If you’re wondering how to remove ceramic wall and floor tiles, the best tile removal tool for the job really depends upon what type of surface you are removing the tile from and also how much tile removal needs doing.
If your wall tiles are fixed to surfaces such as drywall or stucco then you really do need to be extra careful when you are removing the tiles, this is simply because this type of surface can so easily be damaged.
Floor tile might be fixed onto a surface such as cement or even concrete, in these cases, the surface doesn’t damage that easily and is ideal for using power tools to remove the tiles quickly.
Ceramic, porcelain, marble, and mosaic tiles for walls and floors can be removed by hand, with the aid of a hand chisel and small 2 lb sledgehammer for instance, but this can be a very tiring job and doing it this way is quite often time-consuming and very hard work.
So if you have lot’s of tiles to remove, then by far the quickest and most cost efficient way to remove tiles is to use a tile removal tool, for example, using a chisel in a suitable power tool.
We’ve taken a look at and reviewed the best tools for removing tiles and listed them for you so that you can decide for yourself which one is best suited for your tile removal job.
The Best Tools for Removing Tiles Reviewed
| Top Pick | Bit Type | Brand | Click Image to Read Review |
| Best for Large Area Floor Tile Removal | SDS Max | Eddy Tile Breaker |  |
| Best for Thick Floor Tile Removal | SDS Max | American Tools SDS Max Floor Scraper |  |
| Best for Floor And Wall Tile Removal | SDS Plus | S&R Tile Chisel |  |
| Best Chisel Set for Floor And Wall Tile Removal | SDS Plus | CO-Z Chisel Set |  |
| Best Cordless Drill for Floor And Wall Tile Removal | SDS Plus | DEWALT 20V MAX XR Rotary Hammer Drill Kit |  |
| Best Drill for Thick Floor Tile Removal | SDS Max | Bosch 11321EVS |  |
| Best Budget Drill for Floor And Wall Tile Removal | SDS Plus |
ENEACRO 1-1/4 Inch SDS-Plus |
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Also in this guide:
Best for Large Area Floor Tile Removal: Eddy Tile Breaker
Best for Large Area Floor Tile Removal
This tile removal machine is perfect for large scale floor tile removal, or for if you just prefer to be standing up while you work.
Eddy is tough and capable of removing stubborn floor tiles with ease.
So if you have a large floor tiling project and you need to remove a lot of tiles fast, then this is the floor tile remover to go for.
This is without doubt the best tool for removing tiles if you have a large floor area to work on, Eddy loves hard work, this uniquely designed, powerful floor tile removal tool will easily remove ceramic and porcelain tiles, even the most stubborn floor tile doesn’t stand a chance against Eddy the tile breaker.
Standing at an impressive 30 inches tall and weighing in at 75 lbs, Eddy the tile breaker, also known as TBE3 is the out and out champion when it comes to large scale floor tile removal.
This robust, powder-coated steel framed floor tile remover, tile breaker delivers 3600 blows per minute (BPM) using SDS Max tool accessories. Eddy is clever too, automatically adjusting the chisel attack angle as and when required.
With a maximum power of 1600 watts, this 12 Amp AC rated powerhouse runs off 115 volts using the plug format of B – US style with ground plug.
When Eddy is busy, hard at work, you can imagine it can and does get a little noisy as the tiles are being broken up, you can expect a noise level of 80 decibels when working so, as with all power tools that emit noise, using ear protection is essential.
As well as the removal of Ceramic and porcelain tiles, Eddy is perfect for mortar/thinset removal too.
And when the work is done Eddy neatly folds down to a compact 26″ X 16″ X 25″ size for easy transportation.
Also included in this package are
- Chisels Included – 3 Chisels included, sized at 1 inch, 2 inches, and 3 inches.
- Spares – Filter and rollers.
- Grease – For applying to the chisel end before insertion into the machine.
- 25 Feet Of Cord – Giving you plenty of room to move about with Eddy.
- User’s manual – Get to know Eddy.
- Documents – USB drive.
What We Like:
- Standing Position – Working in a standing position is a real help when it comes to floor tile removal, your back will certainly appreciate it.
- Powerful Performance – Pumping out 3600 blows per minute, Eddy will remove the toughest of floor tiles with ease.
- Folds Down For Easy Transportation – Eddy folds down to a compact 26″ X 16″ X 25″ size, making it easy for transportation.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Best for Thick Floor Tile Removal: American Tools SDS Max Floor Scraper
Best for Thick Floor Tile Removal
American Tools SDS Max Floor Scraper
This heavy-duty, and we mean heavy duty floor tile removal scraper is definitely the ideal choice for when you are removing thick floor tiles.
