How Much Does It Cost to Remove Tile Flooring? [2025 Data]

Normal Range: $320 - $1,120

The cost of removing tile flooring is typically between $320 and $1,120, assuming the space is about 160 square feet. The cost can rise for larger areas or based on the tile's material.

How we get this data
A bright kitchen with a dining table and tile flooring
Photo: KatarzynaBialasiewicz / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
A bright kitchen with a dining table and tile flooring
Photo: KatarzynaBialasiewicz / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

The cost to remove tile flooring can range from $100 to $1,300 for an entire project, but this job costs $560 on average. Removing tile from your kitchen or bathroom floor can create a new vibe in your space. It also allows you to repair any underlying flooring issues and keep your floor the same height. To break it down, tile removal costs $3.50 per square foot but can range from $2 to $7 per square foot. Learn about the factors that impact cost and how to save money on the project.

Tile Removal Cost Breakdown

Removing floor tile involves labor, tools, supplies, and disposal and isn’t included in the tile installation cost. A contractor usually includes all these expenses in their quote to remove tile, but double-check before signing a contract. Costs tend to be the same whether you have ceramic tile or porcelain tile, but certain factors, like the area's size, location, and tile type, affect the total cost.

Size of Area 

The cost of removing tile floor includes the cost of labor and tools. The larger the area of tile you need to be removed, the more it will cost because it takes contractors longer to remove it. For example, removing tile in an entire kitchen will cost more than a small half bathroom in most cases.

Size of Area in Square FeetAverage Cost to Remove
20$40–$140
45$90–$315
60$120–$420
100$200–$700
160$320–$1,120

Keep in mind that tile floor removers often have a minimum project cost, which can be more pricey than the base cost to remove tile from a very small area, like a half bathroom. 

Tile Type 

Just like the cost to install tile floor differs by material, so does the cost to remove tile floor. Typically, removing ceramic tiles costs much less than removing stone or mosaic tiles. Stone floors use a stronger adhesive than ceramic floors, making them long-lasting and harder to remove.

However, the cost to remove porcelain floors is similar to ceramic tiles because they use similar adhesives. Because less force is required to remove ceramic and porcelain flooring, the risk of damaging surrounding materials, such as the tub, cabinets, or sink, is lower.

Tile TypeComparison of Cost to Remove
Ceramic$
Porcelain$
Stone$$$
Slate$$$
Mosaic$$$

Tile Location

The tile location plays a role in the tile removal cost. The easier it is to access the tile, the less it costs. For example, the price to demo tile floor is usually much higher than the cost to remove wall tile for a few reasons:

  • Wall tile is easier to access without disrupting other areas.

  • Wall tile usually uses less adhesive, making it easier to remove the tile quickly.

  • Floor tile uses tougher and more adhesive to reduce slippage since it bears more weight and has more wear and tear.

  • Floor tiles are harder to maneuver around, especially when you must get to tile under cabinets or around a tub.

Labor

If you hire a local flooring installer to remove your tile flooring, expect to pay between $2 and $7 per square foot, depending on labor rates in your area and the square footage of the space.

Disposal

Depending on the size, renting a dumpster costs $380 on average but can range from $200 to $800 per week. The rental fee usually includes hauling and disposal. Contractors usually include these fees in their costs, but ask your contractor about disposal expenses so you aren’t surprised at the end of the project. 

Repairing Damage

You may need to increase your budget if you remove your floor tile and find subflooring issues or water damage. The cost of replacing your subflooring or repairing problems depends on the extent of the damage and what needs to be fixed. 

Additional Costs to Consider

In addition to the labor, tools, supplies, and disposal costs, there are other cost considerations when estimating the cost to demo tile floor.

  • Site prep by a local tile contractor will add on to your fees. The final price depends on the condition of your floor and room. 

  • Permits cost $50 to $500.

  • Mold inspection costs $300 to $400, and mold remediation costs $2.50 per square foot.

  • Asbestos removal costs $5 to $20 per square foot.

  • Dust-free tile removal costs $3.50 to $7 per square foot.

DIY Tile Floor Removal vs. Hiring a Pro

Top view of a jackhammer over broken tiles
Photo: Razvan Chisu / EyeEm / EyeEm / Getty Images

You can save $2 to $5 per square foot by doing the project yourself. The main costs of removing tile flooring are the tools and your time. However, removing tile and grout is a long process that takes eight to 12 hours for 100 square feet of tile. The difficulty increases exponentially if you need to remove toilets and sinks. 

Removing tile is also physically demanding, and it’s easy to accidentally damage other parts of your home, like the subflooring, in the process. Plus, the flying dust and debris could irritate your eyes and lungs. This is why it’s best to have a pro handle this project from start to finish. They have tools and personal protective equipment that make for a safe project. Hiring a local flooring company will save you some backache, keep you out of the dust storm, and help you avoid possible damage. 

How to Save Money While Removing Tile Flooring

Here are a few ways to save on costs when removing tile:

  • Bundle your new tile installation and removal with the same contractor

  • Remove the tile yourself

  • Recycle or sell the tile instead of disposing of it

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, tile floor removal is a physically demanding project that takes between 8 and 12 hours per 100 square feet. It also requires protective gear and closing the area off with construction-grade plastic sheeting to avoid dust and damage to other parts of your home.

If you remove tile flooring yourself, it can take 8 to 12 hours per 100 square feet. The exact time it takes depends on the type of tile, its location, and your experience with removing tile flooring. On the other hand, professionals with the right tools can remove tile flooring in as little as one hour per square foot.

No, when done correctly, removing the tile shouldn’t damage the subfloor. However, if there was pre-existing damage to the subfloor from standard use or lack of maintenance, the subfloor may need repairs. For example, if the contractors notice mold growth on the subfloor or an uneven surface, you may need more extensive services before installing new tile.

If you DIY tile removal, remove the tiles one step at a time, individually removing the tile, grout, and mortar to prevent unnecessarily damaging the subfloor. Depending on the age of your home, consider having a professional inspect the subfloor to ensure it’s in good enough condition to lay new tile.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to flooring services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
woman with stone samples
Aug 5, 2024
Aug 5, 2024
Learn everything about natural stone flooring for your home. From pros and cons to costs and ideas, this guide walks you through the best stone tile options.
A living room with polished concrete floor
Nov 25, 2024
Nov 25, 2024
Staining concrete floors can add a little something to a drab slab. Learn more about how much stained concrete floors cost and what factors impact it.
closeup of wood flooring with window and tulle curtain letting light shine across it and part of coffee table in corner
Nov 26, 2024
Nov 26, 2024
Laminate is a solid choice for many homes because it's durable and budget-friendly. Check out this guide to learn more about laminate flooring installation costs.
A mother and her daughter dancing on laminate floor
Mar 28, 2024
Mar 28, 2024
If your laminate floors are dull or damaged, it may be time for an upgrade, but can you paint laminate floors? Here’s everything you need to know.
Apartment interior with wooden furniture
Oct 28, 2024
Oct 28, 2024
What type of flooring is best for your home? Let's get into the differences between bamboo flooring versus laminate and learn about the pros and cons of both.
Father and daughter have a dance party on kitchen floors
Sep 13, 2023
Sep 13, 2023
Worried about water-damaged flooring? Learn the signs of water damage, how to clean it up, and what to do if cleaning doesn’t work.
Share project details to get started.