Removing the old Hardwood
Much needed steps and tips to removing that old hardwood floor. This Video File shows how to cut, pry and stack that old floor in your house. See how it's done here first before you attempt the job.

Step 1 (Cutting the old floor)

The first step once you have removed your old floor is to clean up all the old debris. Make sure to clean often because you want to make sure that you remove ALL the nails in the subfloor. In this case there was a paper layer under the hardwood floor. If it is possible to remove this, do! The paper layer is only a dust collector and serves no other purpose.


Step 2 (Removing the old tack strip)

When you remove your old floor you will find thousands of finishing nails that were used to hold down your old hardwood floor. Make sure you have a nail puller (shaped like players but for finishing nails - see video) and a flat crow bar (shown on the right). Both tools in combination will make your day faster. Do not use a hammer to remove the nails. A hammer was designed to "hammer" nails NOT to remove them.

Step 3 (Removing the old floor)

It is vital to renail your subfloor before you place your new floor on top. It is worth the time and effort to do it now and not later. Most floors on the second and above floors have moisture coming from below. This causes the boards to swell and have a slight curve to them. Once nailed most of the swelling will dissipate and the subfloor will remain normal for years to come. Re-nailing will also take most of your squeaks out from your old hardwood floors. Take the time to renail your subfloor.

Quick Tip (Stacking your removed floor)

A simple little trick to save time and effort!