Removing old ceramic tile

[pevodog]

Anybody ever removed old ceramic tile from a slab to out down new tile? If so , how hard was it to get up the old thinset?

 

[Ralphie]

crowbar. not easy. bring a strong back. just did this 2 weeks ago. tiles come up ok, but the leftover crap can be a pain.

 

[01 grad]

Rent electric jack hammer with proper attachment. Well worth the ~$50

 

[pevodog]

I just removed all the linoleum from my bathroom and tiled it. I had to use a chisel and grinder to get the glue up. The dust is everywhere.

My main concern is that I have an area approx. 300 sq. feet, (hall, bathroom and kitchen )that I want to rip up the original tile. WIll a jackhammer type tool get up all the old thinset? If not, should I just count on putting down a self leveling compound over the whole area?

 

[01 grad]

The jackhammer will do the job. Yes, you can float out the entire area and leave the thinset remnants if you'd prefer. Never used the self-leveling stuff so don't know how well it works. When floating out an area just lay long strips of lumber flat on foundation that are the thickness you want to float, pour mortar and use another long piece of lumber scraping the top along your depth guides.

 

[zzzz]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[Schlieffen Plan]

Do not worry about removing the old thinset, just use self level over the whole area. You will probably need the self level anyway esp. if you want to put down large tile. A hammer will get you started removing the old tile then you can use a tool (I don't know what it is called) that looks like a large spatula or flat snow shovel to quickly clear a large area. I just did this at my house to lay 20's and it worked well.

 

[brntorng]

This pneumatic scraper does a fantastic job of removing old flooring on a slab. I was stunned by how well it works. You will not regret giving it a try. Should be available in the stores, too.

 

[_e.]

^
^
You can rent those at home depot. They are the ****. You will need a decent air compressor though.

 

[l00p]

Depending on the foundation, can't you just put down some Hardi-back 1x?