The Short Answer
Tile removal involves breaking tiles loose with a chisel or oscillating multi-tool and scraping the mortar bed from the substrate. Floor tile removal is particularly labor-intensive when set in a mortar bed rather than thin-set. Wall tile removal in showers often pulls the substrate (cement board or drywall) with the tile, requiring substrate replacement. Debris removal and disposal adds to the cost. For most remodeling contractors, tile removal and disposal runs $3-$7 per square foot.