What You Need To Buy From Home Depot To Remove Vinyl Flooring
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When you think about vinyl flooring, you probably associate it with the 1970s. After all, it was the most sought-after flooring option during that time period. Because of its outdated reputation, many homeowners choose to remove their vinyl flooring; however, according to Forbes Advisor, vinyl flooring is making a comeback. In fact, its stylish makeover has earned itself a spot as one of the six best flooring trends for your kitchen, so if you haven't decided on a type of flooring, it's worth checking out the newest vinyl options.
Whether you're upgrading to modern vinyl or ditching the style altogether, you can do this project by yourself with absolutely no professional assistance. The Home Depot even offers a how-to guide for removing vinyl flooring. This DIY project is beginner-friendly and shouldn't take longer than two hours. Another nice thing about this renovation is that you most likely have a majority of the necessary tools already in your toolkit.
The small tools
Removing vinyl flooring is easily doable not only because of the labor involved but the tools required as well. As we mentioned earlier, you may already have these small hand tools at your disposal, such as a painter's tool and utility knife (which is one of the eight most useful hand tools, according to Construction Fasteners and Tools). Additionally, you'll need a pry bar and mallet head, which you'll use in conjunction with each other to remove the baseboards. All of these tools are typically inexpensive, depending on the brand you choose.
You will also need a 2-inch by 4-inch by 8-foot sandalwood stud. It may seem like the outlier of the group, but a stud is an essential item for remodeling floors. A stud is "boards that function as framing elements in your home, supporting the walls," Lowe's explains. In other words, if the stud weren't there, the construction of your flooring and walls would be tremendously compromised.
Heat gun
Heat guns serve many purposes, such as thawing frozen pipes, removing paint and old wallpaper, and even upholstering furniture. In this case, the heat gun is used to soften the glue that binds the vinyl to the subfloor. This tool isn't completely necessary when removing your vinyl flooring. According to The Home Depot, you should only use it if you're dealing with a stubborn adhesive that soap and warm water can't loosen. Chances are you don't already have this tool at home, but thankfully, there are some high-quality heat guns on the market that are very affordable.
If you have a tighter budget, check out the Wagner Furno 300 Heat Gun for $27. For a budget with a little more wiggle room, there's the Milwaukee 11.6-Amp 120-Volt Dual Temperature Heat Gun for $99. And to those looking for a higher-end model, there's the DEWALT 20-Volt MAX Cordless Compact Heat Gun with Flat & Hook Nozzle Attachments for $149. No matter which heat gun you choose, it will make removing your vinyl flooring easier and more time-efficient.