Why removal matters
Installing over an old floor can save time, but it often hides problems: soft spots, old water damage, squeaks and uneven areas. Removing the existing floor lets us see the subfloor, fix what needs fixing (subfloor preparation and leveling) and install the new floor at the right height for doorways and appliances.
Some products can go over certain existing hard floors. When that is an option, we will discuss it. Carpet and pad always come out first.
What different floors take to remove
Carpet and pad
Usually the quickest: carpet and pad are cut and rolled, and tack strip and staples are pulled.
Laminate and floating LVP
Floating floors come up board by board along with the underlayment.
Glue-down vinyl, sheet vinyl and LVT
Adhered floors take longer, and adhesive residue may need to be removed or covered depending on the new product.
Nailed hardwood and tile
Nailed wood and mortar-set tile are the most labor-intensive to remove and can produce dust and debris that need containment.
Older homes: asbestos and lead
Many Portland-area homes were built long before current materials rules. Some older sheet vinyl, vinyl tiles and their adhesives can contain asbestos, and painted trim in homes built before 1978 may contain lead paint. These materials should not be torn out until they have been evaluated.
Oregon has asbestos survey requirements for many renovation projects in older homes, and Washington has its own rules. If your home is older and has old resilient flooring or painted trim that will be disturbed, tell us the year it was built so the right steps are taken first. Testing and abatement, when needed, are done by licensed specialists.
Disposal and cleanup
Tell us whether you want the old flooring hauled away so it can be included in your scope. We leave the work area cleared and ready for preparation and installation. Removal is a line item in most quotes; our installation cost guide explains how it fits with material and installation.
Flooring removal questions
Is old flooring removal included in a quote?
Yes, we remove old flooring and can include it in your quote. Tell us what is on the floor now, how many rooms and whether there are stairs.
Can new flooring go over my old floor?
Sometimes, depending on the new product and the condition of the existing floor. Carpet must always be removed. Send photos so we can review the options.
What if my old vinyl might contain asbestos?
Do not disturb it. Some older vinyl flooring and adhesives contain asbestos. Tell us the age of your home; testing and any abatement must be handled by licensed specialists before removal.
Do you haul away the old flooring?
Haul-away can be part of your scope. Let us know when you request your estimate.