How to Remove Tile and Cement Backer Board The Easy Way, Fast and Cheap!

[@ericstephenvorm]

Practical, and useful. Everything a KZbin video should be. Thanks for making this!

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

You're very welcome!

[@ktmden]

Been doing this for years. The wedges are a great idea. A few suggestions. Tape cardboard to cabinets/walls and remove doors to protect them....and for Pete's sake, put some boots on! Sandals and shorts? Lol. Seriously...the wedges are priceless!!

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

The shorts are part of my uniform! The sandals, well I had forgotten my shoes and by the time I remembered I was half way to the job... so there's that... lol. Thanks for the info... 😀

[@planterguy]

Thanks for the help. I’m about to remove the tile floor and cement board from our bathroom. You just saved me a bunch of time trying to figure out how. Let the fun begin.

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Excellent.. Yea, it's a tough job, just be careful and make sure to take safety precautions... 😀

[@Mike-bk6uk]

So glad you’re working with nails inside of boards with sandals on

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Lol....

[@wallacemurray134]

love the combo of flip flops and cowboy boots!

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Lol... yep.. :-)

[@ElanorMiller-c7w]

I tried this method today..best way!!! No dust from a machine. Worked better than all our crow bar tools. Just had to convince the helpers to put down the crow bars! Did not pick them back up after trying. Peeled off the cement board , so easy!! Less work!! Actually did this in bare feet....

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Excellent! SO glad I could help. Yea that floor had about 4 layers and I tried the crow bar, and roofing shovel and I was getting small chunks! I was like, this is going to take a month.... 😂. Had to come up with something else.

[@joestimac1056]

Are those the new saftey sandals??

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Yep! I like to be comfortable....

[@josehuertas2441]

OSHA Approved Sandals and Camo Outfit....Niceeeeee

[@thelemonddropskid5445]

Steel tips and all

[@cohenkevinloriqueen818]

A real jewel

[@MrPup1979]

I’m loving the safety footwear ! I’m too scared of nails to wear but upvote from me for style

[@LetsGoHelio]

Cowboy boots and sandals - gotta love it.

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

LOL... I usually don't wear sandals to work, but that day, I was wearing them out of the house, and didn't realize it until I was already half way to the job... well... I wasn't going to turn around and go home just for that... :-)

[@LetsGoHelio]

The Home Improvement Channel I don’t blame you my friend! Nice video by the way.

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

abaswilderness thanks 😀😀

[@seeya101oliASWHDFIL]

Used this technique today. Worked like a charm. Thanks very much

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

That's awesome! So glad I could help.... 😊

[@timothygevedon5618]

The wedges worked great! Thanks for sharing!!

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

You're welcome!!

[@eschrader]

Good tips. I am using a long crowbar to get under it and break the screws loose. Its tough and dusty work.

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

OH I know... My brother is going thru this on his house and he's dealing with some old tiles and several layers!... He wants me to come help, but luckily I've been busy with other stuff...😂

[@guernseyop27]

thank you very much. this saved me hours and a sore back. The backer board was screwed down with 10 rows of 10 screws per sheet under the thinset. Yes, 100 screws per sheet. I also used the idea on plywood that was nailed(not screwed ) to the subfloor. Very easy. Thank you again

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Yea those floors can be a real back breaker to get loose! Glad this helped 😁😁😁

[@desireea1180]

Would this be good if you have no flooring underneath? I pulled up laminate wood nail cement backer then tiled. there was some black like padding on the floor. if i knew then.

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

HI, Not sure I understand exactly what you mean... Are you saying you pulled up laminate wood and then attached cement backer then tile? Depends how thick the black padding is... if it's paper thin I wouldn't worry about it, but if there's any thickness to it, it could cause a little sponginess in the floor which is not good for tile..

[@tb4536]

Thanks for the information. Want to put down vinyl plank flooring but need to get up tile floor. These contractors want a stupid amount of money to do it. I've done the flooring a couple times, just need the tile out

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

It is a lot of work... I'm sure that was their reasoning.. Even after it's up,.. you still have to carry out all the pieces and dispose of it somewhere... 😀 Of course depends on how much they wanted, there are things you can only charge but so much for..!

[@kellykruegerlivinginedmonton]

Wow! This is a very satisfying video to watch! Thanks for all the great tips!

