Removing "Cafeteria" tile

This took place in the tiny two-bedroom townhouse we lived in while hoping the house we were building would get done.  We bought that place to take care of the "3 week" overlap between when we sold our old place and when we could take possession of our newly built house.  Turned out to be a 5 month detour, since no house was built, but also a blessing in many ways.

We learned lots of additional remodeling skills!  These townhouses were originally built with this "cafeteria" tile in the kitchens.  It's hardy stuff, but so ugly :(.  

We knew we'd have a much better shot at selling this place if a more up-to-date floor was installed so we decided to remove it.  After spending 30 minutes chipping away at ONE tile, I was concerned.  It seemed like such a daunting task.

So imagine my surprise when my husband texts me while I was out of the house about a quick removal method!

Heat gun, baby!  Yes, that is the answer.  If you ever find yourself in need of removing any type of glued-on tile...this is the secret.  Methodically run the heat gun over each area of one tile.  Then peel!  The heat gun melts the glue and they easily peel up like nobody's business!  It was such a time-saving discovery.

Did you want to know what we covered this floor with afterward?  I wrote a post about it {HERE}.