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I’VE GOT A CERAMIC TILE FLOOR ON TOP OF 3/8″ PLYWOOD, ON TOP OF THE ORIGONAL OAK FLOOR. IN TRYING TO GET THE OAK FLOOR BACK, I WAS ABLE TO BREAK OFF THE TILES WITH A SMALL SLEDGE HAMMER. THE PLYWOOD, ON THE OTHER HAND, DOESN’T WANT TO COME UP. ITS SCREWED DOWN AND THERE’S SOME KIND OF ADHESIVE UNDER IT. MOST OF THE SCREWS ARE COMING OUT, BUT THE ADHESIVE WON’T BUDGE AND I’M AFRAID I’M GOING TO TEAR UP THE OAK TRYING. ANY SUGGESTIONS?
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I'VE GOT A CERAMIC TILE FLOOR ON TOP OF 3/8" PLYWOOD, ON TOP OF THE ORIGONAL OAK FLOOR. IN TRYING TO GET THE OAK FLOOR BACK, I WAS ABLE TO BREAK OFF THE TILES WITH A SMALL SLEDGE HAMMER. THE PLYWOOD, ON THE OTHER HAND, DOESN'T WANT TO COME UP. ITS SCREWED DOWN AND THERE'S SOME KIND OF ADHESIVE UNDER IT. MOST OF THE SCREWS ARE COMING OUT, BUT THE ADHESIVE WON'T BUDGE AND I'M AFRAID I'M GOING TO TEAR UP THE OAK TRYING. ANY SUGGESTIONS?
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Here are some thoughts:
1. Why save it? Jeez, decent oak flooring only costs about $5-7 per foot. Trash it.
2. Use a roofers shovel, a short flat spade to get under the plywood and pry it off. Then sand off the adhesive. Hope its 3/4"
3. Try solvents to loosen up the adhesive. I'm not wild about this one. Mineral Spirits is the kindest and gentlest, but probably won't do much to hardened construction adhesive. Lacquer Thinner? Man O Man, you would needs gallons of the stuff, and I sure wouldn't want to be in the home for several days during and after. I know you're probably not stupid, but don't smoke.