How Much Does Tile Removal Cost in Toronto & the GTA?
Tile removal is one of the most labour-intensive demolition jobs in home renovation — which is why pricing varies more than most homeowners expect. Whether you're pulling up a bathroom floor in North York, removing a kitchen backsplash in Scarborough, or gutting a full tiled basement in Mississauga, the cost depends on the tile type, size, adhesive, and what's underneath.
Tile Removal Cost by Material Type (2026)
At Yankeys Demolition, our tile removal pricing in the GTA typically breaks down as follows:
- Ceramic tile (standard): $1.50 – $3.00 per sq ft
- Porcelain tile: $2.00 – $4.00 per sq ft (denser and harder to break)
- Natural stone (marble, slate, travertine): $3.00 – $6.00 per sq ft
- Large-format tile (24"×24" or bigger): $3.50 – $5.50 per sq ft (harder to break safely)
- Mosaic or small-format tile: $2.50 – $4.50 per sq ft (more grout lines, more time)
- Kitchen backsplash tile: Often priced per linear foot or as a flat job
Typical Total Cost Examples
- Small bathroom floor (40–60 sq ft): $75 – $250
- Full bathroom (floor + shower walls, 120 sq ft): $200 – $600
- Kitchen floor (150 sq ft): $225 – $600
- Large tiled basement or main floor (600 sq ft): $900 – $3,000+
These prices are for removal and cleanup only. Subfloor repair, disposal, and new tile installation are quoted separately.
Why Tile Removal Is So Labour-Intensive
Unlike carpet or laminate, tile is bonded to the subfloor with thinset mortar or adhesive. Removing it without damaging the subfloor requires the right tools — electric chisels, floor scrapers, and grinding equipment — plus experience to know how much force to use without cracking the concrete or OSB underneath.
Tile removal also creates significant dust and debris. Professional crews control this with dust shrouds and proper cleanup, which is especially important in occupied homes.
What Adds to the Cost
- Mortar bed installation — some older GTA bathroom tiles sit on a thick mortar bed, not a standard subfloor; removing this adds significant weight and labour
- Heated floor systems — electric in-floor heating under tile needs careful removal to avoid damage to the subfloor wiring (if still wanted) or safe disposal
- Multiple tile layers — older homes sometimes have tile laid over tile; each layer multiplies the work
- Asbestos risk — ceramic and vinyl floor tiles in pre-1985 GTA homes may contain asbestos; testing and abatement add cost and time
- Subfloor damage — if tile removal reveals water damage, rot, or cracked concrete, repairs are needed before new flooring can go down
Floor vs. Wall Tile Removal
Wall tile removal (like bathroom or shower walls) is generally faster and easier than floor tile removal, because there's no mortar bed and the tiles are typically thinner. However, wall tile almost always damages the drywall behind it — plan for drywall repair or replacement when budgeting your bathroom renovation.
Ready to get your tiles removed? Contact Yankeys Demolition for a free, no-obligation estimate. We serve Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Oakville, and the entire GTA.