Memphis, TN · Updated
Tile Removal in Memphis: Local Rules and Costs
$4 – $7 per sq ft typical in Memphis. Fine-tune the range ↓
Three short questions follow; we name one local pro before anyone contacts you.
Tile removal in Memphis costs between $3.71 and $7.16 per square foot, with typical jobs covering bathroom or kitchen areas.
Memphis homeowners pay nothing to use it. One pro, introduced by name first.
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- Cited Memphis prices.
Price first.
How much tile removal runs in Memphis.
See the typical Memphis range up front, then decide whether you want a pro to measure.
Memphis, TN · Tile removal.
$4 – $7 per sq ft.
Middle of the range: $5/sq ft.
- Tile repair.$14 – $18 per sq ft.
- Bathroom tile installation.$15 – $19 per sq ft.
- Floor tile installation.$14 – $18 per sq ft.
A range, not a quote. Public price data adjusted for Memphis; the written contract sets the price.
Ready for a real quote?
Tell us about the job and we match you with one Memphis tile pro, named before they contact you.
Other tile jobs.
Other tile jobs Memphis homeowners ask about.
How it works.
How it works in Memphis.
- Describe the work. Share the basics of the tile removal job and your timing in one short Memphis form.
- Hear who it is. One matched Memphis pro, and you get the name first so you can look them up.
- Check it against the range. Hold their written quote up to the Memphis range on this page, then decide.
Costs you nothing. How we're paid.
Know what to ask.
Reading a tile removal quote in Memphis.
What a solid written quote covers
- Exact tile chosen, by name
- Area measured plus cut waste
- How long the work is guaranteed
- Haul-away of old material
- Edge trim and corner details
Questions to ask the pro
- Epoxy or cement grout?
- How flat must the floor be?
- Who removes the old tile?
- How long does curing take?
- What warranty covers the install?
Quick answers.
Common questions about tile removal in Memphis during the most humid month
What should I check about a tile installer's license before hiring them in Memphis?
For residential remodeling projects costing between $3,000 and $24,999 in Shelby County, a Home Improvement license is required, backed by a $10,000 bond or equivalent (Home Improvement Contractor (TN Board for Licensing Contractors)). Verify a contractor's license through the official lookup at verify.tn.gov (Homeowner's Affidavit for Building Permits (Memphis and Shelby County)). Ensure they’re licensed for plumbing and electrical work if those systems are being exposed during removal (Homeowner's Affidavit for Building Permits (Memphis and Shelby County)).
How long does it take to replace all the tiles in a Memphis home?
The time depends on the size and complexity of the area being replaced, but most homeowners complete tile removal and installation within several days to a week. Older homes may require additional preparation due to potential lead-based paint concerns if built before 1978 (ACS 5-year 2020-2024, B25034 Year Structure Built).
The full Memphis guide to tile removal.
Memphis permits, costs and checklists in full
If your home is in a historic district, you may need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Memphis Landmarks Commission (Memphis Landmarks Commission Certificate of Appropriateness resource (2025)). Tile removal in Memphis does not require a building permit because painting, papering, tiling, and similar finish work are exempt under the Memphis and Shelby County Residential Code (Joint ordinance adopting the 2021 IRC with local amendments (Memphis and Shelby County Residential Code)). If your project involves plumbing, a separate plumbing permit would be needed, with fees including a $20 issuance fee plus $7.50 per fixture or trap (2022 Fee Schedule, Memphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement).
When Tile Removal Is Needed in Memphis
Older installations may lack proper sealing or expansion allowances, increasing the risk of cracking and lifting. If removal is needed, permit costs for residential alteration and repair in Memphis are $5.00 per $1,000 of valuation, with a $50 minimum and $325 maximum (2022 Fee Schedule, Memphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement).
Tile removal in Memphis may also be influenced by local construction code enforcement. The Memphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement oversees permits and inspections for work in Memphis and surrounding areas. Understanding these rules ensures compliance when planning tile removal or replacement.
Is mold removal from bathroom tile grout part of tile removal?
Mold removal from bathroom tile grout is generally a separate service and not included in standard tile removal. If mold is present, it may need to be addressed before or after tile removal depending on the situation.
Memphis tile removal prices at a glance
| Job | Low | Typical | High | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tile removal | $4/sq ft | $5/sq ft | $7/sq ft | homewyse.com, 2026-09 |
Typical ranges from public data (homewyse.com; September 2026), not a quote — your contractor's written contract sets the price.
Tile removal prices are estimated from national price guides, adjusted for Memphis.
