Home improvement and home repair tips: On The House with the Carey Bros.
Home
What's New
Tip of the Day
Weekly Project
Monthly E-Newsletter
Q & A
Features
Radio Show
About the Bros.
About Rebecca Cole
Contests & Promotions
Our Partners
Mailing Lists
Contact Us
Employment Opportunities
Affiliate Toolbox
Buy our Books!




Search for the answers to your home repair and home improvement questions.
 Saturday, February 4, 2012
Q & A Categories » Tile

Installation

Question?

I need help. I have a ceramic tile floor in my kitchen, dining room and entry way that I can't stand. The tiles are 6" x 12" in size and I assume are laid over a slab floor. I would like to put down a linoleum or hardwood floor in its place, however I've been told that tearing up a ceramic floor is a difficult as well as a very expensive job. I have small children and the tile is just too dangerous. Any suggestions?

Sue

Answer!

We agree that removing a ceramic tile floor can be a difficult task, however we are quick to disagree that it must necessarily be an expensive one. On the contrary because this work usually doesn't involve unusual skill or training it is something that, with the proper tools, most homeowners could perform in their spare time. If do-it-yourself is out of the question here then the work can be performed by a local handyman or small repair contractor for a modest sum.

Chances are that since your home is built on a concrete slab the tile was installed using a thin set mortar. This is nothing more than a cement based adhesive that is used to join the tile to the concrete floor. Considering the vast area involved we suggest that you use an electric floor scraper to remove the tile. This devise, available at most tool rental establishments, has a scraping blade that reciprocates back and forth breaking the bond between the tile and the slab. Any mortar that may remain once all of the tile has been removed may be eliminated with a once over sanding with floor sander also available from your local rental center. More then anything this is a messy job that requires a little patience and a lot of elbow grease. Be sure to wear protective eye goggles and a dust mask over your nose and mouth.


See more Q&A in the Tile category!


Random Q & A!
Ceramic Tile Floor Cracking
Why are my new ceramic tile floors cracking in one bathroom and not in the other? My entire home has a wood floor...


View Printer-Friendly Version View Printer-Friendly Version
Send this Article to a Friend Send this Article to a Friend


About the Bros. | Advertise | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
On The House Media © 1996-2012 All Rights Reserved.