How To Remove Laminate Flooring

Follow these simple steps to remove laminate flooring for repairs or to make room for a new floor.

Tools

•     Razor Floor Scraper (for concrete sub-floors)
•     Wedge Scraper (for wood sub-floors)
•     Flooring Compound
•     Mallet
•     Skill Saw (available for rental)

Precautionary Note

If your floor is older than 30 years, of if your house was built prior to 1977, have a contractor test for asbestos before you start removing the planks. A lot of older adhesives contained asbestos and/or lead. Breathing this can be dangerous.

Step 1 — Cut down the middle of each plank with the saw. This will help to break up any adhesive that may be difficult to remove.

Step 2 — Use your chisel and mallet to tap the planks out of place.

Step 3 — Use your razor floor scraper to remove any residual adhesive left on the concrete sub-flooring. Use the wedge scraper to do the same thing for the wood sub-flooring.

Step 4 — Fill in any cracks or dents using the flooring compound.

Your subfloor is now ready to install a new floor.