Laminate flooring is a popular choice for homes and businesses due to its affordability, durability, and ease of installation. However, when it’s time for an upgrade, knowing how to remove laminate flooring properly is essential to avoid damage to the subfloor and unnecessary labor.

This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of removing laminate flooring, whether it’s floating, glued, or nailed down.

Types of Laminate Flooring and Their Removal Challenges

Before starting, it’s important to determine which type of laminate flooring you have, as the removal process differs based on the installation method.

• Floating Laminate Flooring: Installed without glue or nails, making it the easiest to remove.
• Glued Laminate Flooring: Bonded to the subfloor, requiring extra effort to remove the adhesive.
• Nailed or Stapled Laminate Flooring: Typically found on wood subfloors and may require additional tools to remove the fasteners.

Tools Needed for Laminate Flooring Removal

• Pry bar or crowbar
• Utility knife
• Flooring scraper
• Heat gun (for glued laminate)
• Hammer
• Pliers
• Shop vacuum or broom for cleanup
• Protective gloves and safety goggles

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Remove Laminate Flooring

1. Prepare the Work Area

• Remove all furniture, rugs, and appliances from the room.
• Cover vents and doorways with plastic sheeting to contain dust and debris.
• Wear protective gear, including gloves, goggles, and a dust mask if dealing with glued flooring.

2. Start at the Edge of the Room

• Locate an edge piece of the laminate flooring near a wall or doorway.
• Use a pry bar or putty knife to lift the first plank. If the flooring is floating, it should come up easily.

3. Remove Floating Laminate Flooring

• Once the first plank is removed, grab each board and lift it at an angle to detach it from the locking system.
• Continue working across the room, stacking planks for disposal or reuse.

4. Remove Glued Laminate Flooring

• Use a utility knife to cut the laminate into sections, making it easier to handle.
• Apply heat with a heat gun to soften the adhesive.
• Use a floor scraper or pry bar to lift each piece, being careful not to damage the subfloor.
• Remove any remaining glue with a scraper or adhesive remover.

5. Remove Nailed or Stapled Laminate Flooring

• Use a crowbar or pry bar to lift each plank, pulling up any nails or staples.
• For stubborn fasteners, use pliers to extract nails or a floor scraper to loosen the staples.
• Inspect the subfloor for any protruding nails and hammer them flat if needed.

6. Clean and Prepare the Subfloor

• Sweep or vacuum any remaining debris.
• Remove leftover adhesive with a scraper or chemical adhesive remover.
• Inspect the subfloor for damage and repair any cracks or uneven surfaces before installing new flooring.

When to Hire a Professional for Laminate Flooring Removal

While DIY removal is possible, hiring a professional ensures:

• Faster and more efficient removal with specialized tools.
• Dust-free and clean process for glued laminate flooring.
• No risk of subfloor damage that could delay the next flooring installation.

At JBL Flooring Solutions, we offer expert laminate flooring removal services to help homeowners and businesses remove flooring quickly and safely.

Get Expert Laminate Flooring Removal Services

If you need assistance removing laminate flooring, JBL Flooring Solutions provides professional, hassle-free flooring removal with dust-free technology and expert service.

• Call 954-532-9677 for a free estimate
• Serving residential and commercial properties in Palm Beach, Broward, Dade, Martin and St. Lucie Counties