5 Mistakes to Avoid When Removing Tile or Flooring
Removing old flooring or tile is one of the most physically demanding—and often underestimated—steps in any renovation or demolition project. Whether you’re tackling a residential remodel or a large-scale commercial job, the tools you use and the techniques you apply can make the difference between a clean, efficient tear-out and hours of wasted time, damaged surfaces, or costly mistakes.
At Champion Chisel Works, we’ve spent decades providing contractors and flooring professionals with the heavy-duty tools they need to get the job done right. Based on that experience, we’ve seen firsthand the most common mistakes that slow down flooring removal and increase labor costs.
If you want to save time, avoid frustration, and protect your project investment, here are the five most common flooring and tile removal mistakes—and how to avoid them.
1. Using the Wrong Tools for the Job
The most common mistake professionals and DIYers make is relying on inadequate tools. A standard pry bar, household scraper, or makeshift tool simply won’t cut it for bonded tile, thick adhesives, or stubborn floor coatings.
Solution: Invest in purpose-built tools like the Champion Chisel Floor Scraper System, designed specifically for heavy-duty tile and flooring removal. Our standard and heavy-duty scrapers attach to demolition hammers, providing the power and leverage needed to efficiently lift flooring materials, adhesives, and coatings.
We also offer specialty tools such as Jumbo Chisels, Bent Chisels, and Edco Style attachments to tackle large surfaces, tight spaces, or machine-specific applications.
Explore Champion Chisel Floor Scraper Systems
2. Not Checking the Subfloor Before Starting
Many crews dive into a flooring removal project without properly assessing what lies beneath the surface. Different subfloors—such as concrete, plywood, or slab—require different removal strategies, tools, and techniques.
Failing to inspect the subfloor can lead to:
- Damage to the subfloor, increasing repair costs
- Broken tools if incorrect blades are used
- Delays due to unexpected adhesives or coatings
Solution: Always inspect the subfloor before beginning removal. Identify the material type, thickness of adhesives, and whether specialty tools like Heavy Duty Floor Scrapers or Bush Tools are needed for surface prep after tile removal.
3. Using the Wrong Shank Style for Your Demolition Hammer
Tool compatibility is crucial when removing flooring. Many customers purchase high-quality scraper attachments only to realize they don’t match their demolition hammer’s shank style, leading to downtime, reduced efficiency, or unsafe operation.
Solution: Confirm your hammer's make and model before selecting attachments. Champion Chisel offers a wide variety of shank styles to ensure compatibility with most major brands, including SDS-Max, hex shank, and Edco-style machines.
If you’re unsure which shank style you need, call our team at 800-239-1434 for expert assistance.
4. Skipping Surface Preparation After Removal
Many flooring removal jobs focus entirely on pulling up tile or vinyl, only to discover the surface is covered with stubborn adhesives, thinset, or coating residues that prevent proper installation of new flooring.
Skipping surface preparation can lead to:
- Poor adhesion of new materials
- Uneven surfaces that compromise finished flooring
- The need for costly do-overs
Solution: After removing the bulk of the flooring, use tools like Bush Tools or scrapers to eliminate remaining adhesives or coatings. Champion Chisel’s Steel and Carbide Bush Tools are ideal for prepping concrete, removing scale, or roughening surfaces for better bonding.
Proper surface prep ensures your new flooring installation is smooth, secure, and built to last.
5. Underestimating the Scope of the Job
Tile and flooring removal often looks easier than it is. Underestimating the time, labor, or tool wear involved leads to delays, worker fatigue, and rushed results that compromise the quality of the finished space.
Solution: Plan thoroughly. Factor in:
- Square footage of flooring to be removed
- Type and thickness of adhesives
- Material hardness (ceramic tile, vinyl, rubber, etc.)
- The need for specialty chisels or scrapers in tight areas
Champion Chisel provides a range of tools designed for both small residential jobs and large-scale commercial projects, ensuring you’re prepared for any removal task.
The Right Tools Prevent Costly Mistakes
Removing tile and flooring is hard work, but it doesn’t have to be inefficient or damaging. By avoiding these five common mistakes and using professional-grade tools from Champion Chisel, you can complete flooring removal faster, safer, and with better results.
From Floor Scraper Systems to Jumbo Chisels and specialty attachments, our products are built to withstand the toughest jobs while protecting your equipment and surfaces.
Need help selecting the right tool for your next flooring project? Explore our full product line or contact our team today to find the perfect chisel for your next project.