How Much Does It Cost to Remove Tile Flooring?
Normal range: $320 - $1,120
The cost of removing tile flooring is typically between $320
and $1,120
, assuming the space is about 160 square feet. The cost can rise for larger areas or based on the tile's material.
Removing tile from your kitchen or bathroom floor can create a new vibe in your space. It also allows you to repair any underlying flooring issues and keep your floor the same height. The average tile removal cost, for a bathroom of about 70 square feet, is around $320
, but larger bathrooms and special tile materials could cost as much as $1,120
, with the range running from $2 to $7 per square foot. Learn about the factors that impact cost and how to save money on the project.
Tile Removal Cost Breakdown
Removing floor tile involves labor, tools, supplies, and disposal and isn’t included in the tile installation cost. A contractor usually includes all these expenses in their quote to remove tile, but double-check before signing a contract. Costs tend to be the same whether you have ceramic tile or porcelain tile, but certain factors, like the area's size, location, and tile type, affect the total cost.
Size of Area
The cost of removing tile floor includes the cost of labor and tools. The larger the area of tile you need to be removed, the more it will cost because it takes contractors longer to remove it. For example, removing tile in an entire kitchen will cost more than a small half bathroom in most cases.
Tile Type
Just like the cost to install tile floor differs by material, so does the cost to remove tile floor. Typically, removing ceramic tiles costs much less than removing stone or mosaic tiles. Stone floors use a stronger adhesive than ceramic floors, making them long-lasting and harder to remove.
However, the cost to remove porcelain floors is similar to ceramic tiles because they use similar adhesives. Because less force is required to remove ceramic and porcelain flooring, the risk of damaging surrounding materials, such as the tub, cabinets, or sink, is lower.
Tile Location
The tile location plays a role in the tile removal cost. The easier it is to access the tile, the less it costs. For example, the price to demo tile floor is usually much higher than the cost to remove wall tile for a few reasons:
Wall tile is easier to access without disrupting other areas.
Wall tile usually uses less adhesive, making it easier to remove the tile quickly.
Floor tile uses tougher and more adhesive to reduce slippage since it bears more weight and has more wear and tear.
Floor tiles are harder to maneuver around, especially when you must get to tile under cabinets or around a tub.
Labor
If you hire a local flooring installer to remove your tile flooring, expect to pay between $2 and $7 per square foot, depending on labor rates in your area and the square footage of the space.
Tools
If you’re tackling tile removal yourself, you’ll need a few tools to do the job. If you don’t have these tools already, you can rent, borrow, or purchase them, depending on your budget.
Protective eye shield
Construction respirator or mask
Sledgehammer
Hammer
Work gloves
Chisel
Shovel
Pry bar
Floor scraper
Wheelbarrow
Shop vac
Push broom
Supplies
Beyond the tools, you need a few supplies to make the job safe and effective.
Plastic sheeting
Painters or masking tape
Contractor-grade heavy-duty trash bags or metal trash can
Disposal
Depending on the size, renting a dumpster costs $380 on average but can range from $200 to $800 per week. The rental fee usually includes hauling and disposal. Contractors usually include these fees in their costs, but ask your contractor about disposal expenses so you aren’t surprised at the end of the project.
Repairing Damage
You may need to increase your budget if you remove your floor tile and find subflooring issues or water damage. The cost of replacing your subflooring or repairing problems depends on the extent of the damage and what needs to be fixed.
Additional Costs to Consider
In addition to the labor, tools, supplies, and disposal costs, there are other cost considerations when estimating the cost to demo tile floor.
Site Prep
Whether you DIY the tile floor removal or hire a contractor, there are costs to prepare the area.
If you DIY the job, you’ll need plastic sheeting or drop cloths to protect other areas of the kitchen or bathroom, and you may consider renting a HEPA-filtered dust extractor to make it easier for you to breathe while removing the floor. Renting a dust extractor is usually around $200 daily, plus the minimal drop cloth costs. You can rent a machine from your local hardware store.
If you want to hire a local tile contractor near you to do the work, expect higher site prep costs. Contractors will supply the materials required to remove and dispose of the tile and keep the area safe and cool. They may provide fans, HEPA filters, and cloths to protect the site going to and from the workspace. While it may cost more, you have the peace of mind that it’s done right, so your new floor will look as beautiful as you hoped.
