How to Remove Linoleum Tile From Wood Floors
Linoleum is a resilient flooring product made from linseed oil, wood dust and other natural materials. Homeowners have used this product since the late 19th century to cover floors in kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and other areas. While linoleum has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years, old linoleum floors can make a home look dated. Before you replace your linoleum with a new floor covering, remove the existing flooring to create a smooth, level surface. To reduce the difficulty of this task, take the time to choose the right tools and equipment for the job. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Pry Bar
- Hammer
- Utility Knife with extra blades
- Floor Scraper
- Heat gun (can be rented)
- Towels
- Water Bucket
- Floor Sander
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Instructions
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Test your floor for asbestos. If your floor was installed before 1990, it may contain asbestos fibers within the adhesive. If you don't know the exact age of your floor or if was installed before 1990, consult an abatement contractor before attempting to remove your floor.
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Remove all floor molding or trim from around the base of your walls. Use a pry bar to gently pry the trim from the wall. Remove all nails and set the trim aside for reuse.
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Cut the linoleum tiles into strips using a utility knife. Create sections no wider than six inches to make them easier to remove. Replace the blade on your knife often to reduce the difficulty of this task.
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Slide the edge of your floor scraper blade under a section of tile. Scrape the bottom of the tile to separate it from the floor.
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Heat the tiles and adhesive using a heat gun. Hold the heat gun about a foot away from the floor and heat the tile for 60 seconds. When the tile heats up, it will become more pliable and may be easier to scrape away.
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Place a folded towel over stubborn sections of flooring and pour hot water onto the towel. Let the water sit for a few minutes to soak into the tiles and glue, then use your floor scraper to scrape the tiles off the wood floor.
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Sand the floor to remove any remaining adhesive or linoleum backing. Refinish hardwood floors as desired or install a new floor surface over the top of a wooden subfloor.
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Tips & Warnings
Never attempt to remove a linoleum floor without first testing for asbestos. While asbestos containing products were banned in the last 1980s, floors installed before this time often contain dangerous asbestos fibers. A flooring contractor can help you test your floor safely, while an abatement contractor can remove linoleum without endangering the occupants of the home.
References
- Photo Credit wooden texture of the floor - ideal background image by Elnur from Fotolia.com
