Tile removal costs $2 to $7 per square foot on average or $200 to $1,400 total, depending on the location and job size. Floor tiles typically cost more to remove than wall tiles because the adhesives used on floor tiles are much stronger and harder to remove.

Common tile removal jobs include:

• Kitchen floors for $260 to $1,300
• Kitchen backsplash for $40 to $280
• Kitchen countertops for $60 to $460
• Bathroom floors for $80 to $1,100
• Showers for $80 to $840
• Bathroom walls for $210 to $1,900
• Living room floors for 400 to $2,200

Removing 100 square feet of tiling takes: 

• 1 to 2 hours while using heavy machinery
• 4 to 6 hours with basic power tools
• 8 to 12 hours or more when removing tiles by hand

Dustless floor stripping machinery costs more to rent or operate, but it gets the job done faster than hand tools like hammers, chisels, or sledgehammers.

Removing tile does not damage the subfloor when done properly. However, the contractor may discover pre-existing subfloor damage while removing the tile. This usually comes from regular use over long periods of time or lack of maintenance. If you're removing tiles yourself, make sure to remove them carefully to prevent unnecessary damage.

You should remove the tiles before installing new flooring unless the tiles are:

• In good condition
• Level
• Flat

Layering new flooring over broken or uneven tiles can result in an uneven floor and cover up mold or other damage. You may also want to remove the tiles if the new flooring will increase the floor height too much and cause problems with door thresholds, cabinets, or baseboards.

Before hiring a tile removal company near you, make sure to:

• Get 3+ tile removal estimates to compare.
• Read tile removal company reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Ask for references and browse their portfolio of recent projects.
• Select a licensed, bonded, and insured company that's been in business 5+ years.
• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty before any work begins.
• Avoid suspiciously low quotes.
• Never pay in full before the job starts.

Hire a high-quality tile remover by asking the following questions:

• How long have you been working with tile?
• Do you have any certifications?
• Is your company licensed, bonded, and insured?
• How long will the tile removal project take?
• Does this estimate include all cleanup costs?
• What other fees should I expect?
• What can I do to prepare my home before the project begins?