How To Remove Glued Down Wood Flooring

Removing glued-down wood flooring can be a daunting task, but it is possible to do it yourself with the right tools and materials. Here are the steps involved in removing glued-down wood flooring:

1. Gather your tools and materials. You will need a pry bar, a hammer, a chisel, a utility knife, a vacuum cleaner, and a moisture meter. You may also need a heat gun or a chemical stripper, depending on the type of adhesive used to install the flooring.

2. Prepare the room. Remove all furniture and other objects from the room. Cover the walls and any remaining furniture with plastic sheeting to protect them from dust and debris.

3. Test the adhesive. Use a moisture meter to test the adhesive. If the moisture content is high, you may need to use a heat gun or a chemical stripper to loosen the adhesive.

4. Start removing the flooring. Use a pry bar to gently pry up the flooring. Be careful not to damage the subfloor. Once you have lifted up a section of flooring, use a chisel to cut the adhesive bond between the flooring and the subfloor.

5. Continue removing the flooring. Repeat step 4 until all of the flooring has been removed. Be sure to remove all of the adhesive from the subfloor. You may need to use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust or debris.

6. Clean the subfloor. Once the flooring has been removed, use a vacuum cleaner to remove any remaining dust or debris. You may also need to use a damp mop to clean the subfloor.

7. Inspect the subfloor. Once the subfloor is clean, inspect it for any damage. If there is any damage, you will need to repair it before installing new flooring.

Removing glued-down wood flooring can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, but it is possible to do it yourself with the right tools and materials. By following these steps, you can safely and effectively remove glued-down wood flooring.