When we say heavy duty, we mean heavy duty. This bolt on 2.5 mm thick blade is chamfered and sharpened, making it a breeze to shift floor tiles. We always recommend having a couple of spare bolt on blades, it’s always a good idea, they are available from Amazon if required.
Combine this SDS Max floor scraper with a suitable power tool and it really is the best tool for removing tiles, especially tough, thick floor tiles.
Using the SDS Max system for connecting to power drills that are capable of performing a chiseling effect, this 6 inch wide chisel is definitely an essential tool to have in your collection when it comes to tile removal tasks.
This 8 lb American made Floor scraper measures in at a mighty 25 x 6 x 1 inches and is securely bolted in position, replacement blades are readily available, but these things are tough and can really take a lot of work before a new blade is needed.
What We Like:
- Extremely Tough – This floor scraper tool is really tough if you have thick or just regular floor tiles that need breaking up for removal, then this tool is the tool for the job.
- Wide Blade – 6 inches wide, this is one big scraper and will cover a lot of ground quickly.
- SDS Max – Uses the SDS Max system, that’s because it’s a seriously good tool.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Best for Floor And Wall Tile Removal: S&R Tile Chisel
Best for Floor And Wall Tile Removal
This curved, angled high performance tile chisel will simply amaze you at how easy it makes the job of removing floor and wall tiles.
As we all know, usually work isn’t much fun, but when you get working with this angled tile remover it becomes a real joy as you see those tiles being removed.
This really is the best tool for removing tiles when used with a power tool, the first thing you notice about this wall and floor tile remover is the cranked angle that this tool is set at. It really does make a huge difference on tile removal jobs, making tile removal a whole lot easier being set at this angle, it helps to avoid digging into softer surfaces such as drywall or stucco and causing surface damage.
This SDS Plus chisel is suitable for professional use and also DIY enthusiasts, and with an overall length of 7 inches, that provides a 6.5-inch working length with a 3-inch cutting edge this chisel will really serve you well and make floor and wall tile removal a lot easier that’s for sure.
This tile chisel is compatible with the SDS Plus drill and impact hammer drills system. If you don’t have a compatible drill, then check out the drill review section in this guide.
What We Like:
- Cranked Chisel – This angled floor and wall tile removal tool is set at the perfect angle for removing tile without causing damage to the surface under the tile.
- High Quality – Hardwearing tool, and at a great price too.
- SDS Plus – Fits all SDS and SDS Plus compatible drills.
Check the latest price on Amazon.com
Best Chisel Set for Floor And Wall Tile Removal: CO-Z Chisel Set
Best Chisel Set for Floor And Wall Tile Removal
This 6 piece SDS Plus chisel set gives you plenty of choice for fast tile removal.
If you’re not too sure as to which type of chisel you’ll need for the job then with this chisel set you’re sure to find one attachment that’s suitable for your tile removal work.
Included in this SDS Plus chisel kit
- 1 X tile chisel measuring 9.4 X 1.57 inches
- 1 X gouge chisel
- 1 X wide chisel measuring 9.8 X 1.65 inches
- 1 X flat chisel measuring 9.8 X 0.87 inches
- 1 X point chisel measuring 9.8 X 0.59 inches
- 1 X wide chisel measuring 9.8 X 3.03 inches
If you are looking for the best tool for removing tiles but would like a kit option which offers you a variety of chisels for tile removal or for work on concrete, brick, or mortar then, look no further, this is a quality set of chisels that will help you with your task.
What We Like:
- Great Price – Real bang for your buck, 6 chisels at a great price.
- Multi-Pack – 6 chisels in this kit, you’re sure to find one of them is perfect for the job you have in mind.
- SDS Plus – Using the SDS Plus system of connection drills.
Check the latest price on Amazon.com
Best Cordless Drill for Floor And Wall Tile Removal: DEWALT 20V MAX XR Rotary Hammer Drill Kit
Best Cordless Drill for Floor And Wall Tile Removal
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Rotary Hammer Drill Kit
If you are looking for a high quality, powerful cordless drill for all your ceramic, porcelain and other tile removal jobs, or for any drilling jobs you may need doing too, then this is the best cordless drill to go for.
This DeWalt battery-operated, cordless rotary hammer drill delivers a very impressive 2.6 joules of impact energy, what that means is that that’s a much better performance than a lot of electric corded drills can manage.
The DeWalt 20 V Max SDS Plus rotary hammer drill features the latest brushless motor technology, this brushless motor kit includes 2 X powerful 4.0 Ah battery packs to keep you working longer.
If you combine this drill with the S&R Tile Chisel for floor and wall tiles, you really will have the best tool for removing tiles.
Delivering up to 5,500 blows per minute, you really can’t fail to be impressed by its power, remember this is battery powered, yet it still out performs many corded drills.
Weighing in at just 8 lbs you’ll be able to keep working for longer, and with no electric cords to get in your way when you’re working, that’s a bonus too.
