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Removing Existing Floor TilesIf you want to lift floor tiles that are already down you will need a few tools and a couple of hours. The length of time it will take to lift really depends on who laid the tiles, how long they have been down and how much adhesive has been used. To get going make sure that you have a good hammer and bolster. The main benefit of lifting an existing floor using a hammer and chisel is that it is usually a clean job. Set your chisel on a grout line and hit it firmly with the hammer down and away from you. The aim should be to get under the tile so that the bond breaks and it lifts easily. Of course, it is easier to say this than it is to do it! It can be a real pain trying to lift tiles that are firmly attached and resisting steadfast your hammer and chisel. Rather than spend countless hours of tiresome work you should think about getting a chipping hammer. These power tools make short work of any tiled surface. Simply plug in the chipping hammer, put on some protective clothing and get going. Although removing tiles with a chipping hammer is much faster than a hammer and chisel, it will more than likely leave your surface uneven. This makes it a poor choice for removing floor tiles on wooden floor boards as you are running the risk of putting a hole in the floor! If you are removing tiles on a second storey floor, you should also consider whether the impact of your hammering or chipping hammer will damage the ceiling below. After Removing The TilesOnce you have lifted the tiles you will more than likely need to level the floor in preparation for your new flooring. This can be acheived by using a self leveling compound that leaves a smooth and perfectly level surface to work on. Before using the self leveler make sure that you have removed all the old tiles, hovered the floor and cleaned it down. There should be no lumps or dust to impede the leveler. Looking for more help? Try TheFloorDoc for help with preparing to tile. |