Tile removal from linoleum installed over lauan

Hi all,

not sure where to ask this... but I have ceramic tile over vinyl flooring over lauan (1/4 inch) over plywood subfloor. The previous owners have given me a challenge. Getting ready to gut the floor to prep for bruce hardwood 3/4 and the rosin paper. I have seen many youtube videos but would like to know what to get for tools for the removal and prep for the wood flooring.

This stufff has to go. I am totally sick of looking at this cold white tile that is blocking my kitchen cabinets in. I would like to keep the lauan to support the new flooring... without destroying it with a tool that isn't right for the job...

help! john

 

Welcome to the forums John!

1/4" luan offers no structural support, I'd rip it out along with the rest. Your subfloor might be adequate for the hardwood or may need 1/2" or better ply added to it.

 

Take it down to the bare 1st layer of subfloor. The 1/4" is not in the mix. You need the minimums of 5/8" plywood or 3/4" OSB for nail down. That is for nail holding power. Your ceramic should come up very easily as it should never been installed over vinyl. The rest, will need a circular saw set to the depth of the floor plus 1/4". Make a series of 8" strip cuts and use a flat pry bar to lift it up. Then report back on the thickness of the subfloor.

 

Just have to agree none of that was done right in the first place.

 

yeah I got home tonight and got a good look at it... they nailed the lauan right over the vinyl floor..and then the tile right over that. total pain in the butt and THICK. no backer board...totally done the wrong way.

The ply underneath looks to be at least 5/8... should be in good shape assuming I don't wreck it too badly. Will take out the tile and then start the cuts. what should I be looking at for tools (won't get started on this stuff til mid Feb)

 

A slammer bar will help remove the tile in short order. The luan should come up in sheets or in small pieces if you cut it carefully.