Tile Removal Dumpster Rental Lakeland FL
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Tile Removal Dumpsters in Lakeland, FL
In short
Tile is the job that surprises people, and the reason is what's underneath it. Tile on thinset comes out at about 6 to 8 pounds per square foot. Tile floated on an old mortar bed is closer to 16.5. That's the difference between about 850 square feet per dumpster and about 360. Check your floor in the calculator below.
Tile Debris Calculator
Pick how your tile was installed. If you're not sure, choose mortar bed for an older home so you don't come up short.
Uses about 7 pounds per square foot for thinset tile and 16.5 for mortar bed tile. Call us before booking a big tile job.
Thinset vs. Mortar Bed
| How it was set | Pounds per sq ft | Per 3-ton load | Per 4-ton load |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thinset over backer board | 6 to 8 | About 850 sq ft | About 1,140 sq ft |
| 1 inch mortar bed | About 16.5 | About 360 sq ft | About 485 sq ft |
A mortar bed is a thick slab of mortar, often reinforced with wire mesh, that the tile was pressed into. Most of the weight on these jobs comes from the mortar, not the tile.
Which Size to Book
Straight tile jobs belong in a 15-yard. It costs $335 for a day or $400 for a week, it carries as much weight as the 20-yard, and its 4 foot walls are easier to heave heavy pieces over. When the tile comes out with cabinets, drywall, or a tub, step up to the 20-yard so the bulky stuff has room. Every size and rental length is on our price list.
Before the First Tile Comes Up
- Control the dust. Grinding thinset makes fine dust that can contain silica. Keep it damp and use dust collection.
- Check the age of the house. Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint, and old flooring layers can hide asbestos. Test first.
- Load heavy first. Spread tile across the dumpster floor instead of piling it in one corner.
Carpet, wood, or vinyl coming out too? Our flooring removal page covers those. For a full gut, see home renovation debris removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does old tile weigh once it's torn out?
Ceramic tile alone is about 4 to 4.5 pounds per square foot. Add thinset and backer board and you're at roughly 6 to 8. Tile that was floated on a traditional mortar bed comes out at about 16 to 17 pounds per square foot.
How can I tell if my tile is on a mortar bed?
Pull up the first few tiles and look. A mortar bed is a thick layer, often an inch or more, usually with wire mesh buried in it. It shows up most in older homes, especially ones built before 1980. A tiled floor that sits noticeably higher than the next room is another clue.
Is a 15-yard or 20-yard better for tile?
For tile by itself, take the 15-yard. Both sizes stop at 3 tons, so the 20-yard's extra room doesn't help, and the 15-yard is $50 cheaper and easier to load. Pick the 20-yard if cabinets or a vanity are coming out too.
How bad is the dust?
Breaking tile and grinding thinset throws off fine dust that can contain silica. Keep the area damp, run a vacuum or dust collection on grinders, and seal off the rest of the house.
Can tile share a dumpster with other remodel debris?
Yes. Load the tile first and spread it across the floor, then pile the lighter material on top. Just keep an eye on the total weight.
Tell us the square footage and whether you've hit a mortar bed. We'll tell you how many loads to plan.
Call (863) 412-5036 Book online
