Cost to Remove Tile Floor

Cost To Remove Tile Flooring 2021

There's no better feeling than renovations that improve your home's value and your experience as a homeowner. In fact, people all over are taking on some form of remodeling every day, 43% of which are specifically working on non-carpet flooring remodels. To put that idea into perspective, consider the overall amount of U.S. home expenditures in 2019 alone - $407 billion. 

Fortunately, you won't pay anywhere near that amount yourself.

Unfortunately, it can still get costly. But with the right tools and accurate cost information for removing tile floors, you'll be well on your way to renovating your old flooring with new flooring in a way that best fits your financial abilities. 

Here are FAQS you'll learn more about:

• What Is The Average Cost To Remove Tile Floor Per Square Foot?
• What Are The Different Types Of Tile Removal Techniques?
• What Cost Factors Should You Keep In Mind?
• Should You DIY Tile Removal Or Hire A Pro?
• What Are the Pros and Cons When Deciding To Remove Tile?
• How To Save Money When Removing Tile Floors?

What Is The Average Cost To Remove Tile Floor Per Square Foot?

The average tile installation cost for a big project is a great way for homeowners to get an idea of what to expect financially. However, it isn't an accurate representation of your overall costs, as job size conditions, material, and other factors will influence final costs.

With that being said, on average, you can expect to pay about $1,486 to remove tile, ranging from $981 to $1,992 in most cases. Broken down into price per square foot, you can expect anywhere between $3.27 and $6.64. 

What Are The Different Types Of Tile Removal Techniques?

As with most projects you take on at home, there are several different ways you can get the job done. Depending on your preference, budget, and the time frame, all three of the following options presented below can be an effective solution to your needs.

Manual

Tile removal can certainly be done manually. It is much more time-consuming and can prove to be very difficult depending on your tile floor's durability and condition.

For instance, you can use a sledgehammer on concrete floors or natural stone/travertine to begin your removal process, but it will take A LOT of strength and hard work to complete, whereas power tools and machines might be a better option.

On the other hand, removing ceramic tiles can be done manually with a chisel and a ball-peen hammer. 

Power Tools

Power tools can be convenient on projects like this. For instance, the power tool in the video below breaks up grout easily and efficiently. If you take your time, you can even repurpose the tiles.

Home Depot recommends using power tools on larger tile removal projects like removing backsplash tiles. Power tools can include a jackhammer, air chisel, and similar, depending on the type of flooring.

Power tools like a diamond blade saw are better for trickier removals like countertops installed on backer board, plywood, or thin-set mortar. 

Tile Removing Machine

The easiest and quickest way to remove your ceramic tile floor is by using a machine. A tile removing machine can go by several names - Floor Stripper, Floor Stripping Machine, Tile Removal Machine, Floor tile Scraper, and more. 

This is your best option, albeit the more expensive of the three, if you're interested in cutting out all the fuss.

What Cost Factors Should You Keep In Mind?

Factoring all your costs is a great way to start any big project in your home. Without considering all your options, you'll likely find out the hard way how quickly things add up.

Here are some cost factors to keep in mind so that costs don't unexpectedly sneak up on you.

Location

Estimations are great, but you should be aware that your location can heavily influence your cost. If you remove tiling in New York, for instance, costs will be much higher than a city with the lowest cost of living like El Paso, Texas. 

Tools, labor, and the cost of tile vary by location. Always check in your area for more accurate estimations on expected costs.

Labor 

When it comes to labor costs, you'll want to factor in the pros and cons of using a professional. A pro installer can cost you as much as $4.15/ square foot, while average do-it-yourself costs can be as low as $1.50/ square foot. 

On the other hand, some companies charge hourly. You can expect anywhere between $159 and $339 for a little more than 8 hours in these cases. 

Tools

Costimates breaks down the average cost of supplies you can expect when working with a home improvement store like Home Depot: $45 - $100 for hand tools, $225 - $900+ for powered hand tools, $30 – $60 per day for powered hand tool rentals, $48 – $70 per day for walk-behind tile hammer rental, and $40 – 125 for safety gear.

Dust Removal

Dust removal is an essential part of the job when removing tile because you're guaranteed to have a lot of it. First and foremost, you need a dust mask.

Then, consider your options. You can always hire a pro for dust-free tile removal. However, if you're DIYing the job, you can rent or buy dust extraction tools. 