Permit Fees
Permits are rarely required for flooring, so you probably won’t have to pay permit fees. However, you should consult with your local zoning board if your renovation job is extensive. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. There’s no fee to ask your zoning board about your project; it could save you from unnecessary fines.
The one significant exception to the rule is if you’re renovating a historic home. Almost all districts require a permit to change landmark homes; the cost can range from $50 to $500. The exact cost depends on the complexity of the restorations.
Removal of Hazardous Material
When removing the tile, you or your contractor may discover water damage on the subfloor. If mold or bacterial growth appears on the subfloor, removing the tile floor will increase to cover the cost of removing the hazardous material.
Mold remediation isn’t something you should handle yourself, which increases the tile removal cost. At a minimum, you’d need a mold inspection, which costs between $300 to $400, and if mold remediation is necessary, it can cost an additional $2.50 per square foot.
If your home was built before 1980, you may consider asbestos testing before removing the flooring. Only licensed inspectors can test for asbestos. If detected, asbestos tile removal could cost $5 to $20 per square foot.
Dust-free Tile Removal
If you’re concerned about the mess tile removal can create, you can pay for dust-free tile removal. Only certain companies offer this service, requiring special equipment to minimize the dust that spreads through the air. Dust-free tile removal costs $3.50 to $7 per square foot.
Cost to Remove Tile Flooring Yourself
You can save anywhere from $2 to $5 per square foot by doing the project yourself. The main costs of removing tile flooring are the tools, a few supplies, and your time. Removing tile and grout can take between 8 to 12 hours for 100 square feet of tile. The total project time depends on the size and complexity of the space and your experience level. The project can be more challenging if you need to remove fixtures such as toilets and sinks.
Removing tile is physically demanding, and it’s best if you have another adult to help you with the task. Ensure you close off the area with construction-grade plastic sheeting to ensure the dust and debris don’t enter other parts of your home.
Wear protective gear to ensure you don’t inhale dust or injure yourself in the process. You also want to ensure that you’re careful when using a hammer or sledgehammer so you don’t damage the subflooring and plumbing underneath the tile.
Cost of Removing Tile Yourself vs. Hiring a Contractor
Removing a tile floor yourself can save you hundreds of dollars but will take you at least a day’s work for a 100-square-foot room. If you’re hiring a pro to install new tile flooring, you may get a discount if they do the removal as well. Talk with your contractor before the project to discuss rates and what’s included. Get at least three quotes from local flooring companies to compare prices.
How to Save Money While Removing Tile Flooring
Here are a few ways to save on costs when removing tile:
Bundle your new tile installation and removal with the same contractor
Remove the tile yourself
Recycle or sell the tile instead of disposing of it
Frequently Asked Questions
Removing tile floors yourself isn’t expensive, and hiring a contractor can cost anywhere from $2 to $7 per square foot. The project's total cost depends on the square footage and labor cost in your area.
Yes, tile floor removal is a physically demanding project that takes between 8 and 12 hours per 100 square feet. It also requires protective gear and closing the area off with construction-grade plastic sheeting to avoid dust and damage to other parts of your home.
If you remove tile flooring yourself, it can take 8 to 12 hours per 100 square feet. The exact time it takes depends on the type of tile, its location, and your experience with removing tile flooring. On the other hand, professionals with the right tools can remove tile flooring in as little as one hour per square foot.
No, when done correctly, removing the tile shouldn’t damage the subfloor. However, if there was pre-existing damage to the subfloor from standard use or lack of maintenance, the subfloor may need repairs. For example, if the contractors notice mold growth on the subfloor or an uneven surface, you may need more extensive services before installing new tile.
If you DIY tile removal, remove the tiles one step at a time, individually removing the tile, grout, and mortar to prevent unnecessarily damaging the subfloor. Depending on the age of your home, consider having a professional inspect the subfloor to ensure it’s in good enough condition to lay new tile.
You can renovate your bathroom or kitchen at the same time, such as replacing your vanity or cabinets, painting the walls, or changing out light fixtures. The average ROI of a bathroom remodel is 55% to 60%, while a kitchen remodel averages 72%. Upgrading either space is a smart home upgrade.