How to remove Pergo laminate flooring
To remove Pergo laminate flooring, gather your tools, loosen baseboards, unlock planks using a pry bar and tapping block, and carefully lift each row. Work from the wall outwards, ensuring each plank is detached before moving to the next.
Removing Pergo laminate flooring is a manageable DIY project if you approach it systematically. You’ll need a few basic tools and a bit of patience. The process involves carefully dismantling the planks, usually starting from the outer edge of the room.
Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary tools: a pry bar, a tapping block (or a scrap piece of laminate), a hammer, safety glasses, work gloves, and a utility knife. You might also need a measuring tape and a small crowbar for stubborn baseboards. Clear the room of furniture and any obstacles. If there’s a gap between the wall and the flooring, you may need to remove the baseboards first. Gently pry them away from the wall using a pry bar, working slowly to avoid damaging the drywall. If they are nailed, you’ll need to find and remove the nails.
Prepare the area for laminate floor removal
Start by removing any trim or baseboards around the perimeter of the room. These are usually nailed or glued to the wall. Use a pry bar and a putty knife to protect the wall surface from damage as you carefully pry them away. Work in sections, and if the baseboards are in good condition, set them aside to be reinstalled later. If they are damaged, you’ll need new ones.
Next, locate the starting point for your laminate removal. Most Pergo laminate floors are installed as a ‘floating floor,’ meaning they aren’t glued or nailed to the subfloor. They interlock using a click-lock system. You typically start removing them from an outer wall, often the one furthest from the door, to avoid stepping on the newly exposed subfloor.
If your laminate flooring has quarter round molding along the baseboards, you’ll need to remove that as well. It’s usually just nailed lightly and can be pried off easily.
Unlock and remove the first row of laminate planks
Begin with the first plank in the row closest to the wall where you intend to start removal. Pergo planks typically have a tongue-and-groove system. You’ll need to disengage the long edge and the short end of the plank from its neighbor. Insert the pry bar into the groove of the plank, angling it slightly upwards. Use the tapping block against the pry bar or the edge of the plank to help loosen the locking mechanism without damaging the plank.
For the long edge, you might need to place the tapping block against the plank’s edge and tap it with a hammer to disengage the tongue from the groove. Be gentle; you’re trying to unlock, not break, the planks. Once the long edge is free, work on the short end. You may need to use a utility knife to score any adhesive if it was used, though this is uncommon with Pergo.
Carefully lift the plank away from the subfloor. Once the first plank is out, the rest of the first row should be easier to remove. Continue disengaging each plank, working your way along the wall. Place the removed planks in a stack or dispose of them as needed.
Remove subsequent rows of laminate flooring
After the first row is out, you can typically remove subsequent rows by angling the next plank away from the previous one. If the planks are installed with a click-lock system, you might be able to simply lift the plank at an angle (around 30-45 degrees) to disengage the tongue from the groove. Use your pry bar and tapping block as needed to help ease the planks apart.
Work row by row, continuing the process of disengaging the planks. Pay attention to the direction of the locking mechanism; some systems require you to angle the plank, while others might allow you to slide it out. If you encounter resistance, check for any stray nails or adhesive from the subfloor or previous installations.
As you get further into the room, you may need to cut planks to remove them, especially if the room has an irregular shape or obstacles like doorways or cabinets. Use a circular saw or a jigsaw for these cuts, always ensuring you wear safety glasses and follow proper cutting procedures. Keep the saw blade shallow enough to avoid cutting into the subfloor.
Clean up the subfloor
Once all the laminate flooring is removed, you’ll be left with the subfloor. Inspect it for any damage, loose boards, or debris. Remove any remaining nails, staples, or adhesive residue. Sweep or vacuum the subfloor thoroughly to ensure it’s clean and smooth.
If you plan to install new flooring, check the subfloor for levelness. Minor imperfections can often be fixed with a floor leveling compound. If the subfloor is significantly damaged, you may need to repair or replace sections before installing new flooring. For Pergo laminate, the subfloor is typically plywood or OSB, which is generally durable but can be susceptible to moisture damage.
Tips for a smoother Pergo laminate removal
Work systematically and don’t rush. Taking your time prevents damage to the walls, subfloor, and potentially reusable planks.
Use a tapping block to protect the edges of the planks when disengaging them. This is crucial to avoid chipping or cracking the laminate.
If you’re removing the floor yourself, consider renting a floor scraper if you encounter significant adhesive residue. However, for most click-lock Pergo installations, this is unnecessary.
Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris or splintered laminate.
Common Mistakes During Pergo Laminate Flooring Removal
| Step/Tool | Typical Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Pry Bar Use | Prying too aggressively or without a tapping block. | Damaged planks, gouged subfloor, or torn drywall. |
| Baseboard Removal | Forcing baseboards off without carefully checking for nails or glue. | Broken baseboards, torn wallpaper, or damaged drywall. |
| Unlocking Planks | Trying to force planks apart without properly disengaging the locking mechanism. | Cracked or broken plank edges, making them unusable if you wanted to reuse them. |
| Cutting Planks | Cutting planks too close to an obstruction or not measuring accurately. | Planks that don’t fit, requiring more cuts or resulting in gaps. |
| Subfloor Inspection | Skipping the subfloor inspection and cleanup. | Uneven new flooring installation, potential for moisture issues, or mold growth. |
FAQ
Can I reuse Pergo laminate flooring after removing it?
It depends on the condition of the planks and the type of locking system. Click-lock systems can sometimes be reused if removed carefully without damage. Inspect each plank for chipped edges or broken locking mechanisms before attempting to reinstall.
How do I deal with adhesive if the Pergo laminate is glued down?
While most Pergo laminate is installed as a floating floor, some installations might use adhesive. If you encounter adhesive, use a floor scraper or a stiff putty knife to carefully chip away at it. For stubborn adhesive, a solvent designed for flooring adhesive might be necessary, but test it in an inconspicuous area first.
What if my Pergo laminate flooring is installed over concrete?
If installed over concrete, ensure the concrete subfloor is clean, dry, and level. You may need a moisture barrier. The removal process is similar, but be extra careful not to damage the concrete. If there’s adhesive, a concrete scraper might be needed.
Do I need to remove the underlayment?
Yes, you typically need to remove the underlayment along with the laminate planks. The underlayment is usually laid directly on the subfloor and can be rolled up or peeled away once the planks above it are removed. Clean the subfloor after removing both the laminate and the underlayment.