What's the quickest way I can remove about 1,000 sq. ft. of old tile from a concrete floor?

Question

Can I use a saw?

Answer 1

I'm going to go on the assumption that the tile in question is not a ceramic, but flat 12X12 or 9X9 tiles tightly fitted that may remind you of what is often seen in commercial areas or hospitals, often having a multi-color finish that might look like flecks melted/smeared into a background color. This type of tile is generally referred to as 'V.A. tile'; V.A. standing for vinyl asbestos. Yes, I said asbestos, however don't everyone panic and rush to have a HazMat team come to your home; it poses no health risk on the floor and kept sealed/waxed; just don't use a power sander on it or other means that will disintegrate or particulate the tile.

V.A. tile can pop right up and be stuck like crazy, all in the same area depending on how evenly the adhesive was applied, how long it dried before tile was placed on it, and how much moisture has been present below the concrete it covers.

For an area the size you are speaking of, you'll find it well worth the small fee paid to rent a vibrating floor scraper for this task. With a shovel, stiff putty knife, and a hammer you'll have mixed results and probably a couple swollen knuckles plus hours of crawling hand and knee. Save yourself the headache and rent the scraper.

PS- Take care if this area is beyond other finished areas that you always check your shoes; VA is usually put down with a black mastic that often remains very sticky where it's thicker. It's petroleum based and acts like tar, and it will transfer with every step if not careful!

Good luck

Added in afterthought since you do refer to using a saw, if your tile is instead a ceramic there is almost no way to advise you on the best method, as this is going to vary greatly:

-If it's large ceramic tiles designed for floors (usually dark reddish-brown clay) they will be hard to break, may shatter dangerously, and almost impossible to totally remove if they were properly set in a thinset mortar. If they are Saltillo (thicker mexican-style tile) they often remove pretty well unless professionally mortared. Different material tiles, differences in what they were mortared with (not the grout between tiles but under them), how carefully they were installed, on concrete on grade- or basement floor, being removed because slab is cracking underneath (which may help loosen tiles nearby) etc. all come into play whether you have a weekend task or a lifelong mission getting it all up. If it's all stuck extremely well and no cracking/motion is involved, it's not even out of question to consider skim-coating joints and put new floor over top of the tile (assuming the new flooring works with this.)

Again, good luck-

Answer 2

A saw? Ceramic cutting blade on a horizontal circular saw? Doesn't sound good.
A recipricating saw? Don't think so.

A little electric chisel thing. They rent 'em.

I think a cross peen hammer and a roofing shovel. Maybe a digging bar to wedge under them.

Might be easier to pour a new layer of concrete over the tile?

Answer 3

I think I would try a coal shovel, it is kind of like a big chisel to shove under those tiles.

Answer 4

I assume you mean a ceramic tiles, in that case I would use a chipping hammer. You can rent one from your local rental store.