QUESTION

Removing Ceramic Tile - I have ceramic tile in my kitchen. I installed it myself 3 years ago and I didn't do a very good job. I would like to take the floor up. Can you please advise me of the best way to do this? Is there any machinery I can rent, etc.?

ANSWER

ANSWER - There are a lot of variables to determine what is the best method for removing your tile. It depends on the substrate (sub-floor) it is attached to and what you used to make the attachment.

If the existing ceramic tile was installed well you would have had the option to install the new tile to the existing tile, assuming you can easily transition into adjacent floors. I'll assume this is not an option for you.

There are scrapers you can use to help chisel the tile off the floor. If it is a concrete substrate then you could use the electric chisel or Jack Hammer. If the sub-floor is wood then it would be easier to use the large handle floor scrapers. Be careful not to beat up the sub-floor too much. Either way, once you remove the existing ceramic tile and the adhesive, you have to prepare the floor by removing all contaminates, then use a patch product to fill and flatten the floor, in preparation for attaching the new ceramic tile. Good Luck!
ANSWER - There are a lot of variables to determine what is the best method for removing your tile. It depends on the substrate (sub-floor) it is attached to and what you used to make the attachment.

If the existing ceramic tile was installed well you would have had the option to install the new tile to the existing tile, assuming you can easily transition into adjacent floors. I'll assume this is not an option for you.

There are scrapers you can use to help chisel the tile off the floor. If it is a concrete substrate then you could use the electric chisel or Jack Hammer. If the sub-floor is wood then it would be easier to use the large handle floor scrapers. Be careful not to beat up the sub-floor too much. Either way, once you remove the existing ceramic tile and the adhesive, you have to prepare the floor by removing all contaminates, then use a patch product to fill and flatten the floor, in preparation for attaching the new ceramic tile. Good Luck!