Deciding to update your bathroom or kitchen is a big undertaking. After all, there are many factors that come into play when you’re updating your home. You might be considering one thing, which leads to another thing needing to be fixed. It can get expensive and overwhelming to say the least. However, some people decide to demo their own tile to cut costs. While tile removal is done every day successfully, it’s not something to take lightly. Tile demolition, or tile demo, can be a challenging task with many variables at play. While it’s possible to demo tile yourself, it’s important to know the right tools and techniques to avoid damaging surrounding tiles and surfaces. In this blog, we’ll discuss the steps and tips for demoing tile and help you decide if it’s a DIY project you’re up for.

Choosing New Tile

Getting new tile is a great way to refresh an old or outdated space. However, there are a few important factors to consider. First, think about the style and aesthetic you want. You’ll want to pick a tile that complements your overall design and ideas. Next, think about the practicalities and limitations of your space. As an example, a matte-finish tile may be more slip-resistant in a bathroom, while a glossy white subway tile may work better as a kitchen backsplash. Lastly, you’ll want to consider the durability and maintenance requirements of the tile you choose as well as your budget. There are thousands of options when it comes to tile. There’s everything from traditional ceramic and porcelain tiles to more modern options like metal or glass subway tiles. So, taking the time to carefully consider your needs and preferences can help you make a choice that you’ll be happy with for years to come.

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How to Prepare for Demo

There are two routes when it comes to tile demos: hire a professional or do it yourself. There are several steps you need to take to ensure a smoother outcome in both situations, though. We’ll break it down for both situations to make it easier.

Hiring a Professional

Before hiring a professional to demo your tile, come up with a list of questions to ask beforehand. For example:

  • Are you licensed and insured?
  • What experience do you have demoing tile for a house built in [year your house was built]?
  • How do you handle dust control and keeping the area and my house clean?
  • How do you dispose of everything?
  • What do I need to do to prep the area for you?
  • Can I call you back to the job site if something is wrong? How quickly can you respond?

They will be able to help you understand how much of a mess to anticipate and if that demands moving furniture or fixtures out of the room. Usually, professionals won’t wait for you to take care of things if they don’t affect their ability to get things done, so be sure to ask these questions and take care of it before they arrive.

DIY

If you’ll be demoing the tile yourself, start by doing your research. If you’ve never done this before, you might want to watch a few tutorials or ask a friend with experience for guidance. Otherwise, it can get quite messy and you might end up needing a professional. Once you’ve done your research, it’s essential to prepare your workspace properly. Clear everything out of the space like furniture, appliances, keepsakes, etc. The tile demo gets very dusty and dirty. So, don’t leave anything out that is precious to you. Then, you’ll need to gather the necessary tools and equipment. Cover surfaces you won’t be demoing such as floors and other surfaces with drop cloths to catch debris and protect against scratches or chips. It’s also important to ensure proper ventilation by opening windows or using fans to prevent the buildup of dust and debris. 

Finally, make sure to wear appropriate clothing, including long sleeves and pants, to protect against cuts and scratches from broken tiles. Taking the time to prepare your workspace and gather the necessary tools will help ensure a successful tile demo.

Tools You’ll Need for a Tile Demo

When you’re demoing tiles yourself, it’s essential to have all the right tools. Again, you’ll want to do your research since each project varies, but generally you’ll need the following items:

  • Hammer
  • Chisel
  • Pry bar 
  • Goggles
  • Mask
  • Gloves
  • Shop Vacs
  • Ways to clean the subfloor
  • Knee Pads

You may also want to consider renting a jackhammer for larger projects. You probably won’t want to be using a chisel on a massive kitchen floor removal. The cleaning tools will vary depending on if you’re replacing the tile with another tile or replacing it with another medium such as linoleum, LVP or something else.

Another essential tool you’ll need, especially if you haven’t done a demo before, is a few good articles and videos that explain tile demos. It’s much easier to do once you’ve done your research; you shouldn’t go into this process blind.

Should You Demo Tile Yourself or Hire a Professional?

The answer to this question really depends on your comfort level. If you’ve never demoed tile before and you’re feeling unsure about it, then you might want to hire a professional. If you’ve done a tile demo before or have a pretty good idea of how to do it, then go for it. The process can be tedious and messy, so just be prepared no matter if you decide to demo it yourself or have someone else do it for you. You can always try to repair old grout as well if you’re looking for a different option than replacing all of your tiles.

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