Removing glue-down carpet requires more labor and specialized tools than stretch-in carpet, and costs vary widely by room size, adhesive type, floor condition, and contractor choice. This guide explains typical price ranges, factors that drive cost, DIY considerations, disposal fees, and cost-saving strategies to help homeowners make informed decisions. Summary Table:
| Service | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Labor (Pro) | $1.50 – $4.00 per sq ft | Depends on adhesive and subfloor condition |
| Adhesive Removal/Chemical | $0.50 – $2.50 per sq ft | May require solvent, heat, or grinding |
| Subfloor Repair | $50 – $300 per patch | Damaged plywood or concrete repair adds cost |
| Disposal | $50 – $300 | Based on haul-away amount and local fees |
| Average Total (Small Room) | $150 – $600 | 100 sq ft example |
| Average Total (Whole House) | $1,200 – $8,000 | Depends on square footage and complexity |
Factors That Influence Glue-Down Carpet Removal Cost
Adhesive Type: Construction adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and urethane glues vary in difficulty to remove. Urethane and epoxy-like adhesives often require mechanical grinding or special solvents, increasing cost.
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Square Footage: Contractors typically price by the square foot, so larger areas lower per-square-foot cost but raise the overall bill.
Subfloor Condition: If the subfloor is damaged, rotten, or plywood is contaminated, repair or replacement adds significant cost. Concrete may need patching or grinding to remove residual glue.
Access And Complexity: Tight spaces, stairs, multiple rooms, or furniture removal increase labor time. Hallways and stairs cost more per square foot than open rooms.
Region And Labor Rates: Local labor rates and demand affect pricing. Urban areas and regions with higher living costs usually see higher removal fees.
Typical Cost Ranges And What To Expect
Small Rooms (50–200 sq ft): Expect $150–$800 total. Simple glue and intact subfloor run toward the low end; stubborn adhesive or needed repairs push toward the high end.
Medium Spaces (200–600 sq ft): Typical range $400–$2,000. Many homeowners see $1.00–$3.00 per sq ft for full-service removal including adhesive treatment.
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Whole-Home Projects (1,000+ sq ft): These projects often run $1,200–$8,000 depending on adhesive complexity and subfloor repairs. Contractors may offer sliding-scale pricing that lowers per-square-foot cost on large jobs.
Additional Services: Adhesive grinding, concrete scarification, or chemical stripping can be billed separately. Grinding concrete to remove glue may cost $2.00–$4.00 per sq ft, and chemical solvents add labor/time and disposal considerations.
DIY Versus Professional Removal
DIY Pros: Lower out-of-pocket cost if time and labor are available. Basic glue and small rooms can sometimes be managed with floor scrapers, heat guns, and adhesive solvent.
DIY Cons: Urethane adhesives, large areas, and concrete substrates are difficult without professional tools like grinders or industrial heat systems. DIY attempts can damage subfloors and increase replacement costs.
Professional Pros: Pros bring specialized equipment (walk-behind grinders, scarifiers, industrial vacuums) and knowledge to avoid subfloor damage. They also handle disposal and typically provide faster completion.
Professional Cons: Higher upfront cost but often lower risk and better long-term value. For complex adhesives, professional removal is usually recommended.
Step-By-Step Removal Process And Time Estimates
Inspection And Quote: A contractor inspects adhesive type, subfloor, and access before quoting. This often takes 30–60 minutes onsite.
Furniture Removal And Prep: Clearing the room is required; pros may include this. Prep typically takes 1–3 hours for average rooms.
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Carpet And Pad Pull: Carpet is cut and rolled away; glued-down pads adhere directly and must be scraped. This step can take 1–4 hours depending on area size.
Adhesive Treatment: Methods include solvent application (few hours dwell time), heat and scraping, or mechanical grinding (faster but noisier). Total adhesive removal may take a half day to multiple days for large jobs.
Cleaning, Repairs, And Final Prep: After adhesive removal, subfloor repairs, sanding, or patching occur. Expect 1–2 days including drying time when using solvents or patching compounds.
Disposal, Environmental, And Safety Costs
Haul-Away Fees: Landfill or recycling fees vary; expect $50–$300 based on volume. Many contractors include a disposal charge in the quote.
Hazardous Materials: Older installations may contain asbestos in adhesives or backing. If asbestos is suspected, testing and abatement are required, dramatically increasing costs. Asbestos abatement ranges from $500 to $6,000+ depending on scope.