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Awesome! So glad I could help. You're welcome.. 😀

[@marcxx131]

Are white socks and open sandals mandatory? and do you have an Amazon Link for them ? 🙂 Thanks for the tips though really

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Lol... I had forgotten my shoes that day and walked out of the house with flip flops! By the time I saw it it was to much trouble to turn around... 😊😊

[@JoeBManco]

Thanks for the video. I have an entry "mud room" that has really ugly tile that I want out of there. Thankfully the room is about the size of a walk-in closet.

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Excellent! This was an extreme example of putting down several layers of flooring then tile on top of it all.... Usually you don't run into that.. 😀

[@salbrookstone2904]

Holy cow! Is Tony Montana from Scarface in tile business now? 😂 Good job man! Very helpful… Thanks for the video!

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Lol... say hello to my little friend! The hammer drill... 😂😂 Thanks... 😊

[@SamClemens-n9q]

Love the open toe protective flip flops! Feel safer already

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

These are virtual safety shoes.... 😂

[@austinroberson8]

Construction sandals, love it!

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Lol! Yep, they're in the boot section at Tractor Supply... 😂

[@coolguy24eric]

When we put tile down we put the cement board right over the linoleum. Do people always put that thin piece of wood down and then the cement board and tile?

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

No not at all.. That thin piece of wood is generally under the linoleum

[@coolguy24eric]

@@TheHomeImprovementChannel just never seen people waste the time to take linoleum out. Usually just go over it.

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Yes I agree. You were asking me about the wood.

[@shannonluce721]

My husband has the same tool and unfortunately whoever put this flooring down had put nails all through it so this handheld tool keeps hitting Nails. Any suggestions for dealing with that?

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

HI, I was using the wood wedges I made out of 2x4. When I hit nails, I just kept pounding away with a 10lb sledge hammer. The wedge will split, but still make it's way past the screws/ nails. You'll have to make several wedges since they don't last very long.

[@shannonluce721]

@@TheHomeImprovementChannel whoever put our flooring down got overly staple happy and overly nail happy. Literally every inch

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Yea this one was about the same way... It's a lot of work!@@shannonluce721

[@aymanjoudar5425]

I love the safety shoes!!!!

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Lol... 😂

[@alexouretski115]

And always, always wear flip flop slippers whenever you do any sort of demolition work!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Lol.... I've had a string of flip flop haters in my comments. I had walked out the door that day wearing flip flops and was half way to the job before I even noticed.. So going back home was just to much trouble.. 😊

[@ThatEEguy2818]

What do you do if the fiber board is mortered to the subfloor?

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

It'll be a little more difficult. I would probably try a hammer and pound each board. Of course with the tile already removed. It should break up the thinset underneath...

[@ThatEEguy2818]

I've not tried it and am a bit afraid I'll be starting something I'll regret. Does the thinset not stick well to OSB?

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Not real well... If they used a modified thinset it'll be a little tougher, but the hammer should break it up. You don't have to go crazy with it... Just hit it a bunch of times with a moderate force and it should crack it up under the cement board.@@ThatEEguy2818​

[@BriPri-89]

Thank you for sharing !

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

You're welcome!

[@TheEclecticHandyman]

Wow what a coincidence, my parent's house growing up had that EXACT vinyl pattern floor that was underneath the tile. Must of been a sale at that time!

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Oh yea, it was very popular, I had something similar in my house in the kitchen 🤮

[@ndro1371]

We had the same yellow vinyl. I'm still gonna tell Oshawa your not wearing proper work gear such as your slides.

[@snteevveetns]

I love the safety sandals

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Lol.. I had forgotten my shoes that day and wore sandals out of the house! It wasn't worth turning back.. 😂

[@therealdiehl4671]

I'm working on my third room in this house today, pulling this stuff. It has been glued down plus screws. It has taken hours of running the hammer drill as a jack hammer. Unfortunately the wedges offered little help. Getting the glue up to have a clean surface is even harder. A floor sander with 36 grit barely phases it.

