How to Remove Vinyl Floors

In order to install tile or hardwood in place of a vinyl floor, you need to first remove the old flooring so that you can prepare the subfloor for the new installation.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Box cutter or other razor
• Paint scraper
• Steamer (optional)

1. 

   First, remove the toe boards or the base boards which cover the edges of the vinyl floor as they go up against the walls. If you remove them carefully, you can just hold onto them and re-install them later.

2. 

   Next, use a box cutter or razor to slice through the vinyl floor and cut about two or three square feet to remove. If you work in pieces, things will be more manageable. Peel up the piece. Use the scraper to remove the glue that is left behind.

3. 

   If there is a lot of glue and/or if peeling the pieces of the floor is difficult, use a steamer to apply moist heat to the section you are working on. The steam will help loosen the glue's hold, so work quickly to get the most out of it.

4. 

   Work piece by piece until you finish the floor. Be patient, to properly remove a vinyl floor and the glue beneath it can go slowly - we have managed about 10 square feet per hour. Install your new floor and then re-install your toe and/or base boards.

Tips & Warnings

• Take care to remove as much of the glue as possible - no matter what type of flooring you are installing in place of the vinyl, the subfloor surface needs to be as flat and smooth as possible.
• Be careful using a steamer - it can be very hot!

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on 4/26/2009 Yes, removing them results in sore hands...5