Tile floor & thin set demo - suggestions?

trekkaround · 11-13-2012, 07:01 PM

I'm gutting our small guest bathroom, and am looking for suggestions about demo of the floor. The first layer to go were the glued vinyl tiles that a previous owner put over top of ceramic tiles (and yes, they sunk along grout lines to give the house a solidly "el cheapo" feel). I've started chipping out the ceramic tiles and the quickset with steel mesh that's underneath. Under that there's a layer of what looks like old linoleum (a faint pattern makes me think this vs vapor barrier), and then the wood subfloor.

I started using a demo hammer & chisel, but it's not quick work, and I'm going to attempt the same approach in the kitchen - a much bigger area. The nearby home depot has a "big power demo hammer" for rent, but I also see that they sell these smaller rotary hammers, which can be set for hammer-only mode and supposedly will work well for "small jobs".

So my question - any suggestions on the best and fastest way to tear out the old floor?

joecaption · 11-13-2012, 09:01 PM

This is what I've used for years.
http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-11255VSR.../dp/B000BB79Q6
I use a wide blade with a raised spot in the middle of the blade so it lifts and splits the tiles.
To cut the steel I use a 4-1/2 grinder with a diamond blade.

Look at the bottom of the listing on Amazon and read the reviews from people that own the tool.

trekkaround · 11-13-2012, 10:12 PM

That's really good to know, I had been wondering if the rotary drill would handle something like this instead of specific demo hammer. Glad to know that I can use one for this.

I'm looking at a Makita set - 11/16 rotary hammer that comes with a 4-1/2 angle grinder. Probably lighter duty than the 1" Bosch but for the limited amount I expect to use this, I'm thinking it's probably a better option at $199.

Can you clarify you cut the mesh with the grinder? I presume that you break off the tiles first, and then cut a grid into the thin-set before taking the hammer to it again?

**oh'mike** · 11-14-2012, 07:03 AM

Joes suggestion is good-----that (or its big brother) is what the pros use ----works well---

Some tiles you get lucky and find a 1/4" underlayment under the whole mess--then a couple of flat bars will be the tool of choice.

trekkaround · 11-18-2012, 11:13 PM

I picked up the Bosch Bulldog, but the 7/8" model, seemed to be a better choice than the Makita. Have to go pick up a scale chisel this week to try it out. Not sure if there's any underlay, based on how they built these pop-up houses back in the 80's and from what I've seen elsewhere in the house, I have to assume they did what was quickest and easiest. So probably just the subfloor and flooring material on top.