What changes the price in Memphis
Each local rule or condition below changes what to do, choose or pay for this job; sources included. More rows: full table.
| Local rule or condition | What it changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Work started in Memphis/Shelby County before a permit is issued is charged a double permit fee, per the 2022 fee schedule | Starting work without a permit could double the permit fee if required for this job (source). | 2022 Fee Schedule, Memphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement |
Tile Installation Costs for Older Memphis Houses
This range reflects the need for extra care due to aging substrates and potential code updates.
Older homes may have uneven subfloors or outdated plumbing that require correction before installation. Additionally, the need for 95% mortar coverage on wet or exterior areas (www.tileletter.com) adds to labor time and material use. These conditions increase both the complexity of the job and the overall cost, as contractors must ensure proper adhesion and long-term durability. Movement joints must be filled with 100% silicone, urethane, or polysulfide sealant (www.tileletter.com).
Ceramic tile flooring in older Memphis homes has a service life of up to 75–100 years (NAHB/Bank of America Home Equity, Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components (Feb 2007), Table 1), but this depends on the quality of the initial installation. If previous work lacked proper mortar coverage, such as from incorrect trowel notches or no back-buttering (www.tileletter.com), it can lead to voids and cracking that need repair before new tile is laid. These conditions mean more preparation time for installers, which affects the final price. Tile removal in older homes may also be more costly due to adhesion challenges from aged materials, so considering Tile removal cost in Memphis can help prepare for additional expenses if existing tiles need removal before installation.
Related for Memphis homeowners: Wall Tile Installation and Porcelain Tile Installation.
Best Times to Remove Tiles in Memphis During High Humidity
In Memphis, tile removal should avoid July’s high humidity and consider local code requirements and permit fees for planning the project effectively.
July in Memphis sees high humidity with a dew point near 70°F, increasing moisture risks during tile removal (NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 hourly normals, station USW00013893). Tile removal during this time may require additional drying steps due to condensation and mold concerns. Local termite damage risk is rated as 'Moderate to Heavy' (Joint ordinance adopting the 2021 IRC with local amendments (Memphis and Shelby County Residential Code)), so checking for hidden moisture or pest activity before starting the project is important to avoid complications later. Scheduling removal in drier months can reduce these risks and improve efficiency.
Memphis building permits add $5 per residential permit due to administrative and surcharge fees (2022 Fee Schedule, Memphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement). Planning tile removal during less humid periods helps avoid delays from moisture-related setbacks, which could increase project costs. These factors influence timing and budgeting decisions.
Parts of a tile removal job you can handle yourself
If you’re removing tile in a non-historic area and not exposing plumbing or electrical systems, you may do it yourself. However, if your home is in a historic district like South Main or Annesdale Park (Memphis Landmarks Commission Local Historic Districts map), consult the Landmarks Commission before proceeding. For complex jobs involving pipes or wires, hiring a licensed contractor is recommended.
Check the contractor’s license with the Memphis/Shelby County Division for electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work (Homeowner's Affidavit for Building Permits (Memphis and Shelby County)).
Before you sign a tile removal quote in Memphis
- Scope of removal (e.g., bathroom vs. kitchen)
- Whether plumbing or electrical work will be exposed and who handles permits (Homeowner's Affidavit for Building Permits (Memphis and Shelby County))
- Disposal plan for old tile and materials
- Estimated time based on square footage and home age
Your next steps for tile removal
- Contact the Memphis Landmarks Commission if your home is in a historic district.
- Review tile removal costs based on local water hardness levels and home age.
- Verify contractor licensing for any plumbing or electrical work involved (Homeowner's Affidavit for Building Permits (Memphis and Shelby County)).
Quote check: local band
$3.71–$7.16 per square foot
Get started.
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Page history
- — Updated 98% of the text; new sections: When Tile Removal Is Needed in Memphis Homes Built Before 1970, Memphis tile removal prices at a glance, What in Memphis changes a tile removal job; removed: Homes in Memphis and Tile Removal Challenges, Local Price Table: EPA's RRP Rule and Memphis Tile Removal Costs, Memphis Permit Checks for Tile Removal Contractors
- — Updated 98% of the text; new sections: Homes in Memphis and Tile Removal Challenges, Local Price Table: EPA's RRP Rule and Memphis Tile Removal Costs, Memphis Permit Checks for Tile Removal Contractors; removed: When Tile Removal Is Needed in Memphis Homes Built Before 1970, Memphis tile removal prices at a glance, What in Memphis changes a tile removal job
- — Updated 25% of the text
- — Updated 36% of the text
- — Updated 98% of the text; new sections: When Tile Removal Is Needed in Memphis Homes Built Before 1970, Memphis tile removal prices at a glance, What in Memphis changes a tile removal job; removed: Homes in Memphis and Tile Removal Challenges, Local Price Table: EPA's RRP Rule and Memphis Tile Removal Costs, Memphis Permit Checks for Tile Removal Contractors
- — First version
We list content changes only, not spelling or layout fixes.