How Much Does It Cost to Remove Tile Flooring?

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.

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 by a local tile contractor will add on to your fees. The final price depends on the condition of your floor and room. 

• Permits cost $50 to $500.

• Mold inspection costs $300 to $400, and mold remediation costs $2.50 per square foot.

• Asbestos removal costs $5 to $20 per square foot.

• Dust-free tile removal costs $3.50 to $7 per square foot.

DIY Tile Floor Removal vs. Hiring a Pro

Photo: Razvan Chisu / EyeEm / EyeEm / Getty Images

You can save $2 to $5 per square foot by doing the project yourself. The main costs of removing tile flooring are the tools and your time. However, removing tile and grout is a long process that takes eight to 12 hours for 100 square feet of tile. The difficulty increases exponentially if you need to remove toilets and sinks. 

Removing tile is also physically demanding, and it’s easy to accidentally damage other parts of your home, like the subflooring, in the process. Plus, the flying dust and debris could irritate your eyes and lungs. This is why it’s best to have a pro handle this project from start to finish. They have tools and personal protective equipment that make for a safe project. Hiring a local flooring company will save you some backache, keep you out of the dust storm, and help you avoid possible damage. 

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