I need advice on removing ceramic tiles. I am a fairly handy home owner but not a pro. About ten years ago we hired someone to do a facelift on a bathroom and they did a pretty ratty job of laying 6×6 tiles (on the floor) over the old-time hexagonal tiles that were original to the house, built in 1938. I’d like to remove the tiles back to the hex tiles and re-set new tiles, hopefully nicer than was done ten years ago.
Is this just a matter of getting out the cold chisel and start chipping away? A contractor told me there is a machine I can rent with a vibrating horizontal plate that works its way under the tiles that will help. The bathroom is only about 5′ x 10′. The tiles also butt against the tub and I assume its just a matter of being careful working in this area.
Any pointers that will make life a little easier?
Thanks
Replies
Have you checked depth to frame from down under, to see if the original tiles were set in a mud bed? I would expect that from way back when. If so, this might require a demo hammer and make you feel like hiring a demon crew before you are done.
So, John was your Pappy, eh Rod?
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Yep....the original tiles were set in mud. I don't want to remove the original mudjob, just the latest tiles set on top of the mudjob.Thanks
now I'm confused
I thought the latest tiles were set ON TOP OF the original hex tiles which themselves are on top of the mudjob???DUM SPIRO SPERO: "While I breathe I hope"
looked for that thread that you were in on methods of tile removal..
couldn't find it.. did you book mark it...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
that goes back in time to one computer ago...so no luck there. (alas)DUM SPIRO SPERO: "While I breathe I hope"
do you want to take up the hex tiles too or only down to them???
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Well, I can be wrong, but the few mud set tiles I have demoed - the mud base had to come up too. Probably the reason the previous went over them and why they did not end up with a good job.And if the originals did not use tarpaper before the m,ud, you may be in for some rotted lumber to replace/repair, especially in a bathroom.
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Sooooooo what did you use to take it all up?
me: I'm always up for using my Bosch SDS plus Hammer drill and viper bit for this kinda work!!! <g> There's probably a smarter way?DUM SPIRO SPERO: "While I breathe I hope"
That's the one I was thinking he would have to rent.If there is a kinder, gentler way, let me know when you find it...
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I haven't been too concerned bout kinder, gentler...instead more focused on the faster - cheaper - cleaner! So far, given I'm always buying tools for each new project, I've been batting zero on all fronts! LOL!
Anyway - for this kinda tile demo I found is a GOOD thing to seal off the work space with zipwalls or equiv. makeshift, and tape off the HVAC ducts; and open a window for fresh air if that's available, and of course - use proper PPE (eyewear and shok-blok gloves and respirator).
I've never tried to take a layer of ceramic tile OFF OF an underlying layer of ceramic tile so still real curious as to how that's done.
Not at all sure it's a good idea though...?
DUM SPIRO SPERO: "While I breathe I hope"
same way you got yurs off the CC..
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
OK.....I'll try to be more specific. In 1938 the original hex tiles were set in mud. Very solid. In about 1995 6x6 tiles were set on top of the hex tiles using thinset (I guess.) I'd like to remove the 6x6 tiles and re-set some new tiles on top of the original hex tiles. I'd rather not demo the original mudjob. It seems very solid and it doesn't seem like I'd be gaining a lot.Thanks again
Bosch Bulldog with a viper chisel...
cake and pie..
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I gotta say that was a great combination for taking the 12x12 ceramic tile off MY cc floor!
DUM SPIRO SPERO: "While I breathe I hope"
WAIT!!!!!!
who did you really get to do the floor for ya..
all that stuff looks pristine..
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
who did you really get to do the floor for ya..
Oh cut it out! you're not joining that dang choir too are you?!?!? sigh. If I got somebody else to do my LR floor for me, it'd be DONE by now! as it is...I waffle on the selection of the new covering: Wood, cork, carpet, cork, wood, cork, wood, cork... ARGH!
all that stuff looks pristine...
"only compared to some..." DUM SPIRO SPERO: "While I breathe I hope"
ooooops.. hit a nerve....
sorry....
cork 1st choice...
wood second...
ya just tore out tile and carpet...
why for would ya want to put in back in..
what about bamboo???
