How to Remove Cushioned Vinyl Floor Covering

You're ready to remodel the kitchen but now you're left scratching your head. The floor covering is cushioned vinyl, and you have no clue how to remove it. Before you panic and call a flooring company for a costly rip-out, grab a few common household tools and roll up your sleeves. You can have that floor out in an hour and be ready for the next stage of your project.

Things You'll Need

• Small pry bar
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Remove the quarter round molding that is against the baseboard of the room by inserting a small pry bar against the top edge and tapping gently with a hammer. Take care not to dent the baseboard; if you plan to reuse the molding number the pieces consecutively as you remove them.

2. Kneel in an easily accessible corner of the room and insert the curves end of the pry bar under the edge of the cushioned vinyl floor covering.

3. Lift gently with the pry bar until you have a six inch piece of vinyl loosened from the floor.

4. Pull up on the loose corner, using a steady motion. Cushioned vinyl flooring is installed with a double-sided flooring tape; the tape will be around the parameter of the room and in an "X" pattern in the middle.

5. Work along one side until you have the entire edge free and then roll the loosened vinyl back onto itself.

6. Move to the opposite side so you are facing the rolled up flooring and push it loose from the sides by rolling it towards the opposite wall.

7. Grasp the roll of cushioned vinyl flooring at the end near the corner and pull up, releasing it from the final piece of tape.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove any tape residue by spraying WD40 on a rag and rubbing vigorously.