Tile is usually installed with a sturdy adhesive called mortar. It takes the right tools to remove without damaging the sub-floor or wall. Before removing tile, make sure you have a strong back and stamina for a tough project. Then, prepare yourself with safety glasses, heavy leather gloves and knee-pads.Rule out whether your old floor tile may include asbestos. You can consult with a home inspector or asbestos removal company if you don’t have a record of the material. If it does contain asbestos, hire a company to seal off the area and remove it to reduce your risk of harmful inhalants.Use the chisel to pry up sections of tile and view what’s underneath. The following are the best ways to remove tile depending upon your subflooring. If the tile is adhered directly on the subfloor you will need to break it back by hand, instead of removing pieces of tile along with the underlayment.If the underlayment is plywood, use a reciprocating saw and 12 inch (30.5 cm) wood cutting blade to cut through the plywood. Cut the plywood underlayment out and remove it along with the tile.If the underlayment is cement backer board, use a reciprocating saw with a carbide-grit masonry-cutting blade and remove the backer board with the tile still attached. Be careful to avoid cutting through the subfloor or you will have to reinstall a new subfloor before you place new flooring down.