How to remove 70s mosaic floor tile?
May 12, 2010
Complete DIY newbie here with an outdated bathroom that I want to make a master. The floor is covered in hideous 1×1 tiles. I will replace this tile with some 12×12 or 8×8. Any suggestions on how to get this stuff off?
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/E8K8GL008TGkNT1oh-ezpw?feat=directlink
Posted in Mosaic Floor Tiles
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May 12th, 2010 at 8:16 am
A lot depends on just how its layed and the substrate that it s over.
I ve seen tiles done over a thin plywood, in which case you use a hammer, bust it up and remove the ply wood and all and start new.
The tile could be on a mud bed in which you can either use a hammer and wide masonry chisel and go along and chisel then off . Then you can decide to remove the mud bed or go over top and reuse that substrate.
Pull the stool or an in floor heat vent , if you have one, and you can determine what is under the tile.
What looks like hardwood in the hall ( I can t tell for sure), and if the tile is semi flush with that, chances are its a mud bed. I m don t think its a cement board since you say it was done in the 70s and cement board wasn t invented untill the mid 70s.
Any questions you can e mail me through my avatar and check my qualifications there. GL
May 12th, 2010 at 8:16 am
If you are going to replace everything down to subfloor and start fresh, hammer the tiles to break them loose. Some people will use a sledge hammer also. Then you just have to use a flat edge shovel to pick up broken tiles and toss out. Have a wheel barrow or a garbage can lined with a contractors trash bag close by. (they are stronger than regular type) Wear a dust mask also, gets dust everywhere.
May 12th, 2010 at 8:16 am
Rent a hammer chisel and it will make short work of it.