• What goes on must come off.tile layer image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
  
  Tile is a popular wall and flooring material because, among other reasons, its strength and durability. These attributes make removing tile a time-consuming, labor-intensive task, even when using power tools. Removal requires either breaking the tile and pulling it from its backing, or prying it away. Tile that has been carefully pried away can usually be reused.
  
  

Hammer and Chisel

• Use a hammer and chisel when the tile will not be reused, as chiseling almost always destroys the tile. Break the first piece by placing the point of the chisel in the center of a tile and hitting the back end with the hammer. Remove the cracked piece by hand. Remove remaining tile by hammering the chisel between the tile and backer to lift the tile.
  
  

Putty Knives

• Putty knives work well with tile applied to wallboard with caulk. They are less effective removing tile from cement backer board, where the tile has been installed with mortar. To remove tile with a putty knife, slip the knife between the tile and backer, and pry the tile away. Large knives work best with larger tiles.
  
  

Floor Scrapers

• Floor scrapers are sharp steel blades with metal handles. Some have shorter handles and require kneeling to remove floor tile, while others have longer handles and can be used standing. To use a scraper, push the blade between the tile and backing until they separate. Rent a power scraper for big jobs.
  
  

Grout Removers

• There are several types of grout removers. Some are blades that attach to power drills and remove grout with an abrasive rotating motion. Others attach to reciprocating saws and use an abrasive back-and-forth motion.