Removing Ceramic Floor Tile
Removing ceramic floor tile is a big job, but you can do it with a few expert pointers. Unlike most other home improvement projects, there is nothing meticulous about getting rid of those old tiles.
The best way to go about removing ceramic floor tile is to simply select a bunch that you want to begin with, use a cold chisel and a sledge (wear leather work gloves!), and begin to tear at the existing tile. Do this until the floor underneath is entirely exposed. As soon as you can see a large portion of flooring, stop for a moment and try to figure out what kind of floor you have underneath those existing tiles. Finding out what sort of flooring you are working with is more than half the battle.
Usually, you will have three options when it comes to the existing flooring: plywood, cement backerboard, or mortar. If you discover that you have mortar, you will need to bread through the bed until you reach a tar paper. Then, using a large flatbar, simply begin to lift up large section of mortar along with the tile. If you are dealing with plywood, you will need to use a reciprocating saw with a 12-inch blade in order to cut into the plywood. Do not rip up the entire floor, simply lift the underlying part (you want to leave the subfloor intact).
If you are working with cement backerboard, use the same method that you would use with plywood (mentioned above). Be aware that any portion of damaged subfloor will have to be replaced, so be careful not to cut too deeply. That’s all there is to removing ceramic floor tile. Simply find out what kind of floor you have underneath and begin to rip up the tiles accordingly. Although this may sound easy, it can be slightly tricky if you are not careful. Remember to keep that subfloor intact, no matter what kind it is, and then work to remove all of those tiles. When all is said and done, you should have a clean floor to begin working on.
During this process, it is important that you have a large work surface to work with, so disconnect any toilets or other obstructions while you work. Once you begin to lay the new tile, you will see why the above process was important.
Removing ceramic floor tile can be done if you take your time and pay attention to that subfloor. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a bit of trouble.