Removing Linoleum and Vinyl Flooring

If you have just moved into a new house or are remodeling a room in search of a different look, you may be faced with removing linoleum or vinyl flooring. Removing vinyl or linoleum flooring can take a good bit of work, but it is well worth it if you wish to save money by doing it yourself.

While vinyl and linoleum are both excellent flooring profits, the time may come to remove the material. Linoleum and vinyl flooring does wear, and after enough traffic replacement is necessary. Whether you install vinyl or linoleum flooring all over again or switch to a different material such as ceramic tiling or hardwood, proper removal is important.

You already know why you’re looking at removing your flooring:

• The linoleum or vinyl flooring is highly worn
• You would like a different flooring material
• You are remodeling the room

And why haven’t you done it yet?

• You’ve heard that it’s hard
• You can’t choose between different flooring ideas

When removing linoleum or vinyl floors, sometimes each layer leads to more frustration. To start, the older the linoleum or vinyl flooring, the harder it will be to remove. Also, during the removal process, the old flooring material may pull up some of the material beneath it, leaving an uneven base. You may also find that the glue residue left behind is very hard to get rid of.

What it Takes to Remove Linoleum and Vinyl Flooring

If you are dead set on removing the old flooring yourself, then it will take a bit of time. You can start with chipping away at the old flooring and using heat to soften the material. A paint scraper can be found at your local home improvement store and will help to pry up the old flooring, and a source of heat such as a heat gun or even a hair dryer can make the glue more malleable and easier to remove.

Often, homeowners are rewarded by finding a beautiful layer of hardwood flooring underneath when removing linoleum and vinyl flooring. This hardwood can be refinished for a beautiful look that may be perfect for the room, so it is important to keep this in mind before completely deciding on a new flooring material.

Alternatives to Removing the Old Flooring Material

If this sounds like too much work, there are alternatives. One example is to adhere plywood on top of the old linoleum or vinyl flooring and install your new flooring to the plywood. Many homeowners are turning to covering the old flooring with new flooring rather than going through the effort and mess of removing the old flooring first.

Another alternative to removing your old linoleum or vinyl flooring, if the surface is still usable, is to paint it a different color. A coat or two of paint made specifically for vinyl or linoleum can cover up the old design or color. Follow that with some urethane and you’ve got a new, beautiful floor.

Another fun idea is to modify what is already there. Start with a clear coat of urethane, add some decorative items (glitter, coins, stamps, etc.), let it dry and then add more urethane. This is a great idea to brighten up a new playroom or bedroom, or to add drama to your kitchen flooring. Involve the kids in picking out the “fun stuff” and you’ve got a fun family project.

Remember, removing linoleum and vinyl flooring can be tough, yet rewarding. Still, it is not for everyone, and if you find that you aren’t up for the task of removing your old flooring material, look into some of the other options listed above. Whether you choose to remove your linoleum or vinyl flooring or cover over it, you are sure to find something that works for you.

Don’t feel that you’re ever stuck with the linoleum or the vinyl flooring that you have — get creative!

Visit our Los Angeles Flooring showrooms for more information about Flooring.