How to remove vinyl flooring?

Question

Hi

I have a Kitchen in my house that the previous owner had covered half the floor with carpet, and the other half with Vinyl. (don't ask me why)

Now I want to rip both of them out and replace them with ceramic tile floors. I know that I need to install sub flooring first to make the floor think enough for the tile, but would really like to get of the 20 or so year old vinyl. I know I can install the sub floor just on top, but was wondering if there was an easy way to get it out.

I started to pull it out, and the first half foot was easy to take out, but after that, it was stuck there pretty good. So what is the easiest way to remove this, without damaging the plywood underneath.

Thanks folks

Answer 1

Currently undertaking the same project in my home. Home Depot has a bunch of good stuff to choose from, there's a floor scraper that works pretty good. We aren't really too worried about ripping up the underlying plywood though because we're going to put a new floor in... seems like you are going to as well... so I think that if you can stand scraping up that underlying plywood, your best bet would be to just go at it.. (carefully though... it's not a demolition project) and then carry on with the project reinstalling the floor afterwards.
Definitely would stop by Home Depot or Lowe's or a similar store for flooring projects though, they'll be sure to guide you to the right tool(s).

Good luck to ya,
miR :)

Answer 2

well if you're replacing the subflooring, it doesn't matter if the plywood gets damaged.

if you ARE trying to preserve as much as possible, we recently removed 1000sf of 30yr old tile from a flip house with a simple pry bar from Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=misc%2fsearchResults.jsp&BV_SessionID=@@@@0240945404.1173829302@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccedaddkgkkhlfmcgelceffdfgidgjn.0&MID=9876). You can get leverage on tough tiles by ramming it under the tile edge then stepping on the other end to pop it up- it'll save your wrists!

The easiest thing to do before you go forward is to check at Lowe's or Home Depot and describe all of the materials involved to a flooring specialist- they are not on commission and are often contractors themselves- GREAT home repair resource!!!

Answer 3

hi, ok ther is a floor scraper you can buy usually in the tile section....about the size of a broom. vigeriously push against tile and small peices will break off a little at a time it not easy but it is simple.... if you take a couple chunks out of your sub floor fix it with the floor leveler that you will be floating your seems out with before the tile goes down

Answer 4

Why worry if your going to install another layer of plywood on top? That's the best way .

Answer 5

pull it up