Removing Laminate Flooring

Q: What is the best method for removing laminate flooring?
Brett B.
A: The “best” method for removing laminate is always which one works easiest for you, but to give you a better answer, this will be based on how old your laminate is.
Newer laminates which use click together locking mechanisms can be lifted and unlocked a row at a time to be removed. This can be difficult and locks could endure some damage, but if you intend to completely remove your old flooring this won’t matter.
Older laminates were glued together. In this case they are similar to a floating hardwood floor, where glue in placed in the tongue and groove to anchor the planks together. In these cases you will want to break the flooring up and remove it. First use a skill saw, set for a hair more than the thickness of the plank and cut in 18 inch or so sections then use a wood chisel or similar bar to pry apart or break apart the planks so they can be removed. Again, the method and care here will be based on if you want to salvage the flooring or not. If you’re trying to remove only a few boards, cut down the center of those boards with the saw and use your chisel to remove the planks in question.