How To Remove Wood Flooring That Is Glued Down

How to Remove Wood Flooring That Is Glued Down

Removing glued-down wood flooring can be a tricky task, but it is possible to do it yourself with the right tools and techniques. Here are the steps on how to remove wood flooring that is glued down:

1. Gather your tools and materials. You will need a pry bar, a hammer, a utility knife, a dust mask, and safety glasses. You may also want to rent a floor stripper to make the job easier.

2. Prepare the area. Clear the room of all furniture and other objects. Cover the floor with a drop cloth to protect it from damage.

3. Score the flooring. Use a utility knife to score the flooring along the edges of the room and around any obstacles. This will help to loosen the glue and make it easier to remove the flooring.

4. Pry up the flooring. Start by prying up a corner of the flooring with a pry bar. Once you have a small gap, insert the pry bar under the flooring and pry it up. Continue prying up the flooring until it is completely removed.

5. Clean the subfloor. Once the flooring is removed, you will need to clean the subfloor. Use a broom or vacuum to remove any debris, and then wipe down the floor with a damp cloth.

6. Install new flooring. Once the subfloor is clean, you can install new flooring. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the new flooring.

Tips:

If the flooring is particularly difficult to remove, you may need to use a floor stripper.
Be careful not to damage the subfloor when prying up the flooring.
Wear a dust mask and safety glasses when removing glued-down wood flooring.
Dispose of the old flooring properly.