If you’re trying to remove glued down wood flooring, there are a few things you’ll need to do to make the process as smooth as possible. Follow these steps and you’ll have the flooring removed in no time.

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Assess the situation

Before you can remove the glued down wood flooring, you will need to assess the situation. This means that you need to determine how much of the flooring is glued down, what type of adhesive was used, and what condition the floor is in. Once you have this information, you can begin to plan your removal process.

Determine the type of adhesive

Once you have determined that you indeed have a glued down floor, the next step is to determine what type of adhesive was used. This can usually be done by looking at the edges of the flooring where it meets the baseboard. If you see what looks like black crumbs, then you most likely have an asphalt-based adhesive. If the adhesive is clear or light-colored, then it is probably water-soluble or water-dispersible.

Inspect the floor for damage

Before you begin, take a close look at the floor. If there are any large cracks or holes, you’ll need to repair them before you proceed. If the floor is in generally good condition, you can proceed with removal.

Prep the area

If you have glued down wood flooring that needs to be removed, the first step is to prep the area. You’ll need to clear out the room and cover any furniture or carpets. Next, you’ll need to score the flooring with a utility knife. This will help the flooring to separate from the subfloor.

Clear the floor of all furniture

Move all of the furniture out of the room. If you can’t move it out, move it to the center of the room and cover it with a drop cloth or plastic sheeting. Be sure to tape the plastic down around the legs of the furniture so that dust doesn’t settle underneath.

Cover the floor with a drop cloth

To avoid making a mess of your surrounding area, it is important to cover the floor with a drop cloth. This will help to catch any debris that may fall as you work. You can use an old sheet or something similar. If you have time, it is best to taped the drop cloth down around the perimeter of the room so that it does not move around as you work.

Apply the stripper

You’ll need a putty knife and a stiff-bristled brush for this job. If you’re working with old, varnished wood, you’ll also need a chemical stripper. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before you begin. You’ll also need goggles, rubber gloves, and plenty of ventilation.

Pour the stripper into a bucket

Open the can of stripper and pour it into a five-gallon bucket. If you have a small area to strip, you can pour the stripper into a tray instead.

Apply the stripper to the floor

To remove glued down wood flooring, you will need to rent a floor stripper. Be sure to wear protective clothing, including gloves, goggles, and a respirator mask. Test the stripper on a small, hidden area of the floor to be sure it does not damage the surface.

Apply the stripper to the floor in small sections, using a paintbrush or roller. Work in one direction only, and do not allow the stripper to dry on the surface. Cover the entire section with a layer of plastic sheeting, and let it sit for at least two hours.

After two hours, use a putty knife or scraper to loosen the edges of the flooring, and then use your hands to peel it away from the subfloor. Repeat this process until all of the flooring has been removed.

Scrape the floor

Start by using a utility knife to score the glue. You’ll want to make sure you only score the glue and not the wood beneath it. Next, use a putty knife or a floor scraper to begin scraping up the glue. If you’re having trouble getting the glue up, you can try heating it up with a hair dryer. Be careful not to overheat the glue, as this could damage the wood.

Use a putty knife to scrape the floor

Using a putty knife, start in a corner and scrape the floor to loosen the glued-down wood flooring. Work your way across the floor, scraping as you go. If the putty knife doesn’t seem to be doing the trick, you may need to use a floor scraper.

Use a floor scraper to remove any stubborn adhesive

If you have a glued down wood floor that is proving difficult to remove, you may need to use a floor scraper. This tool is designed to scrape up stubborn adhesive so you can get your flooring removed quickly and efficiently. Here’s how to use a floor scraper on your glued down wood floor:

First, pre-heat the adhesive with a heat gun or hair dryer. This will make it easier to scrape up.

Next, use the floor scraper to get under the edges of the flooring and loosen it from the adhesive. Start in one corner and work your way across the room.

As you scrape, be sure to wear protective goggles and a dust mask to avoid inhaling any particles.

Once you’ve loosened the flooring, you should be able to pull it up relatively easily. If there are any stubborn pieces left behind, you can use the floor scraper to remove them as well.

Clean the floor

Before you can remove glued down wood flooring, you need to clean the floor. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may be on the floor. You can use a vacuum cleaner to clean the floor.

Use a mop and bucket to remove the stripper

Fill a clean bucket with warm water and add a squirt of dish soap. Use the mop to scrub the floor, working in small sections. Rinse the mop in the bucket as needed.

Use a vacuum to remove any debris

You’ll want to start by vacuuming the floor to remove any surface debris, like dust or pet hair. If you have a handheld vacuum, you can use the attachment to get in all the nooks and crannies. If you have a canister vacuum, select the hardwood floor attachment to avoid scratching the floor.