Old tile floors are one of the most common projects we handle throughout Sun City Center, Apollo Beach, Ruskin, and all of Hillsborough County. Whether you have cracked bathroom tile, outdated beige or pink tile from the 1980s, or kitchen floor tile that's been grouted so many times it looks grey, tile removal is a significant undertaking — but the right first step to a beautiful new floor.
This guide explains the tile removal process, what you'll find underneath (and what to do about it), how long it takes, and what the project costs in the greater Tampa Bay area.
Signs It's Time to Remove Your Old Tile
- 1.Cracked tiles — especially a spreading pattern of cracks that indicates subfloor movement
- 2.Hollow-sounding tiles (tap with a screwdriver handle — a hollow sound indicates the tile has de-bonded from the substrate)
- 3.Grout that is crumbling, stained beyond cleaning, or has been patched so many times it looks inconsistent
- 4.Outdated style (beige, mauve, pink, or green tile common in Florida homes from the 1970s–1990s)
- 5.Tiles that have popped up or are loose — a safety hazard
- 6.Significant height difference at doorways — tile covered with another layer of tile causing thresholds
- 7.Preparing for a full bathroom remodel or new flooring throughout the home
The Tile Removal Process
- 1Preparation & Protection: Furniture removed, adjacent surfaces protected with plastic sheeting. Tile removal creates significant dust — floor vents are covered, doorways sealed with plastic.
- 2Grout Joint Breaking: Grout joints around the perimeter of the work area are cut with an oscillating tool or grinder to prevent damage to adjacent tiles or walls.
- 3Tile Demolition: Tiles are broken with a rotary hammer and chiseled away from the substrate. Individual tiles pop free; thicker mortar beds require more effort and may need grinding.
- 4Adhesive/Mortar Removal: Old thinset or mortar bed remaining on the subfloor must be ground or scraped flat. This step is often the most time-consuming part of tile removal.
- 5Subfloor Inspection: With tile removed, the subfloor is inspected for moisture damage, delamination, soft spots, squeaks, and level. In Florida, subfloor moisture is the most common hidden issue.
- 6Subfloor Repair: Any damaged areas are repaired — replacing sections of plywood, treating mold, and applying floor leveling compound to bring the surface within flatness tolerance for new flooring.
- 7Debris Hauling: Broken tile, old mortar, and debris hauled away. One bathroom's worth of tile generates 200–500 lbs of debris.
Tile Removal Cost in Florida
| Area | Removal Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Small bathroom (80–120 sq ft) | $240–$840 | 3–6 hours |
| Master bath (150–200 sq ft) | $450–$1,400 | 5–8 hours |
| Kitchen floor (200–300 sq ft) | $600–$2,100 | 6–10 hours |
| Full home tile (800–1,200 sq ft) | $2,400–$8,400 | 2–4 days |
What Flooring Goes Down After Tile Removal?
After tile removal and subfloor prep, your options for new flooring in Florida include:
- 🏆 LVP (Best for most rooms): Waterproof, comfortable, looks like wood. Best overall choice for Florida living areas, bedrooms, and hallways.
- 🪨 Porcelain Tile (Best for wet areas): Kitchen, bathroom, laundry. Naturally waterproof and extremely durable.
- 🛋️ Carpet (Bedrooms): Comfortable and warm for bedrooms and offices.
Costa Bathroom Remodel Team
Serving Sun City Center, Apollo Beach, Ruskin, Wimauma, Riverview, Brandon, and Parrish, FL