How much does tile demolition and disposal cost before a new installation in Ottawa?

Tile demolition and disposal in Ottawa runs $3 to $8 per square foot in 2026, with the range depending on the type of tile being removed, what is underneath it, and how accessible the space is. For a typical bathroom of 50 to 80 square feet of floor and wall tile, expect to pay $400 to $1,200 for complete demolition and disposal. A kitchen floor of 120 to 150 square feet runs $360 to $1,200.

The lower end of that range — $3 to $5 per square foot — applies to straightforward floor tile removal where ceramic or porcelain tile was installed over cement board or a concrete slab. The tile comes up relatively cleanly with a power chisel, the debris is manageable, and the substrate underneath is usually reusable or easily repaired. The higher end — $6 to $8 per square foot — applies to more difficult scenarios: tile set directly into a thick mortar bed (common in older Ottawa homes built before the 1980s), natural stone tile that is heavier and harder to break up, wall tile removal that requires replacing the backer board or damaged drywall behind it, and second-floor bathrooms where debris has to be carried down stairs.

Disposal costs are often quoted separately or bundled into the demolition rate. Most Ottawa tile contractors include disposal in their per-square-foot demolition price, but confirm this upfront. A typical bathroom demolition generates one to three cubic yards of debris, and disposal at Ottawa-area landfills runs roughly $80 to $150 per load depending on weight. If you are renovating during warmer months, a small bin rental from a local waste company costs $200 to $400 for a few days and simplifies the process considerably.

One cost that catches homeowners off guard is substrate damage discovered during demolition. When old tile is removed, the cement board, plywood, or subfloor underneath is often damaged and needs repair or replacement before new tile can go down. Budget an additional $2 to $6 per square foot for subfloor repair and levelling as a contingency. In older Ottawa homes — particularly those in established neighbourhoods like the Glebe, Old Ottawa South, or Westboro — you may find multiple layers of flooring stacked on top of each other, each of which adds to demolition time and cost.

A practical tip: if your installer quotes demolition and new tile installation as separate line items, the total is usually more transparent than a single all-inclusive number. That way you can see exactly what you are paying for removal versus new installation, and there are no surprises if the subfloor condition turns out to be worse than expected.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects Ottawa homeowners with qualified professionals:

• 613Bins
• JC Carpentry
• L.L. Renovation
• Prism Services
• Eastern Residential Solution