Getting laminate flooring up typically involves carefully separating the interlocking boards, often starting from an edge or corner of the room.
Removing laminate flooring is a manageable task, especially for click-lock systems. The key is understanding how the boards connect and releasing them section by section. Unlike hardwood, laminate often isn't nailed or glued to the subfloor (though some older or specific types might be glued board-to-board or down). The process focuses on disengaging the tongue-and-groove or click mechanism.
Step-by-Step Guide to Laminate Floor Removal
Follow these steps to effectively remove your laminate flooring:
- Preparation: Clear the room of all furniture. Remove any baseboards or trim molding around the edges of the room using a pry bar. This exposes the edge of the flooring planks.
- Find a Starting Point: Laminate flooring is installed row by row, usually starting from a wall. You'll typically want to start removal from the last row that was installed, often along a wall, or from a corner. If you can't easily access an edge, you might need to cut into a plank in the middle of the room to create a starting point, though this is less ideal.
- Lift the First Board: Once you've identified your starting point (usually the last board laid or a cut edge), carefully lift the edge of the first board using a pry bar or scraper.
- Separate Interlocking Boards: To detach a board from its neighbor, lever the board about 45 degrees and gently jiggle it back and forth until it separates from the interlocking board. The click or tongue-and-groove system should release with this action.
- Handle Glued Laminate: If you encounter laminate which has been glued together board-to-board or glued down to the subfloor, you may need additional methods. According to sources, you can use your heat gun to soften the glue, or simply use a bit more force with your crowbar. Apply heat carefully with a heat gun to the seam or area with glue, then try to pry the boards apart.
- Continue Removal: Work your way across the room, lifting and separating boards row by row. Stack the removed boards neatly if you plan to reuse or dispose of them.
- Underlayment: Once the laminate is up, remove any underlayment or vapor barrier that was installed beneath it.
Tools You Might Need
Having the right tools makes the process much smoother:
- Pry bar (or crowbar)
- Utility knife (if you need to cut a starting point or score stubborn areas)
- Scraper
- Heat gun (for glued sections)
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
- Dust mask (especially if the subfloor is dusty or old)
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Pry Bar | Lifting boards, removing trim |
| Heat Gun | Softening glue on adhered sections |
| Utility Knife | Cutting stubborn pieces, scoring starts |
| Safety Glasses | Eye protection |
| Work Gloves | Hand protection |
Tips for Efficient Removal
- Work Safely: Always wear safety glasses and gloves. Laminate edges can be sharp, and dust can be irritating.
- Patience: Don't force the boards excessively unless dealing with glue as mentioned. Gentle jiggling at the correct angle (around 45 degrees) is usually sufficient for click systems.
- Cleanup: Have bags or a bin ready to collect dust and debris as you work.
- Subfloor Inspection: Once the laminate and underlayment are removed, inspect the subfloor for any damage, moisture, or needed repairs before installing new flooring.
By following these steps and utilizing the techniques for separating interlocking boards (levering about 45 degrees and jiggling) and handling glued sections (using a heat gun or more force with a crowbar), you can effectively remove your laminate flooring.
