I recently ripped up the carpet in my upstairs Cape Cod in Southwest Ohio due to a cat urine smell. When I treated the subfloor, I found out it's actually tile instead of just being a wooden subfloor. Now I'm questioning how to proceed with the flooring installation. I need advice on whether I should pull out all the leftover carpet staples or hammer them flat. I'm planning to clean the tile with vinegar and water, but I'm not confident about the effectiveness of enzyme cleaners on tile. Any thoughts?
3 Answers
Definitely pull out the staples! It may seem tedious, but it's essential to avoid any bumps when laying the LVP. If you hammer them down, you might end up with air pockets that can lead to issues later on. A good pair of pliers will make this job much easier.
Also, don't skip thoroughly cleaning the surface first; you want a smooth foundation.
If you don't remove the staples, you risk damaging your new flooring over time. If you can see any signs of urine stains, consider this: enzyme cleaners often don't work well on tiles that have been heavily soiled. You're likely better off replacing damaged materials if that’s the case. After cleaning, don't forget to let everything dry thoroughly before laying the new flooring!
Exactly! I made that mistake once and paid for it later. Better safe than sorry, especially with flooring installation.
It really depends on what type of tile you've got. If it’s vinyl tile, sometimes people avoid removing the flooring due to asbestos concerns. Pulling staples can be risky in that case. If it’s not a concern, get those staples out! Just hammering them might leave imperfections under the new LVP, which isn't what you want.
Good point! It’s crucial to know what you're dealing with before making a decision. Plus, removing them gives you a clean slate for the LVP installation.
Yeah, I echo that! I've done this before, and trust me, it's worth it to just remove them. You'll be left with a stable surface that will save you headaches down the road.