Removing old floor tiles without damaging them

Removing old floor tiles without damaging them

Removing an old tiled floor calls for a different approach when you want to reuse the tiles. With authentic reclaimed floor tiles, immediately using heavy demolition tools can be wasteful. Old floor tiles and estrikken (traditional Dutch terracotta floor tiles) can be laid again after careful removal, cleaning and sorting. A complete old floor may also retain resale value. Before demolition, establish what type of floor is present and whether it can be preserved.

When are old floor tiles worth keeping?

Not every old tiled floor automatically has a high value. Value and reusability depend on tile type, age, size, quantity, condition and how the floor was laid. Batches with little breakage and sufficient area are generally more interesting for reuse than a small number of heavily damaged tiles.

Potentially interesting examples include old floor tiles, old estrikken and certain reclaimed French floor tiles. Colour, glaze, patina and an unusual historical size can also make a batch attractive. If unsure, take clear photographs of the complete floor and individual details before removal. The floor can then be assessed before material is unnecessarily lost.

How do you remove old floor tiles for reuse?

The exact method differs by floor. A tile sitting relatively loosely in old mortar may respond very differently from one firmly embedded in hard cement. The main principle is therefore to begin carefully and see how the first tiles come free.

1. Start in a suitable place

A damaged tile, existing opening or floor edge is often a useful starting point. Try to create space beside or beneath the first tile. Once one tile has been removed intact, the edges of neighbouring tiles are usually easier to reach.

2. Work as flat as possible beneath the tile

Prefer hand tools that allow controlled work, such as a hammer and an appropriate flat chisel. Spread the force beneath the tile as much as possible instead of striking directly on its face or edge. A hard blow at a single point increases the risk of breakage.

3. Adapt the method to the mortar

Bond strength can vary considerably in old floors. Some tiles come loose surprisingly easily; on other floors, the mortar is extremely hard. Do not force a tile that barely moves. It may be better to create more space around it or carefully expose more of the mortar underneath. With very hard cement-bonded floors, completely damage-free removal may be difficult or sometimes uneconomic.

4. Do not remove every mortar residue immediately

After lifting, mortar or cement may remain underneath. Do not try to knock a fragile tile completely clean during dismantling. Getting it out intact and placing it safely aside comes first. The best way to remove residues can be assessed afterwards. Read more about cleaning reused materials in removing mortar from bricks and tiles.

How do you prevent breakage during removal?

Small variations in size and thickness, wear and signs of use belong to old tiles. These give them character but also mean that each tile may respond differently during dismantling. Work patiently, keep enough space clear around the tile and avoid unnecessary concentrated force. Damaged edges and existing hairline cracks need particular care.

Place removed tiles immediately on a stable surface. Do not throw them loose into a rubble container or onto uneven stacks. For larger batches, keep matching sizes and types together. This makes later selection, cleaning and relaying much easier.

Removing old floor tiles and estrikken

Old floor tiles come in different thicknesses, sizes and finishes. Terracotta and reduction-fired tiles can develop a strong patina over decades or centuries. That surface is part of their appearance and should remain as intact as possible during removal.

Old estrikken also need care. With glazed examples, the historical glaze matters as much as the tile itself. Damage to the top face will be far more visible later than mortar residue underneath. Removing the tile whole therefore always takes priority over cleaning it completely straight away.

What should you do after lifting the floor?

Check the tiles for breakage and sort them by size, colour and condition where possible. Mortar underneath usually needs to be removed before relaying. The amount of work depends on the mortar and tile.

If you plan to reuse the floor yourself, allow a sufficient reserve for selection, cutting and possible breakage. Our guide to laying antique floor tiles explains what to consider when relaying floor tiles and estrikken. Our projects show old floors given a second life.

Selling old floor tiles

Do you have an old tiled floor becoming available through renovation or demolition? Van Dillen Antieke Bouwmaterialen regularly buys complete batches of reclaimed floor tiles. We assess factors including tile type, dimensions, quantity, condition, accessibility, transport and the work needed to prepare the batch for reuse.

It is therefore sensible to contact us before the floor is completely demolished. Preferably send photographs of the whole floor, detailed tile photographs, dimensions and an indication of the number of square metres. Visit our purchasing page for more information about the materials we buy.

Frequently asked questions about removing old floor tiles

How do I remove old tiles without breaking them?

Begin at an edge, opening or damaged tile and carefully create space underneath. Work in a controlled way with suitable hand tools and avoid hard concentrated blows. How easily a tile comes out intact depends strongly on the substrate and mortar.

Do old floor tiles have value?

They can, but not every old floor is automatically valuable. Type, age, size, colour, condition, quantity and the costs of dismantling, cleaning and transport help determine whether a batch is interesting for reuse or sale.

Must I remove old mortar from the tiles immediately?

Not necessarily. If you want to preserve the tiles, the first priority is to remove them as intact as possible. Mortar residues can then be removed carefully and the tiles sorted and prepared for reuse.

Can I sell my old floor tiles or estrikken?

Yes, authentic old floor tiles and estrikken can be of interest for purchase. Preferably have the batch assessed before starting heavy demolition, so it is clear whether careful dismantling is worthwhile.