How Much Does It Cost to Remove Tile Flooring In 2023? (2023)

In the early stages of planning, estimate the cost to remove tile floors in your home with a quick glance at your overall project. Nearly all estimates come down to the size of the space, the tools used for the job and the cost of labor in your region. In most cases, you’ll be dealing with a space between 100 and 300 square feet, or a small kitchen remodel through a large basement renovation.

Begin by deciding whether you’re comfortable removing the tile yourself. In this case, you’d pay little to nothing depending on the tools you have on hand, but the process can be complex and time-consuming.

Calling a professional adds the price of labor, but you will avoid risking damage to the subflooring below—and not to mention a lot of hard labor.

The primary factors to consider in your tile removal costs are:

• Square footage of the room
• Local labor costs
• Cost of junk removal
• Additional floor repairs

Typically, ceramic tile removal costs do not vary from porcelain tiles, though you will pay more for porcelain when choosing new tiles.

Let’s break down each of these factors a bit further. Keep in mind that prices will also vary if you include the removal in the cost of installing new flooring.

By Square Foot

Calculate the size of your tile floor by multiplying the width by the length of the room. A small entryway or half bath may measure as small as 40 square feet. Mid-sized bathrooms, kitchens and hallways can range between 70 and 200 square feet.

Perhaps you have to remove tile in a larger space, such as a basement or a tiled living room. Once you get into the higher numbers, some contractors will lower their per-square-foot cost, a bit like bulk pricing.

Tile removal costs between $2 and $6 per square foot, or an average of $4 per square foot.

Labor Costs

The majority—if not all—of the cost to remove tile flooring goes toward labor. Flooring specialists and handypeople will bring their own tools for the job. And so, labor accounts for the full $2 to $6 per square foot, or between $20 and $40 an hour. You’ll save a bit of money by hiring a handyperson for the job, but this isn’t always ideal if you’re concerned about discovering issues under the floor during demolition.

Tools and Supplies Costs

You will pay a bit more if your contractor has access to high-powered tile-removing tools. Demolition jackhammers, floor scrapers, angle grinders and shop vacs all make the process much easier than manual tile removal. These jobs will cost between $2 and $5 per square foot.

You push into the higher per-square-foot prices when you request heavy-duty or dustless machinery. Large spaces that would take hours to demolish benefit from a tile-removing machine. Contractors with this equipment may charge up to $6 per square foot.

Damage Repair Costs

Removing tile flooring is a prime time to unearth out-of-sight issues lurking below. The average wood flooring repair price for subfloors, surfaces and joists is $3 to $5 per square foot. Subfloor repair costs, in a standard room, range from $200 to $500 while joists will cost between $100 and $300 each to repair.

In addition to labor, tile flooring removal costs can include site prep, cleanup and construction fees related to what you have planned for after you tear up the floor.

Site Preparation

Unless you plan to remove the tile yourself, your contractor will include site preparation fees in your estimate. Preparing your home may include laying down protective tarps on the floor to or from the workspace. Plastic sheets, fans and trash bags will also help contain the dust when removing the tile.

If you’re planning to DIY this project, expect to pay an average of $15 for construction drop cloths and about $200 a day for a HEPA-filtered dust extractor.

Cleanup

Keep in mind that your contractor won’t always include cleanup in their fees—or even their services. In this case, you may need to add the cost of a professional house cleaner. Heavy-duty cleaning in one room will cost an average of $200. Opting for dustless tile removal services can significantly cut down on the mess, so it’s something to consider in the long run.

Permit Fees

Thankfully, removing, repairing and adding new flooring rarely requires a permit. You will rarely have to worry about this extra cost unless you are embarking on a larger renovation. However, always be sure to check with your local zoning boards when researching renovation permits, particularly if you live in a historic home. In these cases, you could pay an average of $200 for demolition permits.

Testing and Removing Hazardous Material

If your tile floors faced water damage over the past several years, you could end up with mold in the subflooring. Mold remediation costs can add up quickly, costing $300 for the inspection and an average of $2.50 per square foot for removal.

Additionally, floors installed prior to the 1980s may even contain asbestos. If you even suspect that this could be the case, it’s crucial to call a licensed inspector to test the area before you disturb it. Asbestos abatement can cost between $5 and $20 per square foot once it’s detected

You can save the full $2 to $6 per square foot if you already have the tools on hand to remove your own tile floors. In addition to the construction safety equipment, both for yourself and the surrounding walls, you’ll need a sledgehammer, chisel, floor scraper or any high-powered variety of each.

Keep in mind that going it alone can take up to 12 hours for every 100 square feet and requires a good deal of strength and endurance. While you will save money, the job is only best for someone comfortable taking on a lengthy challenge.

There’s no question that the cost of removing tile yourself is the best way to cut costs. If this is not the right route for you, you can:

• Lower the price tag by hiring the same contract for your floor installation. Some companies will bundle the price of removal into your new floors.
• Handle your own tile disposal by renting a construction dumpster
• Check your homeowner’s insurance plan for possible coverage

To arrive at the average costs in this article, editorial team members surveyed three providers and seven cost databases on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.