How to Remove and Replace Laminate Flooring – Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you’re upgrading your home or repairing a damaged area, knowing how to remove and replace laminate flooring correctly can save time, money, and frustration. At Laminate Floor World, we’ve helped thousands of South Africans with seamless floor replacements — from small sections to full home renovations. This guide explains every step clearly so you can achieve professional results, even if you’re tackling it for the first time.

When Should You Remove and Replace Laminate Flooring?

Laminate floors are durable, but they may need replacement when water damage, warping, or excessive wear appears. You might also remove the old floor if you’re upgrading to a premium option like Pergo Odense or switching to vinyl flooring for better water resistance. Cracked planks, swelling joints, and soft spots underfoot are clear indicators that it’s time to act.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before learning how to remove and replace laminate flooring, gather these essential tools. Proper preparation ensures the process runs smoothly and avoids unnecessary damage to the underlay or subfloor.

• Pry bar or crowbar
• Rubber mallet
• Utility knife
• Tapping block and pull bar
• Protective gloves
• Measuring tape
• New laminate planks
• Foam underlay (if needed)
• Skirtings or scotia trims for finishing

Step-by-Step: How to Remove and Replace Laminate Flooring

Laminate floors use a click-lock system that allows easy removal without damaging the planks. Follow these steps carefully to preserve any reusable boards and keep the subfloor intact.

1. Clear the Area

Start by removing all furniture, rugs, and skirtings. Disconnect quarter rounds or scotia trims carefully using a pry bar so they can be reused later. Make sure the space is completely clear before proceeding.

2. Remove the First Row

Locate a wall where the last row was installed. Insert the pry bar under the first plank and gently lift it to release the locking mechanism. Work slowly to prevent damaging adjoining planks. Once the first row is out, the rest will follow easily.

3. Continue Across the Room

Lift each plank row by row. Laminate flooring clicks together along the long and short sides, so angling it slightly upward will help unlock the joints. Stack reusable boards neatly for future use or recycling. Avoid bending planks to prevent snapping.

4. Remove Underlay and Inspect the Subfloor

Once all planks are removed, check the underlay for signs of moisture or damage. If the underlay appears worn or mouldy, replace it. This is also the best time to repair uneven surfaces with floor preparation products such as self-levelling screed.

How to Remove and Replace Laminate Flooring Correctly

Replacing laminate flooring is the fun part — it’s where your space starts transforming again. Follow these guidelines to ensure a perfect fit and long-lasting performance.

1. Check the Expansion Gap

Leave a 10 mm gap around all walls and fixed points. This allows the floor to expand naturally and prevents buckling. The skirting will later cover this gap for a neat finish.

2. Install New Underlay (If Needed)

Use a high-quality foam or acoustic underlay suitable for laminate floors. If you have underfloor heating, choose an option rated for heat conductivity. Always roll the underlay smoothly with edges tightly joined, avoiding overlaps.

3. Lay the New Laminate Planks

Start from the same wall where you began removing the old boards. Click the tongue and groove edges together using a tapping block for a tight seal. Stagger joints between rows by at least 30 cm to create a realistic pattern and strengthen the layout.

4. Reinstall Skirtings or Trims

Once all planks are laid, refit the skirting boards or replace them with new profiles like our 90 mm plain grey skirting or 16 mm white paintable scotia. They hide the expansion gaps and complete your installation beautifully.

Professional Tips from Laminate Floor World

To make the process smoother, remember these expert tips. They come straight from our installation teams who replace hundreds of floors every month:

• Always work in the same direction as the natural light in the room for a uniform look.
• Use a moisture barrier if you’re installing on concrete.
• Acclimate new planks for at least 48 hours before installation.
• Keep offcuts — they’re useful for tricky corners or small replacements later.
• Wipe away dust before laying each plank for a cleaner join.

Still unsure about doing it yourself? Our certified installers can remove and replace your laminate floor professionally. Visit our installation services page or contact Laminate Floor World for expert help.

Eco-Friendly Disposal and Recycling

Old laminate flooring doesn’t have to end up in landfill. Many recycling center’s accept HDF boards. Alternatively, reuse undamaged planks in smaller rooms or garden projects. For more on sustainable flooring options, explore our eco-friendly laminate collections.

Need Help on How to Remove and Replace Laminate Flooring?

Save time and avoid costly mistakes — let the professionals at Laminate Floor World handle it for you. Our expert teams offer fast, dust-controlled removal and precision installation using premium materials. We also assist with floor preparation, laminate flooring, and vinyl flooring solutions for every home or business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some quick answers about how to remove and replace laminate flooring effectively and safely:

• Can I reuse old laminate planks? Yes, if they’re undamaged and still click together tightly.
• Do I need to replace the underlay? Not always. Replace it if it’s compressed, wet, or mouldy.
• How long does replacement take? A professional team can usually complete 30m² in a day.
• Can I replace a few planks only? Yes — it’s possible to lift and swap individual boards if you match the click profile.

For more detailed help, see our installation guide or contact our team for personalized advice.

External reference: Learn more about sustainable laminate manufacturing at Engineered Wood Products Association.