Removing Vinyl Flooring From Hardwood

If you are remodeling your home, one of the largest and most impactful areas to change is your flooring. Updating the flooring in your home serves a number of purposes ranging from aesthetic to functionality. To restore hardwood floors that have been covered in vinyl, you can choose one of many options.

Instructions

1

Remove vinyl using a heat gun. Whether you rent your heat gun from a hardware store or purchase it, it is a useful tool when removing vinyl flooring. Simply choose your setting and apply it, waving the heat back and forth over a small section. After a few seconds, the adhesive on the tile will soften and you can begin peeling it away. If the adhesive is still tough, you can use a putty knife or scraper to help loosen it. Continue working in sections until you have completely removed the vinyl. Be sure not to leave the heat gun on one section for too long. This could cause irreparable damage to the hardwood flooring underneath. If needed, apply a substance like Goo Gone to any leftover bits of adhesive and wipe it away.

2

Remove vinyl with dry ice. Take care when using this method to for removal. Water can damage hardwoods, so keep some towels or a mop handy in case any puddling occurs. Moisten the vinyl slightly with a spray bottle filled with water. Do not over-moisten. Place squares of dry ice in increments over the floor, and wait for the vinyl to start popping up. Use the scraper to finish loosening the vinyl and remove it. If you see any puddling or extra moisture on the hardwood floor, wipe it away immediately to avoid any damage to the floor. Apply an adhesive remover to any leftover residue.

3

Remove vinyl with a power steamer. Power steamer rentals are available at most hardware stores. Adjust the settings to what is recommended on the machine. Apply the steam over a section of vinyl and lift it away as it loosens. If necessary, use the scraper to lift the vinyl. Continue this in sections until you are finished. Apply an adhesive remover to any leftover adhesive.

4

Remove vinyl with a scraper. If the vinyl is not heavily adhered or is not layered on, it is possible to remove it with only a scraper. Peel a small section up and slide the scraper underneath. Use the scraper to peel the vinyl up, and use smooth striking motions to cut away the adhesive from the hardwood. Use caution with the scraper and do your best to avoid scarring the hardwoods. Use an adhesive remover to clean away any adhesive residue.