Quick Answer
How much does flooring removal cost in Kelowna?
Short Answer
Flooring removal in Kelowna costs $1–$2.50 per square foot depending on what's being removed and how it's attached. Floating laminate is cheapest to remove ($1/sqft); glued vinyl, nailed hardwood, and tile are most expensive ($2–$2.50/sqft).
Removal cost by floor type
- Floating laminate / LVP: $1.00–$1.50/sqft. Pulls up in minutes; no adhesive.
- Carpet + underpad: $1.00–$1.75/sqft. Includes hauling and underpad disposal.
- Glued vinyl sheet: $1.75–$2.50/sqft. Adhesive scraping is labour-intensive.
- Nailed solid hardwood: $2.00–$2.50/sqft. Each board pried up individually.
- Tile (ceramic/porcelain): $2.00–$3.00/sqft. Most expensive — chiseling thinset off the substrate is slow.
- Glued-down engineered hardwood: $2.00–$3.00/sqft. Hard to separate from substrate.
What's typically included
- Removal labour
- Disposal fees + dump runs
- Light substrate cleanup (sweeping, vacuuming nails)
Not typically included unless quoted separately: - Asbestos testing on pre-1985 vinyl/tile - Major subfloor repair - Stair carpet removal (priced per step)
Why removal isn't always worth skipping
If you're tempted to install new floor over old, ask about height issues at door swings, transitions to other rooms, and whether the existing floor is flat. Floating LVP can sometimes go over old laminate or vinyl, but tile-over-tile rarely works and laminate-over-carpet never works.
FAQ
Related Questions
Can I save money by removing the old floor myself?+
Yes — most homeowners can remove carpet and floating laminate themselves with basic tools. Tile and nailed hardwood are not DIY-friendly. If you remove the old floor, ask for the install-only quote.
Is asbestos a concern in old Kelowna flooring?+
Vinyl flooring installed before 1985 may contain asbestos. If your home is from that era, get the floor tested before removing it. We can recommend local asbestos-testing labs.
Does Kelowna Flooring Superstore handle removal?+
Yes — removal of old flooring is included in most full-service installs. We add a per-sqft line item to your quote so you can see exactly what it costs.
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