Removing old tiles is often the first step in a floor or wall retiling project, and pricing depends heavily on the tile type, adhesive used, and condition of the substrate underneath. Below is current Melbourne pricing for tile, vinyl, adhesive removal, and concrete grinding – all common preparation steps before new tiles are installed.
Ceramic tiles are generally the easiest and most affordable to remove, while natural stone tiles – often set in a thicker mortar bed – take longer to remove safely without damaging the substrate underneath. Vinyl and adhesive removal is common in older homes being upgraded to tile flooring, and often reveals uneven concrete that requires grinding before a new screed or tile can be installed. Removal costs are separate from disposal, though Alistar Tiling Melbourne can arrange waste removal as part of the same quote for a hassle-free renovation.
Tile Removal Prices
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Ceramic Tile Removal | $20–$40/m² |
| Porcelain Tile Removal | $25–$50/m² |
| Stone Tile Removal | $30–$60/m² |
| Vinyl Removal | $15–$35/m² |
| Adhesive Removal | $15–$30/m² |
| Concrete Grinding | $20–$45/m² |
Related Preparation Costs
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Floor Levelling | $20–$45/m² |
| Waste Removal | $150–$500 |
| Crack Repairs | $150–$600 |
What Affects Tile Removal Prices in Melbourne?
Tile removal pricing depends on:
- Tile type – ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone
- How firmly the tiles are bonded to the substrate below
- Whether the substrate is concrete, timber, or a previous screed layer
- Total area of tile, vinyl, or adhesive being removed
- Whether concrete grinding is needed after removal to level the surface
- Access to the property for waste disposal and equipment
- Risk of damage to plumbing, underfloor heating, or waterproofing beneath old tiles
- Whether removal is for a full room or a smaller repair area
Our Tile Removal Process
- 1. On-site assessment – We check the tile type, bonding strength, and substrate condition to scope the removal.
- 2. Fixed quote – You receive a price covering removal, disposal, and any grinding or levelling needed after.
- 3. Tile and adhesive removal – Old tiles, vinyl, or adhesive are carefully removed to protect the substrate below.
- 4. Substrate preparation – The surface is cleaned, ground, or levelled ready for new screed or tiling.
Why Choose Alistar Tiling Melbourne
Alistar Tiling Melbourne removes old ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles, vinyl flooring, and stubborn adhesive residue as preparation for retiling projects across Melbourne. We take care to protect plumbing, waterproofing membranes, and underfloor heating systems that may be present beneath existing tiles, and we can grind and screed concrete to correct unevenness once old flooring is removed. Waste removal can be included in your quote, so old tiles and debris are cleared from site without you needing to arrange separate disposal.
Melbourne Suburbs We Service
We provide tile removal services across greater Melbourne, from older character homes in the inner suburbs with multiple layers of old tile and adhesive, to more recent builds in outer suburbs needing a straightforward single-layer removal before retiling. Removing tiles ahead of a new floor? See our floor tiling prices Melbourne guide, or our bathroom tiling prices Melbourne guide if it's a wet area. Browse our full range of tiling services. Contact us for a free on-site quote for tile removal anywhere across Melbourne.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
01How much does it cost to remove old tiles before retiling?
02Does tile removal include disposal of the old tiles?
03Will removing old tiles damage my subfloor?
04Can you remove tiles without disturbing existing waterproofing?
05How long does it take to remove tiles from an average room?
06Is concrete grinding always needed after tile removal?
07Can you remove vinyl flooring as well as tiles?
08Do you remove tiles from walls as well as floors?
09What happens if asbestos is found under old tiles?
10Do you provide a fixed price for tile removal or charge by the hour?
Get a Free Tile Removal Quote in Melbourne
Contact Alistar Tiling Melbourne for a free on-site quote to remove old tiles, vinyl, or adhesive ahead of your next tiling project.

