How much does it cost to remove tile?
How much does it cost to remove tile?
$2 – $7 cost per square foot
$200 – $1,400 average total cost (100 – 200 square feet)
Cost to remove tile
Tile removal costs $2 to $7 per square foot or $200 to $1,400 total on average, depending on the location and job size. Floor tiles typically cost more to remove than wall tiles. Removing kitchen floor tiles costs $260 to $1,300, while removing bathroom wall tiles costs $210 to $1,900 on average.
| Size (square feet) | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| 50 | $100 – $350 |
| 100 | $200 – $700 |
| 150 | $300 – $1,100 |
| 200 | $400 – $1,400 |
| 250 | $500 – $1,800 |
| 300 | $600 – $2,100 |
| 350 | $700 – $2,500 |
Average tile removal cost
The following table shows the average cost to remove tile:
| National Average Cost | $800 |
| Minimum Cost | $40 |
| Maximum Cost | $2,500 |
| Average Range | $200 to $1,400 |
Cost of removing tile by location
The cost to remove tile varies by location and job size. Removing tile in hard-to-reach areas like small showers may cost more in labor fees.
| Location | Average size (square feet) |
Average total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen floor | 130 – 184 | $260 – $1,300 |
| Kitchen backsplash | 20 – 40 | $40 – $280 |
| Kitchen countertops | 30 – 66 | $60 – $460 |
| Bathroom floor | 40 – 160 | $80 – $1,100 |
| Shower | 42 – 120 | $80 – $840 |
| Bathroom walls | 104 – 274 | $210 – $1,900 |
| Living area floor | 200 – 320 | $400 – $2,200 |
Some professionals have minimum service fees for small jobs, so combine projects when possible to save money.
Asbestos tile removal
Asbestos tile removal costs $5 to $20 per square foot on average. Asbestos is a harmful material many manufacturers used in products like siding, shingles, and tiles until it was banned in 1989. If your home was built between the 1920s and 1980s, consider hiring an asbestos testing company to confirm.
Tile removal cost calculator
The following factors affect tile removal costs:
Tile type – Removing ceramic or porcelain tiles costs less than other types that use stronger adhesive, like stone or mosaic tiles.
Area size – Larger projects typically cost more, but your contractor may also charge more in labor fees for working in small, hard-to-access areas.
Location – Tile floors are usually harder and more expensive to remove than wall tiles, especially under cabinets or around bathtubs.
Equipment used – The cost to demo tiles varies depending on the equipment and method. Removing them by hand is the cheapest option but takes longer. Using machinery costs more but gets the job done faster. Dust-free equipment costs the most.
Repairs – Regular maintenance and repairs can help your tile last longer:
Tile repair costs $10 to $50 per square foot, depending on the tile type and size.
Replacing the subfloor costs $2.20 to $4.75 per square foot.
Tile and grout cleaning costs $0.50 to $3.50 per square foot.
Reglazing tile costs $4 to $12 per square foot.
Mold remediation – If the tile remover finds mold under the tiles, you will need to remove it. Mold removal costs $15 to $30 per square foot.
Cleanup – While most tile removers include cleanup in their estimate, some contractors itemize disposal and charge separately. Junk removal costs $150 to $350 per load on average.
Labor
Since tile removers use their own tools, most or all of the cost of the job will go towards labor. A handyman charges $50 to $80 per hour on average and may save you some money, but professional tile removers will be able to get the job done quickly and safely.
Tile replacement
After removal, new tile installation costs $10 to $50 per square foot on average, depending on the tile's location, size, and material. Ceramic tiles are usually the most affordable option. Slate, porcelain, stone, and marble are more expensive.
Tile flooring costs $10 to $50 per square foot on average.
Backsplash costs $10 to $50 per square foot installed, or $500 to $1,700 total on average.
Shower or bathroom tile costs $7 to $25 per square foot installed, or $800 to $3,800 total.
Subway tile costs $7 to $35 per square foot or $200 to $1,100 total.
DIY tile removal
If you're an experienced DIYer, you may be able to remove the tiles yourself for $1 to $2 per square foot or for free if you already have the necessary equipment. Use drop cloths, high-quality masks, and gloves while working. Consider renting a floor stripping machine and HEPA dust filter.
Tile removal FAQs
How long does it take to remove tile?
Removing 100 square feet of tiling takes 1 to 2 hours when using heavy machinery, 4 to 6 hours with power tools, and 8 to 12 hours or more when removing tiles by hand.
Does removing tile damage the subfloor?
Removing tile doesn't damage the subfloor when done properly. However, the contractor may discover pre-existing damage from regular use or lack of maintenance while removing the tile. If you're removing the tiles yourself, make sure to remove them carefully to prevent unnecessary damage.
Should I remove tiles before installing new flooring?
You should remove tiles before installing new flooring unless the tiles are in good condition, level, and flat. Layering new flooring over broken or uneven tiles can result in an uneven floor and cover up mold or damage.
You may also want to remove the tile if the new flooring increases the floor height too much and causes problems with door thresholds, cabinets, or baseboard trim.
Getting estimates from tile removal companies
Before hiring a tile removal company near you, be sure to:
Get at least three tile removal estimates to compare.
Read tile removal reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for references and browse their portfolio for pictures of recent projects.
Select a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business 5+ years.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before any work begins.
Avoid suspiciously low quotes as quality may suffer.
Never pay in full before the tile removal project starts.
Questions to ask tile removers
Make sure you hire a high-quality tile remover by asking the following questions:
How long have you been in business?
Do you have any certifications for working with tile?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How long will the removal project take?
How long should I avoid using this room?
Does the estimate include all cleanup costs?
What other costs or fees should I expect?
What should I do to prepare my home before the project begins?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.