How to remove old floor tiles

Removing floor tiles is a relatively straightforward but potentially hazardous job. Which is why we’ve created this handy advice guide to help you remove those unwanted floor tiles safely and securely.

Harlem Grey Stone Effect

Be safe rather than sorry

Tile fragments can be very sharp so it’s better to be safe rather than sorry and wear protective gloves as well as safety googles. It’s also advisable to wear a long sleeve top and clear up as you go along wherever possible.

Make sure to protect your furniture

It’s not just yourself that needs to cover up. Old tiles tend to have a habit of flying off in every direction. So, make sure to protect your furniture against potential damage. An old sheet should be more than satisfactory although if you have cardboard lying about even better. Alternatively, it might be worth investing in one of our Dex Dustsheet.

DEX Dustsheet

The best tools for removing tiles

Once you’ve covered everything and everyone up, it’s time to take off the old tiles off the floor. To do this you’ll need a chisel and a hammer. If you don’t have a chisel, then a large, flat headed screwdriver will also do the job.

Removing the first tile will always be the hardest as there is usually no natural access from any side. Using the bottom of your hammer, tap the corners of random tiles, and if you find a loose tile, then prize it out with a chisel.

If there are no loose tiles, then you’ll have no choice but to break one. To do this simply place the chisel in the centre of one tile and hit with the hammer. This will shatter the tile, giving you access to the remainder of that tile.

Once you’ve removed one tile, access to the gaps behind the other floor tiles will be a lot easier. To remove the remainder of tiles, simply sit the chisel against the wall with its point tucked under the tile you’re working on and tap it with the hammer until its sunk behind the tile. Then, pull the chisel towards and it will prize the tile away.

Why it’s important to remove adhesive

Once all of the tiles have been removed, we would always recommend getting off as much of the dried adhesive as possible. It should come away fairly easily (famous last words!) using a scraper to leave you with a flat surface. This will make life so much easier for yourself when it comes time to applying your new tiles to your floor.

DEX Tile Remover Scraper

How to dispose of old tiles

Broken tiles tend to have lots of sharp edges so make sure you put all your old tiles etc into a cardboard box before disposing of them (as bin bags tend to rip). Make sure to have a dustpan and brush handy to sweep up any loose pieces that may be on the floor and give the room a good hoover to ensure everything has been cleaned up.

If you’ve managed to take off any old tiles intact, don’t throw them away. They might come in handy for another project. Alternatively, they are perfect for things such as coasters in the home. Check out our upcycling advice article for loads more tips on what to do with your old tiles.

Need more information?

If you have any questions regarding removing your old tiles, then feel free to contact our Customer Services team using our web chat facility.