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

OH gosh! I hope this is your house and you're not a contractor doing this job for someone.... That sounds terrible... :-(

[@guernseyop27]

Get a grinder with a vacuum hood and a diamond cup .... It will cut through anything

[@rmalus10297]

Our tile chips into tiny fragments. It is a very very slllllloooooooooow going process. The cement board is also nailed in and the nail heads break off when we try to remove them. This kitchen is a nightmare

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Arrrrgh.. I know the feeling... I've been through that.. :-(

[@brianhaney6984]

all looks good besides the sandals are a no go!

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Lol... I've got a long list of flip flop haters! 😂

[@brianhaney6984]

@@TheHomeImprovementChannel 😂

[@nickk05281982]

Safety flip flops. The socks are kevlar :) thank you for the technique

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Lol!

[@BartCunningham-c3h]

I'm still trying to find a better way for removing my tile kitchen floor that has cement board underneath it and underneath that plywood. I had a handful of tiles pop off the top of the cement board but on those I cannot see the screw heads because there is mortar over the top of it. I suppose I could try using my hammer drill to skim off the top layer of mortar off the cement board after the tile pops off or maybe not. I haven't tried that yet. I hit the top of the tile hard about 7 times in different spots on a single piece or tile with a one or two pound hammer & then push the chisel-like bit on my hammer drill under the cement board. I can only see some of the screws after shoveling & sweeping up the mess but see lots more of the screws after pulling up the torn up pieces of cement board. There are so many screws in that cement board. I must have taken out at least 100 screws within a 52 ft square area. Anyways I thought I had recovered from my lower back pain that I had a few weeks ago but after 52 square ft. of tile removal yesterday, My lower back pain came back again. Sadly I'll have to pay someone to finish the job for me

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Yes it can be quite a job to get all that loose. Finding all the screws will prove to be quite the challenge. My approach is to rip everything loose and force it to come out! They do make a tool for demolition on this kind of job called a "Honey Badger". I suspect it'll work pretty good, but it doesn't have the length to reach under there that hammering in the 2x4 wedges as I showed in the video. I've used that method a few different times and to me it's the fastest and easiest way to get it all loose. Then you can go back and get the left over screws out when the floor is out.

[@BartCunningham-c3h]

Yes I need to try that. I suspect maybe to have a starting point I might need to break loose the leading edge of it with my hammer drill so it creates a small narrow gap under the cement board so that I can drive that wedge underneath it. Thanks for the tip

[@deniseandmarkfirestine7443]

Thanks for the tips

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

You're welcome.. 😀

[@kevinoverholtzer3126]

this is the best spot bonded floor I ever saw

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

This floor was a nightmare to get up!

[@davidewan3]

you can use a magnet to find the screw heads.

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Yes absolutely. A roofing magnet works great, it's about 2' wide.. 😊

[@JamesBrown-ei8wc]

What do you do to not mess up the base board? And what if you do mess up the base board?

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

HI, I will usually remove the baseboard on a job like this. Everything will come out easier. But if you've messed up the baseboard, how bad is it? If it's something that's readily available, I would replace it. IF you can't find a match for it, can it be patched with wood filler/ bondo, etc?

[@JamesBrown-ei8wc]

@@TheHomeImprovementChannel thanks ,just wandering.

[@denicehtamayo4541]

I have slate on hardy backer board, will this method work? Also did you buy the wedges or make them?

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

I made those wedges by ripping 2x4s at an angle.. IT should work with the slate. You just have to get the wedges started and drive them under. Be sure to wear safety glasses incase of flying bits of tiles..

[@redzones23]

@5:06 THE MADMAN!!! Sandals with hammering !

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

diver diver lol... Yea I had forgotten my actual shoes that day.... but no biggie... I can work with flip flops too!

[@fattony5331]

Angel Castillo boots are for bitches.

[@GreensNGoodness]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Thank You... I've used this way several times, it works pretty well every time!

[@Ventallyouwant]

Why didn't you take the trim off the bottom of the walls

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

I did eventually, but I don't think it would have helped me remove the tile..

[@GaryMeadowsMusic]

Thanks

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Welcome

[@ryanschneider8231]

Trying to find what hammer drill you are using with no luck.

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Ryan Schneider it's a Hitachi I got at Lowe's... not sure of model... I can check it if u want to know exactly

[@dbyers12]

Ryan Schneider I bought mine at Harbor Freight tools. For $79. Best tool investment I ever made. Worked like a charm.

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Yep, I've had pretty good luck with Har Freight. I had a tile saw quit one time after 30 days, but several other things have been good.... Thanks again..

