Tile removal

Kirt N
by Kirt N
I need ideas on how to cut the porcelain tile from around our cabinets. We don't want to remove the cabinets, but the tile is underneath them. We want to cut the tile away from the cabinets, but can't quite figure out how.
You can see how the tile is under the cabinets....
  12 answers
  • Kirt N Kirt N on Mar 01, 2015
    We are changing the tile because the glue we used is defective. Caused mold to grow under the tile.
  • Patty Patty on Mar 01, 2015
    Start in the middle of the room by tapping onr tile up and the rest should come up fairly easy,,then examine the floor for mold,,you may find that the mold traveled under the cabinets, if so you have no choice but to take the cabinets out or chip away,,if the mold is not under the cabinets then you should be able to take a chisel and light weight hammer to the edge of tile by the cabinets and chip the tile loose, then pull it away from cabinets. The mold should be remetiated with a 50/50% solution of bleach and water, let dry, wipe down with soap and water, let dry. The sub-floor should be lightly sanded and wiped Dow,,let dry and then start with the new flooring. I know this sounds like a long and hard procedure but it isn't,,just a long explanation,,it's worth it for your health,,don't forget to wear safety glasses, dust mask and glove for your personal protection and crack a window when using the bleach solution!!!! Good luck!!
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Mar 01, 2015
    Saw a tradesman use a power tool that short of chipped and then kind of shovelled the tiles off.
  • Meyndert Borrie Bornman Meyndert Borrie Bornman on Mar 01, 2015
    To add to Patty's answer. Normally the bottom panel under the doors/drawers called the kick panel are fixed with clams and can clip off. Remove them to expose the area below the cabinets for inspection.
  • Pam Volkl Pam Volkl on Mar 01, 2015
    I have been removing ceramic tiles as well as floor tiles in a bathroom I am remodeling. Using a "pancake-type" air compressor, I attached an inexpensive palm nailer and used it to break up the tiles (be sure to wear some tough gloves to avoid cut fingers).aLSO don't forget eye protection. No damage to the sheetrock or underlayment. Best wishes to you in your endeavors!
  • Kirt N Kirt N on Mar 01, 2015
    Neither option will work on this. The toe plates are nailed on, and I need a straight cut, so the palm nailer won't do the trick either without breaking the tile under the cabinet. Any other ideas?
    • Meyndert Borrie Bornman Meyndert Borrie Bornman on Mar 04, 2015
      @Kirt N I will assume that the lose/mold part may only be where you could wash the floor with water. Assuming that it is clear under the cabinets what about marking out an edge, say about 2 inches to allow you to use a straight edge along the cabinets and make a perfect cut along the front of the cabinets. Then treat the exposed cutting line with the Vinegar/mold solution and chalk the edge with a anti mold silicon. then go ahead remove the tiles block by block and lay your new floor piece by piece and keep using your kitchen stepping/walking on the old floor until the new is dry enough to use and then do the next piece. This also give you the opportunity to inspect your workmanship and master it fully before finishing the next piece. This will leave a rim/frame of the old tile, can add some interesting finish.
  • Kathy Munson Kathy Munson on Mar 01, 2015
    Hire a professional crew to come in and do the removal. They will have the right tools to remove it up to your cabinets...but as was expressed before...the mold may very well be growing under the cabinets as well. You should plan on taking out the cabinet bases to ensure that all the mold it eradicated from the area.
  • Susan E Susan E on Mar 02, 2015
    I removed a small amount of tile using a plain nail puller. Once the first piece comes up, the rest just follows. Be VERY careful as tile is sharp and can cause serious cuts. Eyeware is a must.
  • LYNN LYNN on Mar 02, 2015
    I had mold in between my kitchen wall and the master bathroom. The insurance adjuster came out and first thing she suggested was use vinegar mixed with water to spray the mold to help disinfect and dissolve the mold. Worked great and the wood and cement cleaned up perfectly before the repairs were started. If you have mold, try the vinegar as it is not as harsh on your respiratory system as bleach is. Good luck.
  • Des1376606 Des1376606 on Mar 03, 2015
    I have a question...you used an adhesive to lay porcelain tile on a kitchen floor? But to answer your question, from my experience there is no way for you to make straight cuts on tile that has all ready been laid on the floor. More than likely, it will crack when trying to remove it.
  • Susan Susan on Mar 03, 2015
    Did you lay the tile on the original subfloor that is nailed to the joists? The reason I ask is if there is another level of subfloor in between I have had success taking the tile off however it wants to come off. Sawzall along the edge of the cabinets and remove the level you laid the tile on. Depending on the transition to the flooring in the adjacent room and your choice of new flooring you may or may not have to lay another subfloor. Beats uninstalling and reinstalling cabinets. Best of luck!
  • Monica Monica on Mar 04, 2015
    Cut grout joints around the tile. Hit the tile with a hammer to loosen bonding material. Use a chisel under the tiles, forcing them loose. Strike the face of stubborn tiles to break them up for easier removal. Wear safety glasses, gloves, pants and a long-sleeve shirt, since hammering the tile sends sharp shards flying