar to lift it completely. Be careful not to damage the concrete underneath.
- Stubborn Specimens: If a tile refuses to budge, you might need to break it into smaller pieces with the hammer. Wear your safety glasses for this part!
- Floor Scraper: Although it’s optional but for larger areas, a floor scraper can be your best friend. Slide it under the loosened tile to break the bond and lift it up.
- Vinyl Farewell: For vinyl tiles, a putty knife might be all you need. Slide it under a corner and gently pry the tile up. If it’s stuck on tight, try heating it with a hairdryer to soften the adhesive.
- Cleaning Up the Mess: Once all the tiles are gone, you’ll likely have leftover adhesive or mortar. A chisel and hammer can help remove these, but be careful not to damage the concrete.
Now the project to remove floor tiles from concrete is done, now you’ll need to install new tiles. I know, So here we have another article to cover your need. Learn How to install floor tiles. Click here to start the project.
Bonus Tip
If you’re dealing with a huge area or particularly stubborn tiles, rent a power tool like a rotary hammer with a chisel attachment. This will save you some time and elbow grease.
Remember, patience is a must! Removing tiles can be a dusty and time-consuming process. But with the right tools and a little perseverance, you’ll be well on your way to a brand new floor.