Floors deteriorate with age, and when they’re beyond repair, it’s time to replace them. Whether you’re updating your home with vinyl or tile, learning how to replace floors yourself can save you time and money while giving your space a fresh, polished look.
How to Replace Floors
It’s not always necessary to hire professionals to remove tile or old flooring. With a bit of work and know-how, you can tackle this project yourself and save money. Although, make sure you have the time, patience, and tools to get the job done right. You’ll need to remember a few things to avoid turning your project into a big headache.
5 Easy Steps to Remove Old Flooring
Follow these steps to remove old flooring:
- Clear the area: Remove everything from the floor.
- Set the machine: Ensure you have the correct blade for the job.
- Run the machine: Run the power scraper over the area. Work in strips, starting from a corner or where the flooring material changes.
- Finish the job: Use a handheld scraper to remove the remaining tiles; attach it to a pole to save your back. If stubborn spots remain, use a pry bar.
- Cart away the big chunks and either vacuum or sweep away the remaining fragments.
The process generates a large amount of dust. Seal off the room and cover curtains, wall paintings, and other items. Wear protective clothing and check for asbestos, as mentioned earlier.
Tools Required
The right tools are critical to replacing floors successfully.
Floor removal machines are perfect for removing any type of bonded flooring, including commercial carpet, vinyl, VCT, rubber, sports surfaces, ceramic tile, and glue-down hardwood.
Use the right tools to make your job easier:
- A floor-removing machine (power scraper) has a wide blade mounted on two wheels. It comes in two types: walk-behind and self-propelled. Both pry up the tiles as they move.
- A ride-on power scraper is needed for large areas with heavy-duty jobs.
- An electric walk-behind scraper is ideal for removing tiles.
- A manual walk-behind scraper can be used to remove vinyl.
- Handheld scrapers reach corners where machines cannot.
Recommend Tools
Using the right tools can make all the difference when replacing floors.
Here are some of the top tools we recommend:
- National 7700 Hydraulic Ride-On Floor Surface Scraper: For large commercial spaces, this heavy-duty, battery-powered scraper can remove the toughest flooring.
- Terminator T3000XME Floor Scraper: This industry-leading ride-on scraper is perfect for large, stubborn flooring removal projects.
- National Walk-Behind Concrete Floor Scraper: Designed for power and maneuverability, this machine is perfect for medium-sized projects, including tile and vinyl removal.
- Anderson ES200 Walk-Behind Floor Stripper: A compact, high-performance scraper that’s great for tight spaces and smaller projects needing precision.
- Medline Handheld Floor Scraper: For tight corners, this handheld scraper features a reversible tempered steel blade for durability and precision.
How to Replace Different Types of Flooring
How to Replace Tile Floors
Once the old flooring is removed, follow these steps to install new tile:
- Begin with a clean and level subfloor.
- Arrange the tiles without adhesive to confirm your layout.
- Apply tile adhesive using a notched trowel.
- Press the tiles firmly into the adhesive, using spacers to fill the gaps.
- Allow the adhesive to set per the manufacturer’s instructions before applying grout.
- Fill in any spaces with grout. Wipe off any excess. Let it set.
How to Replace Vinyl Floors
The process is similar to vinyl flooring:
- Make sure your subfloor is clean and level.
- Measure and cut the vinyl, leaving extra material around the edges.
- Depending on the type of vinyl, use adhesive or a floating floor system.
- Press down and use a roller to remove air bubbles.
- Trim the edges for a finished look.
Can I Replace Floors Myself?
Absolutely–replacing flooring can be done as a DIY project. It’s a way to freshen up your space and increase its value.
Before you start, consider the following:
- Assess your skills and availability. This is not a quick weekend project. Make sure you have the time and patience to see it through.
- Gather tools. Use the right tools for the best results. We’ll discuss the type of scraper you’ll need in a moment.
- Understand the process. Be familiar with the steps to remove the old floor and lay down the new one.
- Put safety first. Use heavy-duty gloves, eye and ear protection, and knee pads. Watch out for hazards like asbestos in older floors.
Do You Need to Remove Old Floors First?
In most cases, you do. Stripping out the old flooring gives you a clean slate, which means your new floor will look better and last longer.
- Check the old floor. If the surface is rough or uneven, remove it. Laying new flooring over a bad surface can cause problems.
- Watch for hazards. If you suspect the presence of asbestos, call in experts.
- Prep the subfloor. Once you’ve cleared out the old flooring, make sure the subfloor is clean and patch up any damage.
Updating your flooring can refresh your space without having to pay for professionals to do the work. Simply follow the steps we outlined and you’ll be amazed at the results.
Need a hand? Contact the experts at Runyon Surface Prep. We’re just a phone call or email away.