New Kitchen Floor! but first...


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Old 08-08-20, 01:31 PM
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New Kitchen Floor! but first...

The home was built in 1983 and the previous owner apparently tired of the nasty harvest gold pattern tile and "replaced" it with something substantially lighter in color. In truth, what he did was to just slap more squares down over the old and called it done.



The tile mess is easy enough to get up, but the original glue is still soft and sticky and, I would guess, oil-based so it has to go. The room is 12x12 and I need ideas here. Is there a solvent? Will a sander overcome the goo? Another underlayment on top of the first?



I look forward to your thoughts.
 
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Old 08-08-20, 01:36 PM
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The whole point of using an underlayment on top of your subfloor is so that it can be removed, and you can get back to the original subfloor and start afresh. So I'd suggest you remove your underlayment.
 
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Old 08-08-20, 01:42 PM
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That's good to know, thanks. I'll have a peek. In the event it is glued (because there is a lot of shady techniques I've noticed) is there a plan B?
 
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Old 08-08-20, 01:44 PM
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Well no one with any common sense glues underlayment since it is a sacrificial layer. But if they did glue it, you likely need to leave it.
 
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Old 08-08-20, 02:06 PM
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What are you replacing the tiles with?
 
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Old 08-08-20, 02:09 PM
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Lowes Smartcore Ultra is at the top of my wife's list for the moment.
 
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Old 08-08-20, 02:37 PM
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Since it free floating click plank I would just remove the tiles and then cover the floor with paper.
Something like freezer paper should do the job.
You just do not want the planks sticking to the old glue.
 
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Old 08-08-20, 06:59 PM
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I appreciate the good idea but, unfortunately, it strikes me that it's what the previous owner would do. I'm gonna add $150 for new underlayment to the project and get it done. Plan to retire here and it'll bug me every time I walk in the room if I don't try.
 
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Old 08-08-20, 07:06 PM
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"Well no one with any common sense glues underlayment since it is a sacrificial layer."

I am a Joe Homeowner and even I can tell that common sense was missing in a lot of the construction.
 
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Old 08-08-20, 07:07 PM
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The only reason you would need to add a layer of underlayment under Smartcore Ultra is if your current subfloor is not level (not flat enough for the flooring). In that case you would be shimming or filling low spots on your subfloor before adding an underlayment.

So its possible that if you remove the existing underlayment that you might be ready for your flooring. Assuming the subfloor is thick enough.
 
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Old 08-10-20, 02:15 PM
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Trepidation has passed. No glue.



Going to put new underlayment it in to match heights at door transitions. Plus I'll need a nail gun to do it right, sooooo new tool bonus! Thanks for the input, all.
 
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Old 08-10-20, 02:47 PM
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You don't want to get the floor too high as most people want a rug in front of a door.
 
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Old 08-10-20, 02:53 PM
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Will make sure to check it out, thanks.
 
 

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