Removing old ceramic tiles from a concrete floor is a satisfying DIY project, but it does require the right tools, a solid plan, and — most importantly — proper safety precautions. Done carefully, you can strip a tiled floor without damaging the concrete slab underneath, leaving a clean surface ready for new tiles or another floor covering.
Safety First: Check for Asbestos
Before you swing a single chisel, consider the age of your home. Asbestos-containing materials were commonly used in NZ homes built before the mid-1980s, including in some vinyl floor tiles, tile adhesives, and grouts. If your home was built before 1990 and you are unsure of the tile or adhesive history, treat it as potentially hazardous.
- Do not dry-sand, grind, or aggressively chip materials that may contain asbestos.
- Have a sample tested by a certified laboratory before proceeding.
- Check WorkSafe NZ for guidance on identifying and safely managing asbestos in the home.
- Removal of friable asbestos, or non-friable asbestos-containing material over a certain area threshold, is restricted work and must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist. Check WorkSafe NZ guidance for the current thresholds and requirements that apply to your situation.
Gather the Right Tools and PPE
Having the correct equipment makes the job safer and far less exhausting. You will need:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Safety glasses / goggles | Protect eyes from flying tile shards |
| P2 dust mask or respirator | Filter fine silica and adhesive dust |
| Heavy-duty gloves | Protect hands from sharp edges |
| Steel-capped boots | Protect feet from dropped tiles |
| Knee pads | Comfort during floor-level work |
| Cold chisel and club hammer | Manual tile removal |
| Electric rotary hammer / SDS drill with chisel bit | Faster removal on large areas |
| Floor scraper (long-handled) | Remove adhesive residue |
| Angle grinder with diamond cup wheel | Grinding stubborn adhesive (use with dust shroud) |
| Heavy-duty rubbish bags or skip bin | Tile disposal |
You can hire rotary hammers and floor scrapers from most hire centres. Bunnings and Mitre 10 also stock the hand tools and PPE you will need.
Prepare the Work Area
- Clear the room of all furniture and fittings.
- Seal doorways with plastic sheeting to contain dust — tile and adhesive dust contains crystalline silica, which is a serious respiratory hazard with repeated exposure.
- Ensure good ventilation by opening windows and using a fan to direct dust away from you.
- Protect any drains with a rag or tape to stop debris blocking them.
- Turn off underfloor heating (if present) well before you start — working on a warm slab can make adhesive stickier and harder to remove.
Step-by-Step Tile Removal
1. Start at a Broken Tile or Edge
Find a tile that is already cracked, or start at a doorway or wall edge where there is a natural gap. Insert a cold chisel at a low angle (roughly 30–45 degrees to the floor) and strike firmly with a club hammer. The goal is to get under the tile and pop it up, not to smash it into fragments.
2. Work Systematically Across the Floor
Once you have a tile out, work outward from that gap. Keep the chisel angle low and push forward rather than downward — this protects the concrete slab from gouging. For large areas, an electric rotary hammer with a flat chisel bit dramatically speeds things up. Move in rows and keep a consistent rhythm.
3. Remove Adhesive Residue
Old ceramic tiles are often bedded in sand-and-cement mortar or a tile adhesive. Once tiles are up, you will likely have a rough, uneven surface. Use a long-handled floor scraper to remove loose material. Stubborn adhesive may need an angle grinder with a diamond cup wheel — always use a dust shroud and vacuum extraction to control silica dust.
4. Assess and Repair the Concrete
Inspect the slab for cracks, holes, or low spots left by the removal process. These will need to be filled and levelled before new tiles go down. Products from Ardex or Mapei are widely used in NZ for floor-levelling compounds and patching mortars — always follow the manufacturer's preparation and mixing instructions.
Disposing of Old Tiles
Ceramic tiles are heavy and cannot go in a standard recycling bin. Options include:
- Hiring a skip bin (most practical for large jobs)
- Taking tiles to your local transfer station — check your council's website for accepted materials and fees
- Offering clean, unbroken tiles on community platforms — someone may reuse them
Dust and Silica: An Important Health Note
Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is released when ceramic tiles and cement-based adhesives are cut, ground, or broken. Long-term exposure can cause silicosis, a serious and irreversible lung disease. Always wear at minimum a P2 respirator (not just a paper dust mask), use wet methods or vacuum extraction where possible, and keep the work area well ventilated. See WorkSafe NZ for more on silica dust safety.
When to Call a Professional
Consider hiring a qualified tiler or demolition contractor if:
- The floor area is large (over 20–30 m²) and the job is beyond your physical capacity
- You suspect asbestos in the tiles or adhesive
- The concrete slab is badly damaged and needs professional assessment or repair
- You plan to re-tile and want the substrate professionally prepared to meet the requirements of NZS standards and your tile manufacturer's warranty
- Underfloor heating or in-slab plumbing is present and at risk of damage
A skilled local tiler will have the right equipment, experience, and knowledge of BRANZ best-practice guidelines to get the substrate right first time. You can find qualified tilers in your area on tradedirectory.co.nz.
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