Chemical Use And Ventilation: Solvents and strippers require ventilation and proper PPE. Some solvents carry environmental disposal requirements that the contractor must follow, adding to cost.
Preparing For Removal To Minimize Cost
Clear Rooms In Advance: Removing furniture lowers labor time and sometimes reduces minimum charges.
Document And Communicate Adhesive History: If the home owner knows about prior installations, adhesives used, or subfloor issues, sharing this avoids surprises during work.
Obtain Multiple Quotes: Get at least three bids with itemized pricing for carpet removal, adhesive treatment, subfloor repair, and disposal to compare apples-to-apples.
Schedule During Off-Peak Seasons: Some contractors offer lower rates during slow seasons. Flexible scheduling can mean savings.
When Subfloor Repair Or Replacement Is Necessary
Damaged Plywood: Water damage, rot, or contamination may require plywood replacement. Plywood replacement commonly costs $50–$150 per sheet installed, depending on local labor rates.
Concrete Grinding And Leveling: For concrete subfloors with residual adhesive or surface irregularities, grinding and leveling compounds increase costs. Grinding runs $2.00–$4.00 per sq ft; leveling compounds and pumping add material and labor fees.
Moisture Mitigation: High moisture in concrete slabs may require vapor barriers or sealers prior to installing new flooring. Moisture mitigation adds both material and labor costs and is essential to protect new flooring.
Cost-Saving Strategies And Alternatives
Targeted Removal: Remove glue only where necessary, or remove carpet and treat visible adhesive instead of grinding entire slab if new flooring tolerates some residue.
Overlay Options: In certain cases, installing a new subfloor panel over the existing floor for resilient or floating floors may be less expensive than full adhesive removal and repair.
Bundle Flooring Projects: Combining carpet removal with new-floor installation under one contract can reduce labor overlap and sometimes lower total cost.
Rent Tools Cautiously: For experienced DIYers, renting a floor scraper, heat gun, or grinder can reduce cost. Consider safety, required PPE, and potential for subfloor damage before renting powerful equipment.
Pricing Examples And Scenarios
Example 1 — Small Living Room (150 sq ft), Light Adhesive: Contractor charges $1.50/sq ft for removal and $0.50/sq ft for adhesive treatment. Total approx $300. Minimal subfloor work and $75 disposal fee bring total near $375.
Example 2 — Master Suite (400 sq ft), Urethane Adhesive On Plywood: Professional removal $2.50/sq ft plus grinding $1.50/sq ft, plywood repair $200, disposal $150. Total approx $1,700.
Example 3 — Whole House (2,000 sq ft), Concrete Slab With Stubborn Glue: Grinding and chemical removal $3.50/sq ft average, plus moisture testing and leveling $1.00/sq ft, disposal $400. Total near $9,400 (large jobs may qualify for volume discounts).
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Removal Take? Small rooms can be done in a day; larger or more complex jobs may take several days including prep, adhesive removal, and repairs.
Will Adhesive Damage New Flooring? Residual adhesive can interfere with new floor adhesives and underlayment performance. Proper removal or approved overlay methods are recommended to protect new flooring warranties.
Is Testing For Asbestos Necessary? If the home predates the mid-1980s or unknown materials were used, testing is prudent. A positive result requires licensed abatement and increases cost significantly.
Do Homeowners Need Permits? Most glue-down carpet removal does not require permits, but structural subfloor changes or asbestos abatement might involve local regulations. Contractors typically handle permit needs if required.
How To Choose A Qualified Contractor
Verify Licensing And Insurance: Ensure the contractor carries general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Licensing requirements vary by state and locality.
Ask For References And Photos: Request before-and-after photos and references for similar glue-down removal jobs.
Get A Detailed Written Estimate: The estimate should itemize carpet removal, adhesive treatment method, subfloor repair, disposal, and any potential extra charges for unseen issues.
Confirm Waste Handling And Safety Practices: Ask about dust control, ventilation, PPE use, and how hazardous materials (if any) will be handled.
Final Practical Considerations
Budget For Contingencies: Set aside at least 10–20% of the project estimate for unexpected repairs or adhesive challenges discovered during removal.
Plan Flooring Timeline: Coordinate removal timing with new flooring installation to avoid extended exposure of subfloors and limit dust or moisture issues.
Document The Work: Keep photos and receipts for warranty purposes and to support any future resale disclosures about floor condition and remediation.