Removing laminate flooring might seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation and tools, it can be a manageable project. Whether you're planning to replace your flooring, install new laminate, or simply need to clear the space, knowing how to properly remove the laminate and prepare the subfloor is crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the process, from determining the installation method and safely removing the laminate, to disposing of materials responsibly and preparing the subfloor for its next use. We’ll cover:
- What you’ll need
- Prepare your area
- Remove the moulding strip or skirting board
- Remove the planks
- Clean up
- Dispose of everything correctly
Article by: Laura Walker , Product & Design Specialist, EGGER UK
How much does it cost to remove laminate flooring?
When it comes to removing laminate flooring without causing damage, hiring a professional is often the safest bet. However, with professionals typically charging around £3 per square metre for laminate removal (according to MyBuilder), the cost of this can escalate, particularly if you have a lot of ground to cover.
Luckily, with the right tools and know-how, you can tackle this task yourself and save money in the process.
What you’ll need
Before you start removing your laminate, it’s a good idea to grab all the tools and equipment required for the job. You’ll need:
- Pry bar
- Utility knife
- Hammer
- Screwdrivers
- Safety goggles
- Work gloves
- Dust mask
Prepare your area
Before starting the removal process, you’ll want to prepare your space. This includes clearing the room of all furniture and any other items. Not only will this give you unobstructed access to your laminate floor, but it will also protect your furniture from dust and debris. If you have any furniture or surfaces that you can’t remove, cover them in dust sheets to keep them protected.
Make sure you designate an area for collecting and disposing of your removed laminate planks and any underlay. You might want to have bin bags ready.
Finally, make sure you’re prepared and equipped with the relevant PPE. This includes safety goggles, gloves, and a dust mask. Ensure the room is well-ventilated by opening any windows.
1. Remove the moulding strip or skirting board
In most cases, your laminate flooring will run up to the skirting board. The join between the flooring and the skirting board will then be covered with a moulding strip. If this is the case, it should be relatively simple to remove. You can remove laminate flooring without removing the skirting board by running a utility knife along where the moulding meets the skirting. You can then gently pry the moulding away from the wall using a pry bar or flathead screwdriver.
If your laminate is installed up to the wall with the skirting board placed above, you’ll need to remove the skirting too. You can do this in the same way as above.
Your laminate may also have transition strips when transitioning between different types of flooring or between rooms. Again, you can follow the same method as above, working slowly along the length of the strip and gently tapping to avoid breaking it.
2. Remove the planks
With your moulding strip or skirting board removed, it’s time to tackle the laminate itself. To make it easier to remove your strips of laminate without damage, it’s best to start in a corner where the edges are more easily accessible. You can then start removing the planks.
To remove tongue and groove laminate, use a pry bar to lift the first plank at an angle to disconnect it from neighbouring planks. Then pull it up and away and set it aside. You can then move on to the next plank.
Repeat the process, working your way across the room until all laminate planks are removed.
3. Remove the underlay
If your flooring has underlay, pull it up starting at a corner again. Foam or felt underlay usually comes up easily and can be cut into smaller sections with a utility knife and rolled up for disposal. In some cases, underlay can be recycled, so be sure to check with your local council to see what your options are.
If your underlay was glued down, you may need to use a pry bar or scraper to remove it. There may also be some sticky residue remaining on the subfloor. You can clean this away using an adhesive remover according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Clean up
Once you’ve removed your laminate flooring and underlay, sweep or vacuum the subfloor thoroughly to remove any loose dirt, dust, and debris. Pay special attention to the corners and edges where dust can gather. Use this time to check the subfloor for any damage and repair as necessary before installing new flooring.
5. Dispose of everything correctly
Make sure to dispose of all your laminate flooring correctly. If the flooring is still in good condition, it’s worth posting it on a local selling page as someone may be able to give it a new lease of life in their home. However, if the flooring is damaged and unable to be recycled, you can contact your local council or waste management service to arrange kerbside pickup of your removed laminate.
Removing laminate flooring can be a manageable task with the right preparation and approach. By following these tips, you can clear your space with no trouble and be ready for your new flooring.
With your space prepped, consider exploring high-quality flooring options from EGGER for your next installation. We have a range of laminate options, including our water-resistant Aqua+ laminate , available in a wide choice of decors . You can use our flooring visualiser to see how each one would look in your space, to help you select the right one. Then, when you're ready, you can shop our selection of underlays and skirting boards to finish off the job. For even more laminate advice, head over to our flooring product support base .
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