How to Remove Linoleum for Hardwood Replacement Flooring

Remove your old linoleum.

Replace the old linoleum in your kitchen, bath or laundry with brand new wood flooring. You might not even need to pull up the old floor. If the linoleum is in good condition, you can lay a new floor directly on top. If the floor isn't in great shape and you need to rip it up, you can certainly handle this job on your own. It might be a back-breaking chore but it is definitely one that you can tackle.

Things You'll Need

• Straightedge razor
• Putty knife
• Utility knife
• Wall scraper
• Chemical stripper
• Gloves
• Protective eyewear

Instructions

1. Cut strips across the entire room with a straightedge razor. Make a cut every 8 to 12 inches. Run the razor along the entire length of the room, making deep cuts in the linoleum.

2. Slide a flat putty knife under the first strip of linoleum and begin peeling it from the floor. Linoleum may have been glued down by applying adhesive to the entire sub-floor, or only to the perimeter. The areas of the floor where the adhesive was applied will be the most difficult to remove. Use a utility knife to scrape the adhesive until it releases the linoleum.

3. Remove all of the linoleum strips using the above method. Discard the flooring. The floor should be free of linoleum but will be covered in the linoleum backing and adhesive.

4. Scrape away the backing and the adhesive from the concrete sub-floor. Depending on how long ago the flooring was installed, the adhesive may be firmly stuck to the floor. Use a wall scraper to remove the residue from the floor.

5. Apply chemical stripper to the floor. Chemical stripper is only necessary if the adhesive cannot be removed manually. Apply the stripper according to manufacturer's directions. Let it sit on the adhesive until it begins to soften. Test the adhesive with a scraper every 10 minutes to check for softness.

6. Scrape the softened adhesive from the floor. Wear gloves and protective eyewear while working with the chemicals. Once all of the adhesive is gone, you're ready to install your new hardwood flooring.

Tips & Warnings

• Floors installed prior to 1986 may contain asbestos. Prolonged exposure to asbestos is linked to a number of lung diseases. The Center for Environmental Health recommends that you hire a licensed contractor to remove asbestos material from your home. Keep in mind that undisturbed asbestos is not considered dangerous. If possible, consider installing new floors over the linoleum to prevent the release of asbestos fibers into the air.

References

• Center for Environmental Health: Asbestos
• The Natural Handyman: Removing Linoleum