Old floors out, new possibilities in. At Larrys Professional Flooring Installers, our floor removal services are designed to go far beyond just tearing up your old floors. We focus on safety, precision, cleanliness, and proper subfloor preparation—because what’s underneath matters just as much as what goes on top.
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Removing Old Floors the Right Way
Before new flooring can look its best, the old surface has to come up the right way. Larrys Professional Flooring Installers provides meticulous floor-removal services that protect your subfloor, control dust, and clear every trace of adhesive or debris. Our Rapid City team arrives with commercial-grade equipment and decades of expertise, giving you a smooth, level foundation that’s truly ready for your next hardwood, tile, or luxury vinyl installation.
Our Proven Process
We visit your space to assess the flooring type, installation method, and square footage. We check for any known issues, such as water damage or adhesives, and provide a detailed estimate.
We protect surrounding surfaces, walls, cabinets, and doorways with plastic barriers, floor coverings, and dust control systems. Vents are covered to prevent contamination.
Step 3: Careful Floor Removal
Depending on the flooring type, we use pry bars, power scrapers, jackhammers (for tile), or manual techniques. We avoid damaging the subfloor or nearby features.
Step 4: Adhesive and Fastener Removal
We grind or scrape off leftover glue, mortar, or staples. This ensures a clean surface free of bumps or residue.
Step 5: Subfloor Inspection
We inspect the subfloor for damage, mold, rot, or uneven areas. If repairs are needed, we’ll advise you on the best solutions before proceeding.
Step 6: Complete Site Cleanup
All debris is bagged and removed from the site. We vacuum and wipe surfaces to ensure your space is left tidy and ready for installation.
We remove all types of residential and commercial flooring, including:
• Carpet and Padding – Complete removal of carpet, tack strips, staples, and foam padding.
• Tile & Stone Flooring – Ceramic, porcelain, marble, and travertine tiles with mortar and grout.
• Laminate & Vinyl – Floating, click-lock, or glue-down vinyl and laminate.
• Hardwood & Engineered Wood – Nailed, stapled, or glued hardwood.
• Rubber, Cork & Specialty Flooring – Including gyms, basements, and acoustic flooring.
• Adhesives, Mortar & Underlayment – We grind or scrape off residue, leaving subfloors clean and level.
No matter what material you have, we remove it professionally and dispose of all debris responsibly.
Removing flooring properly isn’t just demolition—it’s a craft that ensures the success of what comes next. Here’s why professional floor removal is a must:
1. Protects Your Investment - Poorly removed flooring can damage the subfloor, leading to costly repairs and shortening the life of your new floors. We take a meticulous approach to preserve the structural integrity of your space.
2. Smooth Surface for New Installations - New floors need a clean, flat base. We remove all adhesives, nails, and imperfections to avoid future issues like uneven planks, hollow tiles, or creaky boards.
3. Dust Control and Cleanliness - We use dust containment systems, vacuum attachments, and protective barriers to minimize mess and protect air quality.
4. Safe and Efficient - We use specialized tools and trained crews to complete the job faster and safer than DIY or general contractors.
5. Stress-Free Process - You won’t need to rent equipment, haul debris, or spend your weekend prying up planks. We handle everything from prep to clean-up.
Why Choose Larrys Professional Flooring Installers?
We’re a local Rapid City company with strong ties to the community. Unlike out-of-town contractors, we’re accountable, available, and focused on building lasting relationships with every client.
We bring over 25 years of hands-on experience to every flooring removal project. Whether we’re dealing with thin vinyl, thick tile mortar, or glue-down wood planks, we’ve done it all—and done it well.
We don’t cut corners or use outdated methods. Our crews arrive with heavy-duty floor scrapers, jackhammers, oscillating tools, HEPA vacuums, and moisture meters to ensure precision and cleanliness every time.
