How to remove floating floors?

[Elle44]

Hi all

I've just bought a new house which has a quite old and scuffed floating floor.  I'm assured by the RE agent that there are real floor boards underneath.  Is it difficult to remove a floating floor?  I've had a quote for over $700 for just three rooms and thought if it wasn't too difficult I could do it myself.  I've had a look at the FAQs but they seem to be about installing a floating floor not removing it. Any advice appreciated!

cheers, Elle

[EricL]

Hello @Elle44 

Thank you for sharing your question about your floating floor. Floating floors are usually kept in place with either timber moulding or skirting boards depending on the installation method. Would it be possible for you to please post a picture of your floor with the skirting boards included in the picture. This will give our members a better idea of what your floating floor looks like. We can then make recommendations on what you do to disassemble it.

Generally speaking, the timber moulding or skirting board is removed which will give you access to the floating floor closest to the wall. All you need to do then is to lift it up and unclip it from the panel next to it. Place the timber flooring on a pile and tape them together so that you have a nice, neat pile which you can then either stow or throw in the tip.   

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Elle44]

Hello Eric. Thsnk you for your reply sorry for my slow response but

 

i needed to arrange access to the house which ive now done!  As you thought there is some kind of beading (see pic) which is good as i wasnt kern on the idea of removing the skirting boards. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Elle44,

Brilliant, that makes removing your floating floors that little bit simpler.

As floating floors are supposed to be able to move slightly, beading is usually not attached to the floor. Whatever tool you use, you'll have to come at the beading from the top down and then pull it away from the skirting.

For ease of removing the beading, a prybar is a good option. However, unless you are extremely careful, you'll likely cause some damage to the skirting boards that would have to be rectified later.

I find a chisel is more precise, but you don't get as much leverage so it's a bit more labour-intensive.

Aim your chisel or prybar down at the seam between the beading and the skirting board and tap it gently with a hammer. Once the tapered edge starts to slip behind the beading you can use your tool to lever it off the wall. Placing a scrap timber block behind the chisel or prybar will aid in protecting the skirting boards as well as increasing your leverage.

Once the beading is removed, removing the floating floor should be quite simple.

Any damage to the skirting boards can be tidied up with Poly Large Interior And Exterior Cracks Filler, sanded and then painted over.

Let me know what you think and if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob