How to Remove Porcelain Tile Flooring: A Professional Step-By-Step Guide
Porcelain tile is one of the hardest and most stubborn flooring materials to remove. Unlike vinyl, carpet, or linoleum, porcelain is dense, rigid, and set firmly in mortar or thinset—making removal slow and punishing if you’re relying on hand tools.
For single-tile repairs or tiny bathrooms, manual methods work.
For full rooms, renovations, or commercial spaces, a powered solution is the only way to get fast, clean, consistent results.
At Eddy Floor Tools, our mission is simple: make heavy-duty flooring removal easier, safer, and dramatically faster. The Eddy Tile Breaker is a multi-purpose tool that is lightweight, versatile for removing both tile and mortar and has the power to do commercial jobs while fitting into tight and awkward spaces. It’s your problem-solver you need on every job - whether you are a demolition expert, professional, commercial restoration, renovation professional or DIYer!
Method 1: Manual Removal (Traditional Hand Tools)
Manual removal is the most budget-friendly option, but also the slowest and most labour-heavy—especially with porcelain. It’s best suited for very small areas or isolated tile repairs.
Step-By-Step
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Break the first tile
Use a hammer and cold chisel to shatter an initial tile and create your entry point. -
Lift surrounding tiles
Tap the chisel or pry bar under the edges of nearby tiles to pop them loose. -
Remove leftover mortar or thinset
Scrape bonded material from the subfloor using a manual or floor scraper. -
Work slowly and carefully
Porcelain breaks into sharp shards—use proper PPE and avoid digging into the subfloor.
Tools Required
Hammer • Cold chisel • Pry bar • Manual or floor scraper • Safety gear
Ideal For
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Small bathrooms and closets
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One-off tile fixes
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DIY on a tight budget
Pros
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Low cost
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Simple setup
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No power source required
Cons
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Extremely slow for full rooms
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Very physically demanding
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Heavy dust and debris
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Higher risk of damaging the subfloor
Method 2: Power Removal (The Eddy Tile Breaker)
The fastest, cleanest, and most efficient way to remove porcelain tile.
When you’re dealing with full rooms, thick mortar, or highly stubborn installations, the Eddy Tile Breaker transforms a multi-day project into a streamlined, organized process.
The Eddy’s chisel action breaks the bond between tile and mortar, lifting porcelain in wide, consistent passes with far less strain than hand chiseling or jackhammers.
Step-By-Step
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Prep yourself
Ensure you have the proper protective gear such as protective eyewear. -
Prep the room
Remove furniture, cover vents. -
Position the Eddy at a starting edge
Slide the blade under the first tile or broken section. -
Power on and break through
The machine’s chiseling vibration cracks and lifts porcelain quickly and cleanly. -
Work methodically across the room
Remove tiles in controlled sections for maximum efficiency. -
Scrape remaining mortar or thinset
A floor scraper cleans up leftover material and levels the subfloor. -
Clean and vacuum
Porcelain removal produces debris—finish with a thorough cleanup.
Best For
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Kitchens, hallways, foyers, commercial tile areas
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Thick-set, stubborn mortar installations
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Large-scale renovations and contractor work
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Anyone needing fast, professional-grade results
Pros
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Removes tile hours faster than manual methods
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Major reduction in physical strain
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Cleaner, more consistent results
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Fewer subfloor gouges than hand chiseling
Cons
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Requires power and operating space
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Heavier and louder than hand tools
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Higher upfront cost but pays for itself in time saved
Google-Style FAQs
How do you remove porcelain tile from a floor?
Break the first tile with a hammer and chisel, then pry up adjacent tiles.
For large areas, professionals use powered tile breakers like the Eddy Tile Breaker for faster, safer results.
Can vinegar dissolve porcelain tile?
No. Porcelain is extremely dense. Vinegar can clean surface residues but can’t dissolve tile.
How do professionals remove tile?
They rely on powered equipment like the Eddy Tile Breaker, which breaks up tile and mortar quickly and consistently.
What can damage porcelain tile?
Strong acids, heavy impacts, or improper removal tools.
The Eddy Tile Breaker is designed to break tile without damaging the subfloor.
Why Professionals Choose the Eddy Tile Breaker for Porcelain Tile Removal
Built Specifically for Hard Tile
The Eddy Tile Breaker breaks and lifts dense porcelain without excessive force or operator fatigue.
Fast, Professional Results
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Removes porcelain far faster than hand chisels
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Breaks through thick mortar with ease
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Leaves the subfloor ready for scraping and refinishing
Ergonomic & Easy to Use
Lighter and easier to control than jackhammers, with contractor-level performance.
How to Remove Porcelain Tile with the Eddy Tile Breaker (Quick Guide)
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Prep the Room – Clear the area and wear full PPE.
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Start at an Edge – Slide the Eddy blade under a tile.
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Power & Break – Let the chiseling action break the tile/mortar bond.
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Scrape Mortar – Follow with a floor scraper for a smooth finish.
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Clean Up – Collect debris and vacuum dust.
Eddy Tile Breaker: Quick Product FAQ
Who uses it?
Contractors, demolition crews, property managers, and DIY homeowners.
What makes it different?
It’s lighter, more controlled, precise and more efficient than jackhammers or hand chisels—designed specifically for tile removal. It removes both mortar and tile and has the power of commercial-grade tools while being lightweight and easy to maneuver into tighter spaces.
Is it good for big jobs?
Yes. Perfect for kitchens, hallways, and large commercial tile areas.
Is it homeowner-friendly?
Yes. Professional-grade performance with simple, intuitive operation.
Ready to Remove Porcelain Tile the Fast, Efficient Way?
Manual removal can take days.
With the Eddy Tile Breaker, you can complete the same job in hours — with smoother results, less strain, and a safer workflow.
If you want true efficiency, the Eddy Tile Breaker is the smart way to remove porcelain tile.