How do you lift up and remove old hardboard panels above the floorboards?

Question

They are all sort of nailed in good and proper.

I've not applied any force yet.. and am wondering if I should try tearing them out with my hands... but also imagine they will break up in the process.

Thanks.

Answer 1

We had to do it in our house, you have a million screws to unscrew first, then get a crow bar and use bruit force!!  Not an easy job, but possible.  Good luck.

Answer 2

I don't think there will be an easy, tidy way! we have renovated a house or two and find a lot of time was wasted trying to do things nicely, if you don't plan to reuse/sell the old stuff then go for it and rip them up! Sheer force and brute strength, definately a man job!!

Answer 3

Use a claw hammer, Once you've get one up the rest will be easier. A wood chisel could also be useful.

Make sure you get all the nails up...quite a few will just remain sticking out of the floor. can be rather pain full if you don't and stand on one with bare feet...Keep children out of the way during the work.

Maybe remove one carefully to allow you to inspect the condition of the floor boards... gives you the option of changing your mind.

Wearing gloves will protect your hands from sharp edges etc.

before you begin, check they don't go under anything that's fixed eg bath etc if bathroom.

Be careful if around where any radiator pipes etc come through them.

Answer 4

They will break up, you need to rip them up as you suggest then pull the nail out which will be attached to a small piece of hard board using either pliers or pincher's.

Answer 5

In England they tend to be tacked down, in America screwed down. If in America undo the screws then they will lift up. In England use a claw hammer. It's a messy job, but when they're up, then the boards are sanded it will all be worthwhile!

Answer 6

The easiest way is to use a hole saw -

http://images.google.co.uk/images?hl=en&...

& use it over each nail/s***w.You can then lift each board with a claw hammer or use a circular saw to run down each join.Make sure you set the depth correctly though as there may be pipes underneath!!

Answer 7

Pry bar/recking bar. Cheap and does the job.

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/81568/Hand...

Answer 8

just pull them up using a claw hammer & a crow bar