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How to remove floor tiles

A kitchen floor exposes a clean concrete surface after the tile removal surrounded by wooden cabinets.

Overview

Removing floor tiles can seem like a big job, but with the right tools and preparation it’s a task you can tackle yourself. Follow these simple steps to get your tiles removed without causing damage to the surface below.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

  1. 1

    Prepare the area

    Before starting, make sure the workspace is well protected. Cover any nearby furniture or areas with drop sheets to catch dust and debris. Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows and doors and remember to wear a dust mask and eye protection. 

    A Bunnings Team Member is holding a black dish rack with wooden handles over a kitchen sink.
  2. 2

    Gather your tools

    You’ll need a hammer, rotary hammer drill with chisel bits, and a utility knife if there’s any silicone to cut through. A scraper can also come in handy if the adhesive under the tiles is tough to remove.


    A selection of tools, including rotary hammer drill with chisel bits, a hammer, and a utility knife, are displayed on a table.
  3. 3

    Find your starting point

    Look for a loose or damaged tile as your entry point. If there are no loose ones, use your hammer to break one tile in the centre, giving you a place to start.
    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: If you’re not removing all the tiles, be sure to break the tile in the centre to avoid damaging surrounding ones.
    A person wearing gloves uses a claw hammer to break tiles on a dusty floor.
  4. 4

    Remove the tiles

    Once you’ve got a starting point, use a chisel and hammer to work under the tile. Hold the chisel at a low angle and gently tap with the hammer to loosen the tile from the adhesive. As the tile begins to lift, apply more pressure to pop it off completely. Continue this process, working tile by tile. It’s better to go slowly to avoid damaging the subfloor.
    A person is using a rotary hammer with a chisel bit to break apart tiles during tile removal.
  5. 5

    Remove stubborn adhesive

    If the adhesive is particularly tough, switch to your rotary hammer drill or use a scraper to remove the adhesive from tiles. The drill’s chisel bit will help you break up the adhesive more quickly, saving time and effort.
    A rotary hammer with a wide chisel attachment is being used to remove tile adhesive and debris from a floor.
  6. 6

    Clean up the area

    After all the tiles are removed, clear away any remaining debris. Sweep or vacuum the space thoroughly, and use a scraper to smooth out any remaining adhesive to prepare the floor for its next project or new installation.
    A person is sweeping remaining debris from a concrete floor with a broom after removing tiles
  7. 7

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.