Old Tile Removal in Warsaw — Wall and Floor Demolition
15.03.2026Old Tile Removal in Warsaw — Wall and Floor Demolition
Before laying new tiles the old ones must come off. It sounds simple, but in practice it means dust, noise, heavy physical labour and the risk of damaging the substrate. In older Warsaw buildings in Praga or Ochota, tiles sit on a finger-thick layer of cement mortar — chipping them off with a Bosch or Makita demolition hammer takes an hour per square metre. In newer Wilanow developments tiles are on thin-set adhesive — faster, but more care is needed to avoid damaging the screed. We remove tiles across Warsaw and prepare substrates for new finishes.
How much does it cost and what affects the price
The cost depends on the area, fixing method (adhesive or cement mortar), layer thickness and substrate type (concrete, brick, plasterboard). Tiles on thin adhesive come off faster and cheaper. On thick mortar — slower and harder. Cleaning adhesive residue and levelling the substrate is a separate item. Waste removal is charged separately. Current prices are in the table below.
| Service | min | max |
|---|---|---|
| Old tile removal | 40 zł/m² | 100 zł/m² |
| Substrate preparation for tiles | 40 zł/m² | 80 zł/m² |
| Waterproofing under tiles | 30 zł/m² | 60 zł/m² |
| Standard tile up to 60 cm | 120 zł/m² | 160 zł/m² |
| Tile 60–120 cm | 160 zł/m² | 220 zł/m² |
How the work is done on site
- Assessment. We determine the fixing method, substrate condition and whether pipes or cables run behind the tiles.
- Room protection. We cover the bathtub, toilet, fittings and doorways with sheeting. There will be a lot of dust.
- Demolition. We work with a Bosch or Hilti demolition hammer and flat chisel, starting from an edge. Tiles are removed along with the adhesive layer.
- Substrate cleaning. After tile removal, adhesive lumps remain. We chip them off and grind the surface smooth.
- Substrate inspection. Under old tiles we sometimes find crumbling plaster, screed cracks or damaged waterproofing. We report to the client.
- Clean-up. Rubble is bagged and carried out. The room is vacuumed.
Common demolition mistakes
- Chiselling too deep — damages the screed or wall. Chisel depth must be controlled.
- Not protecting fixtures — tile fragments scratch the bath, basin and toilet.
- Forgetting about services — pipes and cables may run behind tiles.
- Leaving adhesive residue — bumps make the surface unsuitable for new tiles.
- Chipping off plasterboard — the board is destroyed with the tiles. Easier to replace the whole sheet.
- Not removing rubble promptly — bags pile up and block access.
What to prepare before the technician arrives
- Clear the room of furniture, appliances and personal items.
- Shut off the water if demolition is near plumbing.
- Seal doorways with sheeting — dust spreads through the entire flat.
- Confirm whether hidden services run behind the tiles.
- Prepare heavy-duty rubble bags (40-60 litres).
- Arrange waste collection — this is a separate service.
- Ensure power for the demolition hammer.
- Notify neighbours — tile removal is one of the noisiest jobs.
- If specific tiles need saving — say so in advance (careful removal costs more).
- Confirm access: intercom, floor, lift.
A real case from Warsaw
A bathroom in Ochota, 1970s block, 4 m² of walls and floor. Old 15×15 tiles on cement mortar 2-3 cm thick. Hilti TE 30 with flat chisel — one tile at a time, mortar came away in chunks. Behind the wall tiles we found old oil-based paint — it had to be removed or new adhesive would not bond. The floor screed had cracks — we informed the client. Full demolition took one day for two workers. We carried out 15 bags at 30 kg each. The room was ready for levelling and new tiling.
Frequently asked questions
Can new tiles be laid over old ones?
Technically yes, if the old tiles are firmly bonded and level. But floor height rises by 15-20 mm — check door thresholds.
How long does removal take?
A bathroom of 5-7 m² on adhesive — one day. On cement mortar — one and a half to two days.
Will the hammer damage the wall?
With careful work — no. On plasterboard the sheet is destroyed and is easier to replace entirely.
Does adhesive residue need to be removed?
Yes. Remaining lumps create an uneven surface that prevents new tiles from sitting flat.
Where does the rubble go?
Broken tiles are heavy construction waste. Bagging and removal is a separate service.
Can I do the removal myself?
Yes, but you need a demolition hammer, safety goggles, a dust mask and stamina. It is loud, dusty and physically demanding.
What if defects are found underneath?
Cracked screed, old paint — these must be addressed before new tiles go on. The technician will assess scope and cost.
How noisy is it?
A demolition hammer is one of the loudest tools. Work is done during daytime hours (8-18) per building rules.
Are materials included in the price?
Demolition requires no materials. The price covers labour and tools. Bags and removal are separate.
Can tiles be removed intact for reuse?
On thin adhesive — sometimes. But most tiles break during removal. Careful removal costs more.
Who does the work
Tile removal is carried out by technicians with professional tools — Bosch, Makita and Hilti demolition hammers plus grinding equipment. We work quickly and carefully, control depth and protect fixtures. We cover all of Warsaw. Call or message — we will assess the scope and quote a price.