How to Remove Old Flooring
Flooring removal is physical, dusty, and surprisingly satisfying work. Different materials require different techniques, but all share one goal: completely clearing the subfloor so you can start fresh. This is often the messiest part of the entire project.
Quick Summary
Time needed
1-3 days
Cost
$200-500 (tools + disposal)
Difficulty
Hard (labor intensive)
Safety First: Test for Asbestos
If your home was built before 1980 and has vinyl tile or sheet flooring, it may contain asbestos. Get it tested before removal ($30-50 for a sample). If positive, hire certified professionals - asbestos exposure causes serious health problems.
Also wear safety glasses, dust mask (N95 or better), work gloves, and knee pads for all flooring removal work.
Removal Methods by Flooring Type
Removing Carpet (Easiest)
Carpet is the quickest to remove. Cut it into strips, roll it up, then pull up the padding and tack strips.
Steps:
- 1. Cut carpet into 3-4 foot wide strips with utility knife
- 2. Pull up strips starting at one corner, roll and tie
- 3. Remove carpet padding (usually stapled down)
- 4. Pry up tack strips with flat bar (sharp nails!)
- 5. Pull out all staples with pliers or floor scraper
- 6. Vacuum thoroughly - carpet leaves lots of dust
Time: 2-4 hours for average bedroom
Removing Vinyl/Laminate (Medium)
Floating floors (click-lock laminate or vinyl) disassemble easily. Glued-down vinyl requires scraping and is much harder.
For Floating Floors:
- 1. Remove baseboards first
- 2. Start at one wall and pry up first plank
- 3. Unlock planks at angle and lift out
- 4. Stack carefully if reusing (unlikely)
For Glued-Down Vinyl:
- 1. Heat with heat gun or hair dryer to soften adhesive
- 2. Pry up with floor scraper or putty knife
- 3. Work in small sections - it's slow going
- 4. Use adhesive remover for stubborn glue residue
- 5. Rent a floor scraper for large areas (saves your back)
Removing Tile (Hardest)
Ceramic and porcelain tile is bonded with thinset mortar. This is brutal, physical work. Consider hiring pros if you have a large area.
Steps:
- 1. Wear safety glasses - tile shards fly everywhere
- 2. Start at a broken tile or create one with hammer
- 3. Use hammer and cold chisel at 45-degree angle under tile
- 4. Work tile loose - this takes time and force
- 5. Once first tile is out, others come easier
- 6. Chisel off remaining thinset from subfloor
- 7. Rent an electric tile chipper for large areas
Reality Check: Tile removal is exhausting. A 10x10 bathroom can take a full day. Your arms will be sore. Take breaks.
Removing Hardwood (Medium-Hard)
Hardwood is usually nailed down. It can be salvaged if removed carefully, though most DIYers don't bother.
Steps:
- 1. Find which direction joists run (perpendicular to boards)
- 2. Start at edge or cut a sacrificial board in the middle
- 3. Pry up boards with flat bar
- 4. Pull nails as you go or pound them through
- 5. Stack boards if salvaging (rare)
- 6. Remove all nails left in subfloor
Clean-Up and Disposal
After removal, the subfloor should be completely clear of all debris, nails, staples, and adhesive residue. This is crucial for proper new flooring installation.
Disposal Options:
- •Dumpster Rental: $300-500 for a week. Best for whole-house projects or tile removal.
- •Heavy Contractor Bags: For single rooms. Take to dump or arrange bulk pickup.
- •Junk Removal Service: They haul everything away but expensive ($200-600).
Final Subfloor Prep:
- ✓ Pull all nails and staples
- ✓ Scrape off adhesive residue
- ✓ Fill any gouges or holes
- ✓ Sweep and vacuum thoroughly
- ✓ Inspect for damage needing repair
Pro Tips for Faster, Easier Removal
Rent the Right Tools: For large projects, rent a floor scraper ($70/day), electric tile chipper ($90/day), or reciprocating saw. These save hours of labor and your body.
Start Early in the Day: This is exhausting work. Start first thing in the morning when you have energy. Take breaks every hour. Hydrate constantly.
Contain the Dust: Hang plastic sheeting over doorways with tape. Close HVAC vents in the room. Dust spreads everywhere. Run a box fan in window to blow dust outside.
Have a Dumpster Delivered First: Don't wait until you've removed flooring to figure out disposal. Order the dumpster to arrive the morning you start removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the hardest flooring to remove?
Ceramic or porcelain tile is typically the hardest to remove, requiring a hammer, chisel, and lots of elbow grease. Glued-down vinyl and carpet with heavy adhesive are also challenging. Floating floors like laminate and click-lock vinyl are the easiest - they just lift up.
Should I test for asbestos before removing old flooring?
Yes, if your home was built before 1980 and has vinyl tile or linoleum. These materials often contained asbestos. Get a sample tested ($30-50) before disturbing it. If positive, hire certified asbestos abatement professionals. Never sand, break, or remove asbestos-containing materials yourself.
How do I dispose of old flooring materials?
For large projects, rent a dumpster ($300-500 for a week). For single rooms, use heavy-duty contractor bags and arrange bulk pickup or take to the dump. Some materials like carpet can be rolled and tied. Tile and hardwood are heavy - plan for multiple trips or dumpster rental.
Can I install new flooring over old flooring?
Sometimes, but not recommended. You can install vinyl over smooth vinyl, or new hardwood over old hardwood if the floor is level and stable. However, removing old flooring lets you inspect the subfloor for damage, creates better results, and avoids height issues at doorways. Always remove carpet and tile before new flooring.
Ready for the Next Step?
With old flooring removed, you now need to carefully remove baseboards if you haven't already.