[@Ollieslife101]

Lowes carries it

[@watchdaride]

going to try this on my 2nd floor bathroom .

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

I hope it works great for you!.. 😀

[@watchdaride]

@@TheHomeImprovementChannel is there any way to paint tile .I have a small bathroom but need to change color from beige to white . Selling house so long term durability not a priority

[@wholesome122]

What if the tile is glued with construction glue to the subfloor?

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

It'll be a fight no matter what! But this principle should still work. Is the tile glued directly to the subfloor? U can use a hammer drill to get it up if that's what you meant.

[@davepecoraro4767]

I'd shoot your contractor.. That's wrong..

[@kevinsunday2842]

Dude love the 2x4 trick guess you've been there a few times

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Yes that one was quite soothing on the old back!... Lol.. (sarcasm)..

[@taylorperkins8411]

That remaining layer of yellow/white material on the floor. That separates you from standing on the plywood. If I’m at that point (actually it’s the exact same in the video I have in my house) to get hardwood floors installed do I need to remove that material too?

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Yes, especially if theres other hardwood in the house that your going to match up to...

[@Tonpride5]

Good tips- except the shorts and flip-flops! 😁 Upgrade to crocks, at least. 😂

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Lol!... I had actually forgot my shoes that day and went out of the house in flip flops.. The shorts were intentional. I strive to be comfortable.. Thanks for the feedback... 😀

[@WhatIsKenDoing]

Wow. Using a splitting axe and flip flops. Way to go, Copernicus.

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Ok

[@michaelbradford8079]

Safety glasses, hepa filter mask, and don't forgot about the slides with socks. My kinda dude

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Lol.. 😂😂

[@courtneyyon5916]

Highly recommended safety glasses as he is wearing flip flops lol

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Lol... I had forgotten my shoes that day and I wasn't about to drive all the way back home just for that!... Thanks for the feedback. 😁

[@courtneyyon5916]

Just giving you a hard time. Keep working hard

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

I know!.. It's ok. 😀 @@courtneyyon5916

[@neilfitch]

Why do you need a new floor? There's a beautiful retro vinyl floor already there!

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Lol... I couldn't understand it either, but that's what they wanted!

[@dougsteele5764]

Removing plywood !

[@rennpartsdirect]

Are you wearing OSHA approved sandals? Just curious...

[@JLPicard440]

Yep!

[@michaelking42]

Your backer board was screwed down. Mine was nailed in a box pattern, 6 inches on center. Not easy.

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Either way, removing is always a bear... :-)

[@Ollieslife101]

Haha safety first must have safety glasses and mask but dont worry about my sandals and axe nothing could happen hahaha love ya buddy I watch all ur DIY videos..

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Yea, I hear ya... I had gone off that day and fogot my actual shoes! I was wearing flip flops when I left the house and well... there you have it! Just happened to be shooting the video that day.... Thanks for the input...:-)

[@whitechris720]

I am using a magnet to find the screws and remove. Hopefully doing this way I won't damage the wooden subflooring.

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Yes that'll work.. although I suspect it'll take a lot longer... 😊😊

[@whitechris720]

@@TheHomeImprovementChannel way too long. Switching to your method now. Thanks

[@billmyers8572]

Good video, make sure you always wear your flip flops 🤣

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Lol!.. Yea I've had a lot of comments about the flip-flops.. 😂

[@ronaldradicalhickman6071]

There is a complete bed of thinset on the Durock....no way to get to the screws...

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

I wouldn't worry about getting to the screws. Take out any that you see and rip the rest of them out!

[@ronaldradicalhickman6071]

@@TheHomeImprovementChannel ....holy moly , half inch Durock to old hardwood floors with 16" tiles on top in the kitchen....tile came up no prob..... using a roofing tearoff shovel and it is destroying the Durock , nothing but dust to shovel out.... thanks....video was helpful....

[@LightGesture]

Dunno how well this would work on mortared down subfloor... ugh

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Sounds like a tough job!

[@ericresendes8146]

Seems like u created much more work for yourself

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

OK thanks

[@espy0008]

That method doesn’t work so well when backer board is installed correctly. You’re supposed to install your backer over the subfloor using thinset with screws or nails every 6”-8”. Using that method ensures the floor will never develop hollow spots or cracks in the tile or grout.

