A brief guide to removing floor tiles

Renovating a room often means starting with a blank canvas, and that usually involves getting rid of old flooring first. Removing tiles can be a big job, whether it’s in the bathroom, kitchen, or a commercial space, but the right techniques and using the correct tools makes the job far easier. From stubborn ceramic tiles to vinyl coverings and glue-backed surfaces, having a trusty floor tile stripper saves you both time and effort.

At Smiths Hire, we’ve been helping both tradespeople and DIYers across the North West for over 50 years from our 18 tool hire depots, so we know which machines work best for each job. So if you’ve got some tiles that need stripping, here’s what you need to know.

Start with the right floor tile stripper

For larger areas or tougher surfaces, our Heavy Duty Floor Tile Stripper is the go-to option. This powerful, computer-designed machine can remove a wide variety of floor coverings, including sheet vinyl, linoleum, cork, bonded carpet, woodblock, tiles, and de-bonded membranes. It’s also ideal for clearing failed latex or mortar and plaster droppings from concrete floors in new builds. It has features like power-driven support wheels, an adjustable handle, and a simple clamp system for blade changes that make it easier to operate while still being extremely effective.

Compact solutions for smaller projects

Smaller projects or areas with limited space call for a more compact solution, and our Trolley Floor Tile Stripper is perfect for these situations. Lightweight but robust, it’s designed to remove vinyl, lino, cork, bonded carpet, woodblock, and tiles with minimal fuss. Its adjustable blade angle and large wheels make it easy to manoeuvre, and its weight distribution makes sure you can work steadily without fatigue. It’s ideal if you’re tackling a tricky corner in a domestic or commercial space.

Handheld precision for tricky spots

For more precise or delicate work, like bathroom floor tiles or removing ceramic tile from a cement floor, our Handheld Floor Tile Stripper is invaluable. Featuring a Makita motor and oscillating stripper head, it lifts tiles and reduces leftover adhesive while working on concrete, screed, or wood surfaces. It’s great for carpet tiles, foam-backed carpet, lino, vinyl, and rubber floor coverings, especially when you want to minimise damage to surrounding areas. It may look small, but it is mighty!

Dealing with adhesive and glue

One of the trickiest parts of tile removal is knowing how to remove glue from tile flooring. Leftover adhesive can make laying new flooring tricky, causing bumps or uneven surfaces if it’s not fully cleared. Trying to scrape it by hand is slow, tiring, and often doesn’t get the job done properly. Luckily, our floor tile stripping machine hire range can tackle the vast majority of leftover adhesive quickly and efficiently, lifting even the most stubborn residues and leaving a smooth surface. This will save you time and effort and make sure your new flooring will sit flush, whether you’re installing tiles, vinyl, or another type of covering.

A few tips for a smooth tile removal process

Now you know what you need to do to prep your space for the new floor, here are a few practical tips that will make the process much easier and safer. Start by clearing the room and prepping the floor, so you’ll need to remove all furniture, rugs, and skirting boards if necessary, to create plenty of space to work.

Work in small sections rather than trying to tackle the whole floor at once, and adjust the blade angle depending on the thickness of the tiles or how stubborn the adhesive is. Keep a steady pace and let the machine do the work rather than forcing it, which helps reduce fatigue and prevents damage to the subfloor.

Protective gear like gloves, goggles, a dust mask and knee pads is also essential, especially with bits of sharp tile and adhesive flying around. It’s also a good idea to keep a bucket of water or a damp cloth handy to wipe up dust and debris as you go, and to sweep up loose tiles regularly to avoid tripping.

If you’re unsure which machine is right for your project or how to get started, don’t take a guess – our experienced Smiths Hire team can help, just give us a ring!

At Smiths Hire, we’ve been helping people across the North West take on floor renovations and tile removal projects for over fifty years. With 18 tool hire depots, expert advice, and a full range of floor tile strippers, you’ll always have the right equipment close at hand. Take a look at our tile stripping tool hire range online, call into your local depot, or give us a call on 0333 323 2100 – and we’ll help you get your floors stripped, smooth, and ready for their next finish!