How Much Does It Cost to Remove Tile Flooring? [2026 Data]

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.

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 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.

Why You Should Hire a Tile Pro

This job is best left to a tile contractor near you. You could spend hundreds on tools and safety equipment for DIY tile removal if you don’t already have them, and this is a long, physically demanding job. A pro can finish the work faster than if you DIY, and you’ll save yourself days of work and back pain.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a tiling pro

There are several benefits to hiring a pro for tile removal rather than trying to DIY.

• Pros have the specialized tools and protective gear to do the job efficiently and safely.

• A pro will know what permits you may need and how to apply for them to avoid project delays or penalty fees.

• Pros can safely navigate plumbing, appliances, and cabinets without damaging them.

• Pros can inspect for mold, asbestos, lead, and other issues, safely handle the affected materials, and help with remediation.

• A tiling pro will come prepared with cleanup materials, like a shop vac, to minimize dust and debris.

• In addition to removing the old tile, a pro can inspect and repair the subfloor and even help with new tile installation.

• Reputable tile contractors are licensed and have insurance coverage, which can help cover costs in the rare event of an accident during tile removal.

If you want to DIY tile floor removal

To help out with tile removal before a pro comes, you can:

• Clear the room of any furniture or other objects that could obstruct the removal.

• If you know how to do it correctly, you could remove any sinks, fixtures, or appliances and store them away before the contractors arrive.

• Arrange to handle the cleanup yourself, which may involve selling the old tiles, renting a dumpster, or hauling the construction debris to a junk site yourself.

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. 

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