Removing old hardwood floors can be a daunting task. Without proper tools, this process can pose several challenges and it can very easily turn into a mess. At First Atlanta Flooring, we’ve gathered a collection of top-notch tools specifically crafted to professionally pry, cut, and scrape off old planks and nails.
Featuring hardwood floor installation tools from renowned brands like Bona, DeWalt, Crain, American Line, Dynamic, and Stanley Bostitch, we are your one-stop destination for all things related to hardwood flooring, including removing old ones. Learn about the best tools to get this job done efficiently.
How to remove hardwood floors
Removing hardwood floors begins with having the right tools. You will be needing more than one, including pry bars, mallet hammers, pliers or nippers, a circular saw, chisels, and floor scrapers. At First Atlanta Flooring, we acknowledge the importance of excellent products to safeguard and upkeep your floors. Our selection of tools, tested and approved by industry professionals, reflects our commitment to quality.
Once armed with the necessary tools, kick off the hardwood removal process by taking down the baseboards or side supports from the wall using a hammer and chisel. This step not only facilitates determining the wood thickness but also sets the stage for what follows. Measure the opening left between the boards and the wall precisely, as this accuracy becomes crucial for the next steps.
The circular saw becomes your go-to tool for removing floorboards. Ensure a seamless cutting process by adjusting the saw to the previously measured thickness and making cuts along the lines that connect the boards. To be precise, divide the space into manageable sections of a square foot or two, using a tape measure and chalk. Create guidelines on the floor with a ruler to prevent any mishaps while wielding the circular saw.
Now, onto the challenging task of removing the wood. Use the pry bar and hammer to pry from underneath, making it easier to detach the pre-cut pieces. For a systematic approach, initiate the wood removal from the sides, row by row, until you reach the center.
Next, you need to remove the staples or backing nails that often secure hardwood flooring. The hammer and pry bar are useful now. Pliers or nippers can also be efficient in handling these fixtures.
After you have cut and removed the boards along with other supporting elements, there might be residue of glue remains at the bottom. Use a scraper or, if needed, a spatula to remove them. If the glue proves stubborn, there’s a simple yet effective alternative – pour boiling water to melt the glue with the heat. Cover the area with rags immediately, and once the water cools, remove them while cleaning any remaining residue on the subfloor.
If you’ve used boiling water, allow the floor to dry thoroughly. Any nails or staples scattered around can be gathered with a large magnet. Then, you can use a broom to clean everything up. If you’re preparing to install a new floor, a vacuum cleaner is more adequate since you want a polished and debris-free surface.
Key tools for the process
1. Pry bars
These are essential for prying and extracting staples or backing nails during the removal process. They provide leverage and precision to efficiently dislodge these fasteners. At First Atlanta Flooring, you can choose from:
- DeWALT Spring Steel 13” Flat bar – which features a broad prying end designed for optimal leverage. With multiple nail pullers and point-beveled ends, this 12″ flat bar ensures efficient nail removal in various applications.
- DeWALT Spring Steel 21” Flat Bar – this one is crafted from durable spring steel for enhanced strength and longevity. Boasting multiple nail pullers, it offers flexibility and efficient nail removal, making it a versatile and robust tool for your prying needs.
2. Hammer
A versatile tool for various stages, the hammer aids in removing baseboards, adjusting the circular saw settings, and, importantly, working alongside the nail bar to extract staples or nails. Check out the following:
- Porta-Nails Flooring Mallet with Wooden Handle 40009 – a robust 60 oz. heavy-duty mallet. Engineered for optimal striking force, its balanced head ensures efficient impact, while the flat face guarantees solid contact with the flooring tool. It is crafted with a hickory handle and features a non-marring rubber cap, adding to its durability and protecting the flooring surface. Whether you’re engaging nailers or staplers, this mallet stands as a reliable companion for flooring projects, combining strength and precision.
- Stanley Bostitch 45 oz. Graphite Hardwood Flooring Mallet – a specialized tool designed for meticulous hardwood flooring work. Boasting a replaceable beveled face, this mallet excels in setting board ends while safeguarding the wear layer and preserving both the tool and flooring. The soft replaceable face serves a dual purpose, protecting both the flooring and the tool itself. The jacketed graphite handle imparts strength and durability, and offers the tactile feel of wood for enhanced user experience. With a flared comfort-fit hand ensuring a secure grip and minimizing slippage, this tool features a patented head-to-handle connection for added stability. For extended use, replacement faces are available separately, making it a versatile and enduring tool for hardwood flooring projects.
3. Pliers or nippers
These are handy for gripping and removing staples or nails that may be deeply embedded. Their precision is useful in tight spaces and facilitates a smoother extraction process.
4. Circular saws
The go-to tool for cutting and removing floorboards. It allows for precise and efficient cuts, especially when configured to the measured thickness obtained earlier in the process.
Discover the efficiency of the Roberts Circular Saw with a 36-Tooth Carbide Tip Blade, expertly designed to effortlessly cut through wood. Ideal for precise cuts in door jams and baseboards, this carbide-tipped blade ensures a smooth and accurate operation. Specifically crafted for use with Roberts 10-56, 10-55, and 10-46 Jamb Saws, this circular saw and blade combination provides the reliability and precision needed for various cutting applications in your woodworking projects.
5. Floor scrapers
These are employed for scraping and removing glue residues from the subfloor. They ensure a clean surface, preparing it for the installation of a new floor.
Explore our range of floor scrapers at First Atlanta Flooring, each crafted for precision and durability. Ours are made in the USA. Choose from three versatile options:
- 1-1/2 in. x 11 in. Hardwood Handled Scraper
- 1-1/2 in. x 18 in. Hardwood Handled Scraper
- 1 in. x 11 in. Hardwood Handled Scraper
These meticulously designed tools offer a reliable and efficient solution for various scraping needs, providing the quality and performance expected in professional flooring projects.
6. Chisel
This tool is used in conjunction with the hammer to remove baseboards, providing access to measure the wood’s thickness accurately. It aids in the initial stages of disassembling the flooring.
7. Magnet
It’s useful for efficiently gathering scattered nails or staples, significantly reducing the manual effort involved in locating and picking up these metal fasteners.
8. Vacuum cleaner
Ideal for a more thorough and deeper clean, especially when preparing the subfloor for the installation of a new floor. It effectively removes finer particles and ensures a polished surface.
And to help you in this process, we also have Husky Trash Bags that are strong, tear-resistant, and leak-proof. These bags can hold up to 42 gallons of debris.
Our store has everything you need to remove old hardwood flooring without damage and prepare for a new installation. Check out our online shop or visit any of our First Atlanta Flooring locations to see our tools, stock, and pricing!