What We Like:
- DeWalt Quality – Top quality battery drill from DeWalt, this drill delivers plenty of power to help you get those tiles removed quickly.
- Two Batteries – Two powerful 4.0 Ah batteries to keep you working longer.
- Kit form – Everything you need, soft-sided case, cordless rotary drill, 2 X batteries, and battery charger.
Check the latest price on Amazon.com
Best Drill for Thick Floor Tile Removal: Bosch 11321EVS
Best Drill for Thick Floor Tile Removal
If you have thick floor tiles that you need removing and are planning on working on a large area, then this is a drill that you should give serious consideration too.
The Bosch 11321EVS demolition hammer is a heavy duty, corded, variable speed, SDS Max power tool that is designed for tough hard working environments.
Perfect for chipping, breaking up blocks of cement or concrete, ceramic and porcelain tile removal and any other tough material that needs breaking apart.
This 120 volt, 13 amp electric demo hammer weighs just 13.7 lbs and produces 2,900 blows per minute using SDS Max accessories for the toughest of breaking jobs and with the built in anti-vibration system, you’ll be able to work harder for longer.
When all the work is done for the day and it’s time to tidy everything away, the Bosch 11321 EVS demo hammer can be safely packed away in the included case.
What We Like:
- Heavy Duty Tile Remover – This is a heavy duty demo hammer that can be used for thick floor tile removal.
- Built In Anti Vibration – With the Bosch built in anti vibration system you’ll be able to work harder for longer.
- Great Warranty – You get a 1 year warranty and a 30 day money back guarantee with this heavy duty power tool.
Check the latest price on Amazon.com
Best Budget Drill for Floor And Wall Tile Removal: ENEACRO 1-1/4 Inch SDS-Plus
Best Budget Drill for Floor And Wall Tile Removal
If you are on a budget and don’t want to spend much on an SDS Plus rotary hammer drill, but still want good tile removal performance from it, then this is the drill to go for.
The ENEACRO 1-1/4 SDS Plus rotary hammer drill is a great choice for DIY enthusiasts, homeowners, and professional workers that need to remove ceramic, porcelain, and countless other types of floor and wall tiles.
This 120-volt electric, corded high-performance drill has a powerful 13 amp motor delivering the power. With 4 function modes available to choose from, hammer, chiseling, hammer drill, and drill only options to help with various jobs that you have planned.
Delivering 4200 blows per minute to help you work effectively and efficiently on the toughest of jobs, and features a built-in safety clutch to protect the drill from overload.
Included with this drill kit are
- 1 X flat chisel
- 1 X Pointed Chesil
- Tool lubrication grease
- 3 X 6 inch SDS Plus drills, 8/25, 3/8, 12/25
- 1 X grease wrench
- 1 X dust cover
- Carry case
- User manual
- 24 months warranty
What We Like:
- Great Performance – This tool is great for those on a budget and don’t want to spend much on a tool if they are not going to be using it that often.
- Accessories Included – Drills, chisels, and a case for keeping the drill safe when storing it away.
- Decent Price – You get good performance for a decent price with this budget range SDS Plus rotary hammer drill.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you remove ceramic tiles?
Firstly, before you start working on tile removal make sure you wear the correct, fit for purpose PPE (personal protective equipment).
This must include, goggles to protect your eyes, normal safety glasses don’t completely shield your eyes as they are open at the top and sides, so goggles are a must as they don’t have exposed gaps. Strong cut resistant gloves must be used to protect your hands and safety boots to protect your feet, and if dust is being created from the work then you should also wear a suitable face mask.
The best way to remove ceramic wall or floor tiles is to start off by working your way along the row of tiles from one exposed edge if that is possible.
If you can get access to the exposed edge of a tile, then using a handheld flat metal chisel (chisel sizes vary, just choose one that’s not too big for the size of tile you are removing) position the chisel at the joint between the back of the tile and the wall or back of the tile and the floor face if you are removing floor tiles.
The next stage is to gently tap the chisel with a small hammer, moving the chisel under the tile as you tap, a small 2 lb sledgehammer is usually a good working size to loosen the tile away from the adhesive and the wall or floor.
If you have not got access to the edge of the tile then you will need to brake a tile so that you can get the handheld chisel in to start removing the rest of the tiles. To break a tile just choose one that you can get at easily and either tap a corner or the center of the tile with the hammer, this should crack the tile, and then you will be able to remove this broken tile and gain access to the other tiles edges.
Power tool option, this is the quickest and most efficient way to remove tiles, but of course you need to have access to a rotary hammer drill that accepts SDS chisel bits.
