How do I prep a concrete floor before installing tile myself?

Question

I am ripping out the old chipped tiles of my fireplace hearth in my basement. It is a concrete floor underneath. Do I need to get all of the old quick-set off before applying new quick-set for the new tiles? If so, how do I remove it? I've been using a hammer and chisel to take out the old tiles, but the old quick-set isn't really coming up with it. Thanks!!

Answer 1

you do need to get the floor as level as possible ..so yes you do need to remove any old lumps and bumps ..a sharp cold chisel and a lump hammer works for me  

Answer 2

I would use the hammer to smash it down then sweep it up. then take a chisel, a brick chisel would work best for this.

Good luck.