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
You've got it right! A rotary hammer is the key and once you get the hang of it, they come off real nice.
I just used my Milwaukee rotary hammer to take up a bunch of quarry tile for a repair.
I should add that it is important to use a good rotarty hammer like Bosch, Milwaukee or Hilti.... cheapies just don't seem to work as well.
Mine is like this one... it is a beast.... oooo uggg ugghhhh.
http://www.mytoolstore.com/milwauke/5315-21.html
http://www.petedraganic.com/
$511! yowzah...(must be NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)DUM SPIRO SPERO: "While I breathe I hope"
sigh....
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11241EVS-RT
Bosch 1-9/16" SDS-max¯ Variable Speed Combination Hammer
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Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
If you use a rotary hammer I'm betting by time you get the first layer up the original tile and mud-bed are going to be compromised and not so stable anymore.
I'd be surprised if you'll be able to remove the first layer of tile with any method with out damage to the original tile/mud job unless the secondary layer was really poorly adheared. Plan on removing both, it does end up being more work though it won't be terrible.
A small room like that should be able to be removed and cleaned up in a day.
The additional work created by removing both is another matter but again, not tragic.
Edited 10/14/2006 10:08 pm ET by CAGIV
If the OP wanted to expose the old hex tile and leave them as the finished floor, I would agree that's probasbly asking too much. But, to demo the 6x6 tile and leave the hex as a base for new, I think it can be done. The Bulldog with a wide blade would be how I would start. I demo'd a large kitchen and foyer that was on a concrete slab, and once most of the thinset was gone the remainder scraped off quite easily. I think I used a sidewalk scraper.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
I think there is a difference working over a relatively thick concrete slab VS. working over a thinner mud job.
My guess is the vibration and impacts of a small demo hammer is going to break portions of the mud job and/or create cracks.
That's just a guess though I've never tried to remove one layer of tile from another.
If it were me I'd want it all gone and start fresh.
a very low angle approach works....
he can have the original floor intact if he wishes..
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
you catching all of this..
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Yep....I'm catching it. I think I'm going to give it a try. I guess the worst that's going to happen is that I'll have to take out the mud job. But I think if I take the "low angle" approach and use the right tools I'll be able to remove the top layer.Anyway, thanks to all for the advice.
Me neither.BTW, when you openthe window, put a fan in it - facing out.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Agreed! but on LO speed "if" some of the "walls" are temp plastic... don't wanna be sucking them down/out!DUM SPIRO SPERO: "While I breathe I hope"
Bosch has a SDS-Plus tile chisel that works really great. Saves a lot of time IMO. I've used it to demo a lot of floor tile for bathroom remodels, and it's a lot easier than with the wide SDS chisel. It also does a nice job of chipping off the old thinset. Amazon's got it if your local Bosch dealer doesn't. It's BOSCH SDS-plus Tile Chisel HS1465.
Edit: Oops! Amazon's Doesn't Have it. Guess I should have scrolled down further. :)
Edited 10/15/2006 4:54 am ET by kanaka
The hamer drill is a good idea, but you might want see if maybe a tool I found in HD might work. Can't remember exactly what it is called, but for lack of a better name I'll call it a "floor scraper". I think it's intended purpose is for scaping vinyl floor tile off of concrete. It has a pipe handle about 50" long, and is attached to a heavy iron fitting (I'd guess to add mass), to which is attached a replaceable blade about 5 inches wide x 4in. Depending on how hard the mud is that the "newer" tiles were set in, once you get started, it might work. I don't remember what it cost, but at the time I needed it, it was cheap compared to any other option, and it worked great!
As I said, I found it in HD in the vinyl flooring isle, but I saw a similar product in the Big Blue Box too. Bottom line, it is cheaper than a Hammer drill.
It takes room to use that tool, and this is a bathroom. I doubt the blade is strong enough for this particular task
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
That tool is usually found in the flooring dept, sold to scrape up sheet vinyl. It works prttty well if you can get some oomph behind it. Like Piffin says, the bathroom might be too small of a space.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
I'm thinkin' it would be easier to take it all out. Then start over with hardibacker with plywood under if needed to raise the floor to match adjoining rooms.
It'll take you longer to clean the old tile up to use as a substrate.