How to Salvage Old Tiles
Do you want to save money on your flooring? Why not recycle tiles? Indeed, old tiles can be removed from old floors and installed on new ones. The main concern here is that these items are often thin. They can break if you try to salvage them. However, it can be done with enough care. First, remove the grout around the tile using a handheld rotary tool. Be careful not to touch the tool’s head on the tile’s edges to avoid chips. When the grout is removed, find an exposed edge of a tile. Take a putty knife and insert the end into the space underneath the tile’s edge. Then tap the handle with a hammer while pushing the putty knife further into the tile. The tile should pop out after a few taps. Take it out then grind down and remove excess mortar and grout with an angle grinder. Use gentle pressure and slow speed to ensure the tile will not get damaged. Once the bottom of the piece is smooth, wipe it with a damp sponge. Store the tile in a safe place and continue the procedure with other salvageable tiles.