These chisel bit types are either SDS, SDS Plus, SDS Max and these fit into the drill so that when the drill is set to chisel mode instead of drilling mode, the drill acts as the hammer by delivering fast or slow blows depending upon how much the hammer drill trigger switch is pressed. This is by far the quickest and most effective way of removing ceramic floor or wall tiles.
How do you remove tiles without damaging drywall?
Removing tile from drywall without causing damage to the drywall is at times a very difficult job to do. OK, so we know that we need to get the tiles removed so that we can replace them with new ones, but when they have been well and truly stuck to that drywall for many years you just know it’s not going to be easy.
The best approach is to edge your chisel in, in a way that you keep it as flat along the wall as possible to prevent the chisel from digging into the drywall and causing damage.
Due to the construction of drywall, when you are removing tile from it you are always likely to cause some surface damage, the trick is to limit that damage by working slowly and to keep the chisel angle such that it won’t dig in to the drywall as you hit the chisel with a hammer.
Using a cranked or angled SDS type chisel bit in a rotary hammer drill that can produce a chiseling action is also a great option because the chisel lifts the tile away from the wall due to the rotary hammer chiseling action.
Is tile removing dangerous?
Tile removing can be a dangerous job to do because as with all jobs that require the use of tools, great care should be taken to ensure that safe working practice and procedures are followed.
When tiles are broken up for removal, sharp edges are created and these sharp tile edges can easily cut and cause injury, that is why it is very important to always wear PPE when working with tiles.
PPE (personal protective equipment) must always be worn when breaking up or removing tiles, goggles are essential as they completely cover the eyes and don’t leave any exposed gaps for sharp bits of tile to get in.
Cut resistant gloves are another must and also safety footwear to protect your feet from tiles that fall to the floor, and if dust is created from the work being done then a suitable face mask should also be worn.
What equipment do I need to remove tiles?
Equipment you need to remove tiles should include first and foremost, safety gear, safety equipment is an absolute must when it comes to removing tiles.
The safety gear, PPE (personnel protective equipment) should include goggles for eye protection, face mask for dust protection, cut resistant gloves to protect your hands and safety footwear to protect your feet from falling tiles and sharp broken tiles that you may stand on.
As for the actual tile removal process, you can do it manually or by using power tools. If you are planning on removing tiles manually then you will need a suitably sized metal chisel, these come in various sizes, and a hammer. A small sledgehammer weighing 2 – 3 lb in weight is more than adequate for tile removal.
If you prefer to let a power tool do the hard work for you then you will need a suitable rotary hammer drill that accepts chisel bits. These drills are specially designed to provide a chiseling effect rather than a drilling effect when a chisel bit is attached.
There are lots of different sized chisel bit attachments suitable for rotary hammer drills, they are available in SDS Max, SDS Plus, and SDS bit formats.
Other Worthy Mentions
Kelbert-SDS Plus Floor & Wall Scraper Tool
This 4 inch wide SDS Plus wall and floor tile removal tool features a heavy duty blade.
Key Features:
- Made from drop forged heat treated steel alloy.
- Wide 4 inch SDS Plus blade do bigger area coverage.
- 10 inch long tool length.
6-in Machine Sharpened Tile & THINSET REMOVAL BIT, SDS Max
Featuring an extra wide blade, this SDS Max tile removal tool bit will help you to get the job done.
Key Features:
- Extra wide 6 inch blade.
- Tool length of 14 inches.
- Made from hardened steel alloy to help you with the toughest of tile removal jobs.
This 10 inches long X 2-inch scraper tile removal tool is heavy duty and perfect for floor and wall tile removal tasks.
Key Features:
- Metal striking cap in the handle to avoid damage from hammering.
- Black Oxide finish for rust protection.
- Made in the US and comes with a lifetime warranty.
This heavy-duty handheld floor scraper with an adjustable handle is great for use on all surfaces.
Key Features:
- Large 8 inch scraper.
- Removes tile and flooring residue.
- Extendable handle from 3 feet to 6 feet.
This corded SDS Plus rotary hammer drill is the perfect companion for your SDS Plus chisel bits.
Key Features:
- Variable speed for controlled operation.
- Powerful rotary hammer drill that produces 5,800 blows per minute for your chiseling jobs.
- Ergonomic design for comfort.
Mayhew 60004 Dominator Angled Scraper Set
This 4 piece tile removal, scraper set is angled to help when removing wall and floor tiles.
Key Features:
- Set includes 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, 1 inch and 1 1/2 inch scraper.
- Metal hammer striking cap in the handle to avoid damage from hammer strikes.
- Made in the USA and backed by a lifetime warranty.
Finder 12-Inch Heavy Duty Flat Chisel With Hand Protection
This flat head chisel with hand protection is ideal for heavy duty tile removal tasks.
Key Features:
- Made from anti-rust chrome-vanadium steel.
- Weighs 1.41 lbs.
- High visibility color.
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