Ceramic tile is one of the toughest flooring types to remove — and there’s a reason. Tiles are rigid, heavy, and bonded with mortar or thinset designed to last decades. Removing them means breaking, prying, and scraping both the tile and what’s beneath it.
With the right tools, the job is totally manageable. The key is choosing the right method for the size of the project and the thickness of the mortar.
At Eddy Floor Tools, we make tough jobs faster, smoother, and far less punishing on the body. Whether you are a professional contractor or demolition specialist or even a DIYer, tools like the Eddy Tile Breaker can help deliver commercial power with the ability to maneuver into tight spaces with easy portability for transportation and the versatility to cover multiple jobs.
Method 1: Manual Removal (Traditional Hand Tools)
Manual removal works for small rooms and light-duty installations. It’s slow, dusty, and labour-heavy — but effective when the area is small and the mortar isn’t too thick.
Step-By-Step
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Protect the space
Lay down tarps, wear safety goggles, gloves, and a dust mask. -
Create your starting point
Break the first tile using a hammer and cold chisel. This gives you access underneath the surrounding tiles. -
Start lifting tiles
Tap a pry bar or chisel under the tile edges, loosening them one by one. -
Remove the mortar
Use a manual floor scraper to chip off leftover thinset or mortar.
This is the slowest and most physically demanding method.
Tools Required
Hammer • Cold chisel • Pry bar • Manual scraper
Ideal For
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Small bathrooms, laundry rooms, entryways
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Lightly bonded tile
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DIY projects on a tight budget
Pros
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Low cost
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Good for small spaces
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Allows controlled removal
Cons
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Extremely labor-intensive
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Produces significant dust and debris
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Mortar removal takes the most time
Method 2: Power Removal (The Eddy Tile Breaker)
The professional method for efficiency, speed, and cleaner results.
For whole rooms, large areas, or tile set in thick mortar, manual methods fall short. Powered removal dramatically reduces time and strain — and the Eddy Tile Breaker is built to take on the toughest ceramic installs.
Step-By-Step
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Prepare yourself
Ensure you are wearing the right protective equipment, such as protective eyewear. -
Prepare the tool
Set the Eddy Tile Breaker’s angle and install the right chisel (1-2" for tiles, 3" for mortar) -
Guide the tool and prepare to power remove
Guide the vibrating hammer over the surface; slide the Eddy blade beneath the tile. The tool's electric actuator makes angle adjustments easy. -
Begin using the Eddy Tile Breaker
Power on, walk the machine forward and prepare a smooth, clean subfloor for new flooring by breaking and scraping tiles and thin-set with minimal user effort. The Eddy Tile Breaker simultaneously cracks and lifts both tile and mortar in wide, consistent paths. -
Collect debris and clean the subfloor
Sweep, vacuum, and scrape corners as needed.
Tools Used
Eddy Tile Breaker
Ideal For
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Kitchens, living rooms, larger residential spaces
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Commercial floors
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Tile set in thick mortar beds
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Contractors and homeowners needing fast, professional results
Pros
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Removes tile and mortar dramatically faster
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Reduces physical strain
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Eddy Tile Breaker clears large sections at once
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Leaves a smoother, more uniform subfloor
Cons
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Requires power
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Higher cost than hand tools, but far higher efficiency
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Some cleanup still required
FAQs
What’s the easiest way to remove ceramic tile?
Using a dedicated machine like the Eddy Tile Breaker, allows contractors and DIYers to lift both tile and mortar with minimal effort.
What tool is best for removing ceramic tile?
For flooring jobs, the Eddy Tile Breaker helps reduce strain and easily breaks up tile. In smaller spaces or for small jobs, a manual hand tool can be efficient.
How do you demolish a ceramic floor?
Break a starting tile, pry adjacent tiles loose, and use powered tools to remove the rest. For whole rooms, the Eddy Tile Breaker removes tile and mortar together.
Does a heat gun help remove tile?
Only if the tile was installed with adhesive. Most ceramic tile is set with mortar, so heat will not loosen it. Mechanical force is required.
How do you remove ceramic tile quickly?
Break a starting tile, then use the Eddy Tile Breaker for fast, consistent removal across the entire room.
Why Professionals Choose Eddy Tools for Tile Removal
Built for Tile + Mortar
Engineered specifically to break, lift, and separate ceramic tile bonded with mortar or thinset.
Faster, Cleaner Results
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Removes tile and mortar in fewer passes
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Leaves the subfloor smoother and easier to prep
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Dramatically cuts down project time
Contractor Performance, Homeowner Friendly. Great for demolition, construction or renovation crews who need to remove tile quickly and easily. Eddy Floor Tools such as the Eddy Tile Breaker allow multi-purpose use, deliver commercial power with the lightweight portability and the ability to fold the tool for transportation, Eddy is your problem-solver.
Ergonomic, lightweight, and efficient — without the bulk or vibration of jackhammers.
How to Remove Ceramic Flooring with the Eddy Tile Breaker (Quick Guide)
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Prep the Room – Clear furniture, cover vents, and wear proper PPE.
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Break a Starting Tile – Create your access point.
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Slide in the Eddy Blade – Position it under the tile.
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Power On & Guide – Let the machine lift tile and mortar together.
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Clean & Finish – Remove debris and scrape edges if needed.
Eddy Tile Breaker: Quick Product FAQ
Who uses it?
Contractors, restoration crews, property managers, and homeowners.
What makes it different?
Unlike small handheld tools, the Eddy removes both ceramic tile and mortar in wide, clean sections — reducing project time dramatically.
Is it suitable for commercial jobs?
Absolutely. It’s built for heavy-duty, high-volume tile removal.
Is it DIY-friendly?
Yes. It’s professional-grade but simple enough for first-time users.
Ready to Make Tile Removal Faster and Easier?
Hand tools can get you through a small bathroom — but for anything larger, you need real power. The Eddy Tile Breaker is designed to turn a back-breaking job into a controlled, efficient process.
Whether you’re a contractor, demolition specialist, renovator, or DIY homeowner, Eddy gives you the speed, strength, and smooth finish you need to do the job right.