Removing hardwood floors – this is how it works

At some point, the time comes for each parquet floor when it must be removed.

Depending on the type of installation and the type of hardwood flooring, diligent do-it-yourselfers can carry out the work themselves or commission a specialist company.

The decisive factor is whether it is finished parquet or solid parquet. The used parquet adhesive also plays a role.

It also depends on the time available, how large the area is and which tools or heavier equipment must be used.

The cost factor is also important – do-it-yourself work saves money, but can be very cumbersome and difficult. A professional, on the other hand, is well equipped and knows the challenge of the parquet removal very well.

When do i need to remove parquet?

In principle, the natural material wood is durable. parquet can be sanded and resealed. Scratches can also be repaired with a parquet repair set.

However, this is only possible several times with solid parquet. The wear layer of finished parquet is relatively thin, so that sanding only produces good results twice at most.

So if the originally installed parquet floor cannot be renovated, it must be removed and replaced.

Another reason: The old parquet simply no longer pleases the residents. Before new parquet can be laid, the old wooden floor must inevitably give way.

Video: Remove parquet with the floor saw

The simple case: Remove floating laid parquet

The easiest way to remove it is to use floating pre-finished parquet.

In this case, only the individual elements are glued together. It is even easier with click parquet where no glue has been used at all.

The parquet is not glued to the ground under any circumstances, so the removal of the floor is easy.

First of all, the removal of the skirting boards.

Then the first row of parquet is lifted, starting at one end of the room.

It is advisable to use a lever tool. With a crowbar or a so-called cowfoot it is easy to remove the parquet.

The only difficulty is with the first row, since the joint has a dimension of only about 10 to 15 millimetres. Once the first row of parquet has been removed, the further removal is very fast.

exception: Glued parquet elements with a tongue and groove joint can be a little more complicated. It is necessary to break the connections between the individual planks. But even in this case the effort is limited and can be easily managed by hobby craftsmen.

With high effort: Remove glued prefabricated parquet

The situation is completely different, however, when fully glued finished parquet must be removed before new planks can be laid.

The fixed bonding is normally not to be loosened by hand. This is only possible if the adhesive bond is brittle due to age.

So before you resort to the use of machines, it is worth trying. If the adhesive bond is brittle, it is possible to scrape off the individual parquet strips.

Good aids are chisels, scrapers and spatula. However, the work requires time and strength.

Only a special machine helps with a stable adhesive connection. Power is still needed, but at least progress is being made relatively quickly.

If a machine is used, it is advisable to use a device with fine dust extraction (or at least a vacuum cleaner). Otherwise, experts recommend wearing a respirator so that the dust formation does not cause any damage to health.

It is particularly difficult to remove finished parquet if elastic adhesives have been used. These are usually silane adhesives, which are characterized by a long service life and elasticity.

This actual quality feature can cause great difficulties when removing parquet. The lowest layer of the parquet rods can stick to the screed and must be removed in painstaking work.

Video: Cut off parquet glue after the parquet out:

Remove solid parquet

In the case of solid parquet, age is the first thing that matters. Parquet flooring that has been in use for several decades or even longer often dissolves almost by itself.

The adhesives used at the time have long since lost their strength. However, novel adhesives such as an elastic silane adhesive make removal an enormous challenge.

By hand the distance is practically impossible. You need a professional parquet layer with experience and above all a special machine.

With an old solid parquet floor, it may be worthwhile to consider the alternative of “sanding down and resealing”. The special charm of a floor “with history” can be wonderfully shown to advantage when a time-honoured solid parquet floor, freshly reconditioned, is combined with the fitting interior!

How much does the parquet removal cost?

The cost of removing a parquet floor is variable and depends on the condition of the old floor.

Bonding, size of space and time involved in pricing. If the bond is brittle, removal can be very quick and easy, but a lot of effort is required for an elastic adhesive with high adhesive strength.

A competent specialist company will prepare a meaningful cost estimate, so that you are safe from unpleasant surprises.

Even before the removal, it is important to obtain general information about floor prices.

Then it is also possible to make a realistic estimate for the buy parquet. Because after the old floor has been professionally removed, a new parquet or plank floor can be laid, which again creates a pleasant living atmosphere.

Where can I dispose of parquet?

Old hardwood flooring falls into the category of construction waste.

Under no circumstances may the planks be burned, because there are almost always pollutants in some form in torn out parquet.

Adhesives, oils and sealing varnishes can be harmful to health, and these materials must not be allowed to enter groundwater or otherwise be disposed of in the environment.

Where to put old hardwood flooring? If only small quantities are involved and the parquet – without adhesive – was laid floating, the remains can be disposed of in the household waste. However, in most cases the quantities of waste involved are larger.

Especially when the old parquet was glued, it is even hazardous waste. Adhesives used a few decades ago often contain toxic components. In this context: When removing the old parquet, a breathing mask should always be worn.

You can ask the municipality whether the local building yard is the right place to go.

The administration provides information on where to dispose of parquet. Anyone who commissions a professional with the removal and disposal is also on the safe side. The costs also include removal, an expense that is worthwhile.