How to Safely Restore Old Tile From Concrete

Remove the grout from between the tiles with a grout saw. Use caution while using the grout saw as a small slip can easily scratch the top of the old tiles.

Vacuum the dried grout pieces from between the grout joints and the top of the tiles.

Gently tap the tiles to see if any of are loose. Removing the tile will be much easier if you can find a tile that is already loose.

Place a chisel in the grout line under the first tile. Tap the chisel gently with a hammer to see if it will loosen the tile. If this method does not loosen the tile, place a thin flexible putty knife under the tile and try to work it loose. Removing the first tile will be the most difficult; you may break this tile.

With the chisel and hammer, remove the rest of the old tiles from the concrete. Work slowly so you do not damage the tiles. Set the tiles aside as you remove them.

Clean the back of the old tiles. If the tiles were installed with glue, you may be able to use an adhesive remover to remove the glue. However, most tiles are installed with mortar. Remove the mortar by clamping the tile to the top of a workbench. Use a cement grinder to grind away the high spots on the back of the tile. Once the tiles are clean they are ready for reuse.