Salvaging Mosaic Tile
Is it possible to remove and salvage about 100 square feet of old mosaic tile floor? If so, could it be a DIY project or do you have to hire an expert? Thanks.
Is it possible to remove and salvage about 100 square feet of old mosaic tile floor? If so, could it be a DIY project or do you have to hire an expert? Thanks.
I love Greg at the Petch House. He is tireless, and quite amazing.
I salvaged the tiles from a fireplace surround recently. Some dropped right off the cement, but most are stuck tightly to large chunks of concrete. Thanks, 11:38 for the info on the Fein tool. That sounds like what I need to get.
thanks!
Great site “The Petch House”.
If you need quantities of the flat face tile in colors to match, contact the folks at http://www.lesperancetileworks.com. Ask about the Ohio State Capitol project.
New tile set will cost about 30-40 psf delivered to the site. Demolition and reconstruction could be a DIY although the reinstall to get the tiles perfectly flat and without obvious seams showing from the sheets of tile is a job for a professional (have them do a test patch to show their stuff).
This will be a demolition with a capital “D” expect a 3-4 inch slab connected to the underside of those tiles, and the slab could very well be locked in place by the floor joists.
If you are serious about saving the tiles for reuse, investigate a tool by Fein which is has an oscillating motion. You bolt on a flat blade with diamond edge and work it through the underside. The tiles after they are loose will have to be cleaned.
There are probably 225 tiles per squarefoot, that’s 22500 tiles with 4 sides that have grout to be cleaned, that s 90,000 3/4″edges to dress.
Do a search for a blog called “The Petch House” – he salvaged a ton of old tile for use in his home. Great source of info.