Abstract: A method of removing ceramic tile wherein the tiles are heated using a gas burner by passing the flame of the burner over the surface of the ceramic tile where it is secured to a supporting surface by grout or other cementitious material. The ceramic tile is thus exposed to the burner flame for a period of time sufficient to fracture the ceramic tile from its secured position surrounded by the grout or other cementitious material. The apparatus upon which the burner is mounted includes a fuel supply, a burner assembly having at least one gas burner with a flame of at least 200,000 BTU. The fuel supply and burner assembly are interconnected to supply fuel to the burner assembly, and are mounted on a wheeled cart. The burner assembly is further positioned on the cart such that the burner is at least 3-5 inches above the ceramic tile being removed, such that the flame is provided from the burner in a circle having a diameter of approximately 6 inches over the ceramic tile being removed.