How to Remove Glued Particle Board

Many homeowners find particleboard subfloor when they remodel. When it's glued and nailed down, it can be difficult to remove because it's often warped, swelled up or crumbly. You can remove even the most stubborn particle board with a couple of simple tools.

Things You'll Need

• Wonder bar
• Hammer
• Chisel
• Diagonal pliers

Instructions

1. Insert the sharp, curved tip of the wonder bar under any crack in the particle board. Strike the other end of the bar with the hammer, forcing the tip under the board.

2. Pry down on the bar to lift the board away from the glue and nails. Grab it with both hands and pull up. Break it if you need to. Work your way along any floor joists hammering, prying and breaking particle board loose.

3. Hook the tip of the bar over any exposed nails. Pry down on the bar to pull any remaining nails out of floor joists.

4. Scrape off any residual glue or clumps of particle board with the chisel. Place the tip of the chisel against any stubborn pieces and strike it to chip the particle board loose.

5. Pry out broken-off nails out with pliers.

References

• Bob Villa: How to Remove Old Flooring