Table of Contents
The process of removing vinyl tile from a floor involves preparing the work area by clearing away any furniture or debris, wearing protective gear like gloves and a respirator mask, and heating the tiles with a heat gun to soften the adhesive. Once the tiles are heated, a putty knife or floor scraper can be used to remove them, and any leftover adhesive can be scraped away or removed with a solvent or adhesive remover. The subfloor should then be cleaned thoroughly with soap and water before the new flooring is installed. The specific steps may vary depending on the type of adhesive and subfloor, but it’s important to work carefully to avoid damaging the floor.
What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Vinyl plank flooring is a relatively new option in the world of floor coverings, and it has emerged as one of the most popular options on the floating floor.
It was introduced about 50 years ago when homes were growing increasingly modernized with laminate floors, vinyl tiles, and other similar products made from man-made materials. Vinyl planks fell into the category of laminate flooring because it was easy to install and could be found in many stores.
The vinyl planks consisted of a factory-made base that included an adhesive backing for adhering them down onto your subfloor, with strip click locks on each side so they locked together when installed in rows along walls or across a room.
The vinyl planks were made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and they came in many different colors, patterns, and textures to mimic the appearance of other types of flooring materials such as wood or stone tiles. They also had an embossed feel that somewhat resembled high-end luxury vinyl tile options on the market today.
RELATED: How To Remove Vinyl Sheet Flooring—A Step-by-Step Guide
Why Would You Need To Remove Vinyl Plank Flooring?
You might not need to remove vinyl plank flooring in your home if it still looks new. However, there are some situations where this is the best option for improving the look of a room or saving money on its renovation costs.
- Appearance isn’t what you expected
- Vinyl planks don’t fit with the rest of the design style perimeter installed.
- Tiles are too slippery for kid
- Better flooring options are available that are even gently removed.
What Should You Expect When Removing Vinyl Plank Flooring?
The removal process can be tedious and time-consuming. If you decide to take this on yourself, getting ready for some hard work is best. However, if the appearance or safety of your home depends on removing these tiles, the work is definitely worth it.
Getting Started
You need to buy a few tools and supplies before you get started. If the tiles are glued down, you will also have to purchase an adhesive remover that can be sprayed on in order to help loosen them up.
You can do it yourself or hire a professional, but you need to take the proper precautions. First, make sure you have the right tools for removing your flooring.
You will need:
- A putty knife
- A pry bar or crowbar
- Hammer
- Metal scraper
- Vacuum cleaner
- Mop and bucket
- Sunglasses and gloves
- Masking Tape
How to Remove Vinyl Plank Flooring in Five Easy Steps
Prepare the work area: Clear the area of furniture, debris, and any other items that may be in the way. Cover any surrounding surfaces that you want to protect with a drop cloth or plastic sheeting.
Wear protective gear: It is important to wear protective gear like gloves, safety glasses, and a respirator mask to protect yourself from the dust and debris that will be generated during the removal process.
Heat the tiles: Using a heat gun, carefully heat the tiles to soften the adhesive that holds them in place. Be sure to move the heat gun around evenly to avoid scorching the tiles or the subfloor.
Remove the tiles: Once the tiles are heated, use a putty knife or a floor scraper to pry up the tiles. Work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the subfloor.
Remove the adhesive: After the tiles are removed, there may be adhesive left on the subfloor. Use a scraper or floor scraper to remove as much adhesive as possible. If the adhesive is particularly stubborn, you may need to use a solvent or adhesive remover.
Clean the subfloor: Once all the tiles and adhesive have been removed, clean the subfloor thoroughly with soap and water. Let the subfloor dry completely before installing new flooring.
RELATED: How to Remove Vinyl Flooring From Concrete: Surefire Tips
Can You Remove and Reuse Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Some vinyl plank flooring can be removed and reused without any adhesive residue left behind, but you may need to sand it down first.
You might also be able to remove glued planks by using a heat gun on them. Check the instructions before trying this! If the glue is stuck too hard or there are many laminate layers, it may be best to dispose of them.
How Long Does It Take to Remove Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Depending on how much flooring you have and the amount of adhesive leftover, it can take anywhere from a few hours to several days. A professional installation takes about one day for 800 square feet of vinyl planks.
Remove Vinyl Plank Flooring: Tips
- Use painter’s tape or masking tape if you don’t want any dents, holes, or scratches on your subfloor from the removal process.
- There are many different sizes of vinyl planks, so make sure you take measurements before removing your flooring—and measure twice.
- If necessary, prepare by setting aside a few days for removal and installation (especially important in the summer months). Wear gloves when handling any sharp or rough edges left behind.
- Remember that removing vinyl plank flooring can be dangerous if you don’t have the right tools or precautions in place! If you are still unsure how to safely remove your floors, hiring professional removal services is a great option.
Differences between Glued and Glueless Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring is available with or without adhesive, but the glueless type tends to be less expensive.
- Glueless vinyl planks are easier to remove because you can see them into pieces using a utility knife—whereas glued ones require prying off layers of individual planks. You may also need wood filler and caulk to cover up any gaps or holes left after removing glued vinyl planks.
- Glueless vinyl flooring can be a good choice if you’re looking for a more affordable option, but they aren’t as durable and may have problems with curling in high-moisture areas. Glued style is pricier, but is also more durable and less likely to curl in high-moisture areas (like bathrooms).
How to Remove Vinyl Flooring Glue From Wood
Cleaning up the glue leftover from vinyl flooring can be tricky. If you have a small amount of glue, you may be able to remove it with a putty knife or razor blade. For larger amounts of glue, you’ll need to use a strong solvent, such as acetone, mineral spirits, or rubbing alcohol. Apply the solvent to a cloth and scrub at the glue until it comes up. You may need to repeat this process several times.
Once you’ve removed as much of the glue as possible, you can sand down the area to smooth it out. Be sure to vacuum or sweep up any dust afterward.
If you’re having trouble removing the glue, you can always hire a professional to do it for you. They will have the right tools and experience to get the job done quickly and easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Vinyl Planks Easy to Remove?
Vinyl plank flooring is designed to be easy to install and remove. However, depending on the type of vinyl plank flooring you have, some adhesive residue may be left behind. You can usually remove this with a putty knife or razor blade.
Can I Remove and Reuse Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Some vinyl plank flooring can be removed and reused. However, it is important to check the manufacturer’s instructions before removing the flooring. Some types of vinyl plank flooring may not be able to be reused.
What Is the Best Way to Remove Vinyl Plank Flooring?
The best way to remove vinyl plank flooring depends on the type of flooring you have. If you have glued vinyl plank flooring, you will need to use a strong solvent, such as acetone, mineral spirits, or rubbing alcohol, to remove the glue. For non-glued vinyl plank flooring, you can usually pry the planks up.
How Do I Remove Vinyl Flooring Adhesive?
To remove vinyl flooring adhesive, you must use a strong solvent, such as acetone, mineral spirits, or rubbing alcohol. Apply the solvent to a cloth and scrub at the adhesive until it comes up. You may need to repeat this process several times. Once you’ve removed as much of the adhesive as possible, you can sand down the area to smooth it out.
Conclusion
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve covered everything you need to know about how to remove vinyl plank flooring. Replacing your old floors is a great way to add character and personality to any room in the house. It’s also easy on the wallet. Whether you’re looking for an inexpensive option or a more durable one, various price points are available to suit your needs.
2 thoughts on “How To Remove Vinyl Plank Flooring—A Step-By-Step Guide”
Comments are closed.