Tiles up, but backer boards...


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Old 12-06-19, 08:06 AM
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Tiles up, but backer boards...

We are replacing our tile floors with hardwood. The tiles were 18” squares and came up pretty easily. But the backer boards were glued (thin set?) and nailed.

It took about 3 hours to remove a 12’x3’ section in the hall. I still have the kitchen, dining room, entry way and breakfast bar to remove.

Does anyone have any suggestions for getting that material up without killing my self?

Thanks!
 
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Old 12-06-19, 09:01 AM
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A lot depends on how and what tools you were using to remove the backer. In general go with bigger tools. Wrecking bars, long/large pry bars... I have one that's 7' long and weighs 30 pounds. There isn't much it can't break or rip up in a hurry.
 
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Old 12-09-19, 08:28 AM
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Thanks, I ended up renting a rotohammer and scraping up all the backer boards. Unfortunately, there’s quite a bit of thin set remaining. And no easy way to get it up.
 
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Old 12-09-19, 08:59 AM
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I use a flat spade bit in a rotary hammer set to impact only. It quickly chisels off mortar and thinset.
 
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Old 12-23-19, 12:03 PM
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Thanks for the advice!

I appreciate your advice. Finished laying the new flooring and it turned out pretty nice. Thanks for sharing your expertise.
 
 

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