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

This floor had so many screws in it it's not funny... 😂 I think this would still work even if they had used thinset. The thinset doesn't have a huge grip on plywood. It's more for a vertical filler so that it doesn't squash down in the low spots.. You're right though, that is the correct method...

[@espy0008]

@@TheHomeImprovementChannel I've installed tile for 25 years. Now I do bathroom remodels exclusively.

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Nice!@@espy0008

[@fl8862]

Socks and flip flops while wielding an axe....this guy clearly likes living life on the edge. Not a bad method though I must say.

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Lol.. I had forgotten my shoes that day and had a job to do! 😂😂

[@fl8862]

@@TheHomeImprovementChannel No worries my friend, it was entertaining to watch and a pretty cool technique. 👍

[@johnnichols2710]

I think wearing sandals distracted from your intent of sharing your tips from all the sandal comments. Ha

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

I've had plenty of sandal haters! Sometimes I'll wear them just to bring out the haters... 😂 But in this particular case, I wore them right out of the house and was 1/2 way to a far away job before I noticed!... So I wasn't about to go back just to change shoes... lol.. that's my story and I'm sticking to it..

[@boltup5566]

Put up plastic sheets. The dust is horrific.

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

I did have some up cutting off the rest of the house.. your right... it's pretty bad, but not as bad as sanding drywall!

[@samcormas6466]

Ok shorts, sleeveless shirt, sandals are priceless method works but safety hazard!

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Lol! I am constantly in shorts and sleeveless shirt, but the sandals was because I forgot to put my shoes on before leaving the house that day... By the time I noticed I was half way to the job... 😊

[@Tearial311]

I’d be wearing gloves since that tile comes out like knives

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Yes you're absolutely right!... 😀. I usually do.

[@jamenseamster1663]

I am here

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Me too.

[@royg4757]

Never trust a contractor that shows up to your house wearing sandals or flip flops!

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Lol... I had actually forgotten my shoes that day and I was to far down the road to turn back so there u have it!😂

[@bdenney9443]

@@TheHomeImprovementChannel ah man, thats a great answer. You forgot shoes when leaving your house to go to work. I'd hire you strictly because of that. Haha. Been doing construction my whole life and have worked in everything from flip flops to work boots. Some days you just want to be comfortable

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

@@bdenney9443 Lol... Yep.... :-) I've had a lot of people hate on my flip flops.. I appreciate your feedback...

[@bethpersons7134]

obviously the backer board wasn't cemented down. I wish I could drive wedges

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Did u try? Maybe the thin set has broken down over time..

[@ALLPHILLYALLDAY14]

I thought I was the only moron who wears flip-flops n slides while demoing/installing tile...its “my thing”...over 20 yrs of demoing floors/showers and only but me in the ass once demoing in slides but it was a good one. Was leaking all over the bathroom. Thankfully my customer was out of town. Lol

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

I usually don't wear flip-flops to work! I usually wear them any other time in the summer though so without even thinking about it, I wore them out of the house and went to work... LOL... Obviously I wasnt going to turn around and go get some decent shoes, so I just rolled with it.... :-)

[@yurihuski]

that was some rubbish adhesive pattern when the tiles were put down

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Yea that was probably done in the 90s... depending on which one you mean, I think there were 2 layers or more of flooring. The house was built in the mid 80s...

[@joestimac1056]

Using a roofing shovel would be easier and faster, just saying...

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

I actually tried a roofing shovel.... It was a absolute joke! Not strong enough to remove that stuff at all... That floor was really thick with multiple layers... and screwed down to the max....

[@mike1968442]

The easiest way is …. Hire someone else! Seriously I’m starting this 2 weeks before Christmas.

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Lol! That's true with every project... 😂

[@TerranceBia]

Looks like a Broke Steve Carrel

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Yep.... broke... :-(

[@craigschafer1369]

No gloves? Asking for lacerations from those broken tile pieces.....WEAR GLOVES!!!

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Yes I usually wear gloves..

[@In_Case_Im_Fake]

that linoleum is hideous

[@TheHomeImprovementChannel]

Lol.... that was the latest and greatest in the 90s... 😀

[@somosutahslc7272]

.... hahaha, is ridiculous