Removing Ceramic Tile

If the tile is stuck to plywood the strategy is a little different.

Removing ceramic tile.

Then use a big flatbar or similar demolition tool to pry up chunks of mortar and tile. Chisel down through the bed to the tar paper. In some cases the only way to tear out the ceramic tile is with heavy equipment such as a jackhammer or air chisel. Remove ceramic tile from plywood.

Then tap the tiles with a chisel starting in the middle and working your way out. Always wear safety glasses when removing ceramic tile. This time we show you the do s and don ts in floor removal plus learn some important installation tips from the mistakes the last installer made. Use a ball peen or masonry hammer and cold chisel to tap the pieces free.

Once those tiles loosen pry them off. One solution is to break up the tiles with a sledge hammer. If it s a mortar bed. However it s a back breaking labor intensive project and you risk damaging the base if you re not careful.

Once you get some of the tile pulled away use your chisel to get behind the tile and tap it sideways to remove the rest. It should come up fairly easily. A wide blade putty knife is helpful in prying the tiles loose. If you re only trying to replace 1 2 tiles because they re cracked use masking tape or duct tape to tape off the tiles you want to remove.

Tiles installed with thinset or another tile adhesive often require more work to remove them.