Full Dust Containment Solutions
Dust from floor removal can spread throughout your home or business if not managed correctly. We use professional-grade vacuums, plastic sheeting, and air filtration systems to reduce airborne particles and protect your space.
Detailed Subfloor Inspections
Unlike some contractors who rush through the removal, we treat your subfloor as the foundation of your future flooring. We take the time to inspect for moisture, mold, cracks, or unevenness, and make recommendations for repair or leveling if needed.
One Team from Start to Finish
From the initial removal to the final prep for installation, you deal with one reliable, well-trained team. We don’t outsource the work—we stand by our craftsmanship and guarantee every phase of the job is done right.
If your existing floor is glued, nailed, mortared, or installed in layers, professional removal prevents costly damage to the subfloor and saves you days of back-breaking work. We bring commercial-grade scrapers, jackhammers, and HEPA-equipped vacuums that a DIYer usually can’t access or operate safely. Our technicians also understand how different adhesives behave, how to cut around cabinetry without chipping it, and how to recognize hidden moisture problems that would ruin new flooring if left unaddressed. In short, the right expertise up front protects your investment in the new floor that’s coming next.
Square footage is only the starting point. Material type (carpet versus thin-set tile), installation method (floating, nailed, or full glue-down), number of layers, and site accessibility all influence labor hours and disposal costs. For example, a 250 sq ft room of glued hardwood can take a full day and specialized saw blades, whereas the same room of carpet may come out in under three hours. During your free on-site estimate we measure, test adhesion, and check for subfloor issues so you receive an accurate, no-surprise quote and timeline.
How do you keep dust and debris from spreading through my home?
Tile and thin-set removal can generate silica dust, so we seal work zones with plastic sheeting, cover HVAC returns, and connect all chippers and grinders to HEPA vacuums that capture 99.97 % of particles down to 0.3 microns. Air scrubbers with negative pressure further contain airborne debris. When we finish, we sweep, vacuum, and wipe the work area so you can re-enter without a dust cloud following you.
What happens if you discover subfloor damage once the old floor is gone?
We stop and show you exactly what we’ve found—whether it’s moisture, rot, cracked concrete, or loose plywood seams. Minor issues like popped fasteners or shallow surface cracks can often be fixed on the spot with leveling compound or new screws. For more extensive damage we provide photos, moisture-meter readings, and repair options (either in-house or via a trusted partner), ensuring your new flooring sits on a stable, warrantable foundation.
Do I have to empty the entire space before you arrive?
Removing small furniture, valuables, and electronics in advance speeds up the job and protects your belongings. If heavy items—appliances, pianos, display cases—can’t be moved out, we can shift them as the work progresses or build temporary platforms so flooring underneath can be removed safely. Any moving assistance is itemized in your quote so you know the exact cost upfront.
What do you do with all the old flooring and hazardous materials?
All debris is bagged or binned on site, then hauled to licensed waste or recycling facilities in Pennington County. Adhesive cans, tack-strip nails, and thin-set rubble are separated according to local environmental regulations. Whenever possible, we divert carpet pad and clean wood to recycling streams—lowering landfill impact and keeping your remodel as eco-friendly as possible. You receive a disposal receipt upon request for full transparency.
Removing your old flooring is the first step toward your dream space. At Larrys Professional Flooring Installers, we make sure it’s done right—from floor to ceiling, and corner to corner. With our expert team, advanced tools, and commitment to cleanliness and care, you’ll be ready for beautiful new floors in no time. Call us today or request a free estimate to get started with professional floor removal in Rapid City, SD. Let’s prep your home or business for the next chapter—clean, smooth, and ready for something new.
Address
310 E Denver St, Rapid City, SD 57701
Phone
(605) 342-1117
Business Hours
Monday - Saturday 9am - 5 pm
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Hardwood & Engineered Wood Installation
Laminate Flooring Installation
Tile, Marble & Travertine Installation
Stair Runners & Custom Stair Work
Floor Removal
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Flooring Repairs & Inspections
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