How Do I Remove Floor Tile Without Breaking It?

If your tiles were properly installed with thinset, you probably won't get them out in one piece. Heat might help if they used organic or mastic glue, but that's less common these days with modern installations.

I've gone through this, and I feel you on wanting to save your tile! My advice: be patient and take it slow. Start by carefully cutting the grout with a utility knife, separating it from the other tiles. I found using a hairdryer to warm the tile slightly works better than a torch because it heats more evenly. As you pry, use a scraper or putty knife and go easy—sometimes just a gentle tap with a rubber mallet helps. If it feels stuck, don’t force it. Just reapply some heat and try again. It's all about patience! Would love to know how it goes for you!

Honestly, I've tried removing tiles in the past and it's super tough to do it without breaking them, especially if they're set well. If the thinset is good and strong, it’s going to be nearly impossible to lift it without some damage. Heating the tile doesn't help much since the glue is generally cement-based. But hitting the tile with a hammer can sometimes make it crack into pieces, which is a method some folks use to avoid damaging the surrounding tiles. If you've got water under the tiles, consider getting a full floor inspection—you might need to redo the whole thing if there's a bigger problem!