Okay, we realize in some cases this is obvious. If you have carpet & want hardwood clearly you’ll have to remove the carpet first!
Installing new flooring is more than just an install job. It’s a renovation.
Short Answer: Yes – Old Flooring Should Be Removed
Any time you hear “renovation” it means there’s some demo involved. In the case of a flooring renovation the bulk of the demo work is usually removing the old flooring. (Removing old quarter-round and trim might also be necessary.)
Here in Austin, we have a fairly humid climate. We never want to create places that encourage moisture to build up and allow mold to grow. Putting a new floor over the old one is one of those places.
It’s also a good idea to inspect your subflooring during a renovation. Far better to find some places that need repair before you have brand new floors!
Putting one floor over an existing one can also create problems with the height or thickness of the floor for door clearances. Doors scraping up your new floors will take the fun out of your renovation quickly. Plus, stacking materials can create instability & impact adhesives ability to work correctly.
What Are the Exceptions?
There aren’t many exceptions to this particular rule.
There are a few types of floating flooring that are designed to include the option of installing it over the existing products. Each manufacturer provides specific installation instructions for these, and the existing floor would have to be prepped accordingly. For our money, removing and replacing is a better option. However, we can help you look for one of these products if you’re committed to it!
We can help you determine what the best options are for your new flooring installation.