Either way, you're looking at additional costs. 

Tile Disposal

There are 6 ways to dispose of old tiles, according to Scarborough Disposal LTD:

1. Donate them if they are still usable.
2. Be eco-friendly and recycle old tiles.
3. Sell old tiles for extra cash.
4. Store old tiles for later use.
5. Repurpose old tiles with future home projects (like tile coasters, plant stands, and trays).
6. Hire a Garbage bin rental service.

In many cases, tile disposal methods could cost you nothing at all. Most people choose to hire a garbage bin rental service, so consider that extra tile removal cost when determining which method you prefer.

Should You DIY Tile Removal Or Hire A Pro?

When it comes to removing tile, it's a task you can certainly make into a DIY project if you have the time and basic experience to do so. It's not usually a task that can make your home vulnerable to damage or worse if you choose not to hire a pro. However, it is still a much bigger task than you may think at first.

There are a lot of things that go into this project. Here are the three most important components to think about when weighing your options.

Tools and Equipment

The costs can really add up if you don't have the majority of the required tools and equipment necessary to get the job done efficiently. You'll need access to tools to remove your tile, clean up the waste, and get it all to a disposal site. Not to mention you need safety gear to keep you protected throughout the process.

Tools and equipment can include: 

• Hammer
• Pry bar
• Long-handled floor scraper
• Chisel or air hammer with a chisel set
• Scraper
• Screwdriver
• Tarps and plastic wrap
• Painters' tape
• Shop-Vac
• Shovel and buckets

On the other hand, installers already have all of this on hand. You won't have to worry about buying a bunch of new tools that you may never use again.

Experience

Experience can make a big difference on a home project like this too. While you can easily find some great how-to's on the internet for removing tile, a professional handyman can get the job done quickly and efficiently.

It's important that you understand the amount of time it can take an inexperienced DIYer to do the same job a pro can do two times more quickly. However, if you have the time, it is worth considering.

Size Of Your Floor

If you're taking on a small and easy project, doing it yourself may be the best option. With some help from a how-to video, you may even get the job done quickly, correctly, and at a portion of the cost.

On the other hand, professionals typically charge less per square foot for larger projects than small projects, so it may be more beneficial for you to consider them if you have a bigger project. Large projects can take up a significant amount of your time, which means longer rental hours/days to pay for and more time spent on the renovation over other matters that you may need to tend to. 

Floor Conditions 

If there is any possibility that your flooring contains asbestos, certain locations, like Minnesota, may urge or require homeowners to use a licensed asbestos contractor. It isn't hazardous in all cases, but MDH says:

"Flooring that contains asbestos, when intact and in good condition, is not considered hazardous. However, heat, water, or aging can damage flooring to the point where it is friable. Friable flooring can release asbestos into the air. Once in the air, asbestos is a health hazard when people breathe it."

What Are the Pros and Cons When Deciding To Remove Tile?

Removing tile can be a lot of extra work to do before laying down a new floor. In many cases, it is even okay to lay new tile on top of your existing tile to save money although that's not always an option if your tile flooring isn't level or in good condition. 

Pros

• Lower pricing
• Level and smooth underneath
• Fewer issues arise than when you lay new tiles over existing ones.

Cons

• Higher pricing per sq. ft. 
• More time-consuming
• It can sometimes be difficult, if not impossible, to do.

How To Save Money When Removing Tile Floors?

Another important factor to consider when removing tile floors is where you can save money without cutting corners that can cost you more than they can save you.

Here are your options:

• Consult your homeowners insurance policy - In some instances, your homeowners insurance will cover the cost of removal and replacement of tile flooring, but this is only in some situations if you experience a covered peril. Insurance is complicated, so be sure to speak to your insurance agent for more information.
  • Property Insurance Coverage Law: "Your homeowner's insurance company will help you either repair or replace the tile that is broken or, if necessary, pay for the removal and replacement of all the tiles in your home."
• Shop around - It can never be stressed enough how important it is for you to shop around for the best price to avoid paying way more than you have to.
• Be informed and have basic knowledge - Companies love to add upsells to owners who don't know they don't need it. Being informed and having basic knowledge make sure you aren't duped into any extra costs that aren't needed.

Be involved - At all times, you should know what the installers are doing and why.

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