How much does it cost to remove tile?
Ashburn, VA

How much does it cost to remove tile?

Ashburn, VA

How much does it cost to remove tile?

$2 – $7cost per square foot
$200 – $1,400average total cost (100 – 200 square feet)

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$2 – $7 cost per square foot

$200 – $1,400 average total cost (100 – 200 square feet)


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Jennifer Carlson
Written by
Jennifer Carlson
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa

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.

Cost to remove tile by size
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

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Average tile removal cost

The following table shows the average cost to remove tile:

Average tile removal cost - Chart
Average tile removal cost - Chart
Average tile removal cost
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.

Tile removal cost by location
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

Removing a tile floor with a demolition hammer
Removing a tile floor with a demolition hammer

Asbestos tile removal

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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:

  • 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.

A worker removing tile from a bathroom wall
A worker removing tile from a bathroom wall

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.

Get free estimates from tile removal companies near you.

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?