When installing new hardwood floors, the last thing we think about is removing them. However, removing the flooring may become necessary. And something that is not often said is that both the installation and removal of these floors requires a lot of practice, skill and patience.

Certainly, removing a hardwood floor is not an easy job, even following instructions that promise to “simplify” your job. Many times they don’t give the right directions.

But why would you want to know how to remove a hardwood floor? If we agree on anything, it’s that they are an excellent choice. However, it is inevitable that over the years they will crack, get damaged, generate noise when walking, and so on. So, changing them may be necessary.

So no matter what your reasons are, from Canada Floors Depot, we’re pleased to present you with the ultimate guide to removing your old flooring. We’ll include everything from hardwood flooring tools and equipment, to the process.

So, how do you remove parquet flooring? If you’re interested and looking for the best solution, stick with us on this article, we guarantee you won’t regret it!

Definitive guide to removing a wood floor

Before we start with our definitive guide on how to remove a hardwood floor, we would like to emphasize something already mentioned: it is not a simple job. We recommend that, having such a degree of difficulty and being a carpentry work, it should be executed by a specialized or experienced person in the area.

For this reason, although the article focuses on the assumption that you will do it yourself, if not, it can serve you to evaluate how a third party proceeds when uninstalling your old wood floor.

Another aspect to consider is time. A question that may be going around in your head right now may be, “How long does it take to install hardwood floors?”. It is not possible to give an estimate, as this will depend on the size of the space. That said, more than a couple of hours for sure.

Having clarified these two important points, let’s get started. We present the steps one by one below:

1. Get tools

Getting wood flooring tools should be the first step. A lot of tools will be necessary. Mainly, you will need: a nail bar tool, a hammer, pliers or nippers, a circular saw, a chisel and a floor scraper.

In addition, protection should be paramount when removing old wood floors. Knowing that this is not an easy activity, it is good to be mentally prepared to spend a lot of time in uncomfortable positions. In that case, accessories such as knee pads and goggles should never be missing. Similarly, one or more thick rags may be necessary.

As you can see, the tools for the installation of wood flooring are somewhat different for their uninstallation. But, well, let’s get on with the guide!

2. Preparing the space

When you have all your tools ready, you should start by removing the baseboards, that is, the side supports from the wall. This will help you determine how thick the wood is. Make use of the hammer and chisel until these elements are completely removed from the sides.

Once you have removed them, proceed to check the thickness in the opening left between the boards and the wall, with the help of a ruler or tape measure: having the exact measurement is very important, to start the next step.

3. Start cutting

The tool for removing floorboards will be the circular saw. With it, cutting will be easier. Now, so that you don’t have any problems, adjust the saw to the measurement obtained in the previous step, and also make cuts along the lines that join the boards together.

Now, we recommend dividing the space into sections of a square foot (or two). You can do this with the help of a tape measure and chalk. Then, using a ruler, draw lines on the floor to act as a guide so you don’t derail when using the circular saw.

4. Removing wood

How to remove glue from wood floors? This step can be a challenge for many, but it is not impossible. To make it easier, we will make use of the nail bar tool and the hammer. With these tools, we will pry from underneath so that the pre-cut pieces can be removed very easily.

As in one of the previous steps, we recommend that you start removing wood from the floor from the sides, row by row, until you reach the center.

5. Remove staples and/or nails

Having answered how to remove glue from wood flooring, it’s time for the staples or backing nails. It’s amazing how many can be needed to secure these floors. You might think that with a DIY hardwood floor it makes things easier, but, on average it can be as many as 8,000 or more.

But don’t worry, once again, the hammer and the nail bar will be your salvation to extract them. Pliers or nippers can also be very helpful in these cases. Arm yourself with patience, because, for sure this step of how to remove hardwood flooring, will take quite a while.

6. Remove residues

After having cut, removed the boards and other supporting elements, it is inevitable that there will be glue residues at the bottom. Then it is time to remove them. Doing such a procedure can become tedious, but it is necessary so that you do not have problems when installing a new floor.

To remove these glue residues, you should use the scraper or, failing that, a spatula. At some point it may be necessary to apply more or less force, the idea is to remove it all!

The glue won’t come off? Well, luckily, there is another method to apply in case the previous one is not effective. And it’s very easy: pour boiling water so that, with the heat, the glue melts.

Immediately, you should place the rags over the water and, when the water has cooled, remove them while you clean what is left on the subfloor.

7. It’s time to clean up!

After completing all the above steps, the next step is very simple. In case you have used boiling water, you must let it dry. Once the floor is dry, you can immediately pass the broom.

If there are still nails or staples scattered around, you can use a magnet. It will reduce your work significantly. It will be very useful, especially for finding iron where you least expect it.

In the end, a vacuum cleaner can be useful for deeper cleaning, especially if you are going to install a new floor. Also, how to install hardwood flooring? Find more information in the link above, in our blog articles. Just keep in mind that, in any case, it should be done by a specialized person.

Other fundamental tips

In addition to all of the above, from the process of how to remove a wooden floor we recommend that you try to keep your workspace clean. This will help you to have a clearer vision and without inconveniences when cutting, measuring and even to avoid accidents with some tools or iron staples or nails.

Also, we must be emphatic that do not try to remove it all at once, it is better to go slowly but surely. In case any of the suggested methods (prying, using the hammer, bar, scraper or hot water) do not work, it may be necessary to take more drastic measures. Using hydrogen peroxide is one of them. However, it must be done by a professional.

Keep in mind one thing: replacing the floor may be a better solution than others that only delay the inevitable (i.e. permanent damage). However, in other cases there are simpler and less time-consuming solutions.

For example, a common problem: hardwood floor stains. One solution may be to apply paint thinner, stain and then, put on some varnish. As you can see, removing stains from hardwood floors is simple. However, in case the floor has chips, fractures or moisture damaged areas, replacing it will be better.

Best of all, these methods are valid in any case, whether it is a black wood floor, white wood floors, with or without finish, natural, dark wood stairs with light wood floors, oak wood floors stained gray, in short… All the possibilities!

Where to find quality wood flooring? At Canada Floors Depot we have what you’re looking for!

Needless to say, a solid wood floor is an excellent option to include in your environment, if you are here, you know it. If you wanted to know the process of how to remove a wooden floor, we hope you found our guide and tips useful and that your doubts have been solved.

If you are looking for something of good quality and long lasting, get your new hardwood floors with Canada Floors Depot. With more than 20 years, we have established ourselves as a national reference in everything related to this area.

Remember that we are experts in everything related to flooring, not only wood, but in a great variety of types and materials: vinyl, porcelain, etcetera. Check our catalog in this link.

Would you like more information? Do you have any questions or comments? Do not hesitate to contact us (you have the contact information in the top bar of this site). For our team will be a total pleasure to assist you and advise you.

Don’t forget that we deliver to your home if you buy from our online store (link above). But, if you want to receive more personalized attention, visit our facilities located at 2275 Boulevard des Entreprises, Warehouse 07, Terrebonne (Quebec), Canada. At Canada Floors Depot we have a wide variety of options!