Currently living in a house that has about 450 sq. ft of Engineered Wood Flooring (I think 3/8 or 1/2 inch) that has been glued down to the subfloor (3/4 inch plywood). The hardwood is in fairly poor condition and would like to replace it. I really don't think it can be refinished, besides my wife is set on a completely different color and style. Thought about ripping it out and then contracting to have another installed. My question is what am I looking in regards to ripping this stuff out? I would like to do this myself and let the pro's then prep the floor for the new hardwood. Thanks in advance for any advice.

MJ

Depends on the glue they used to put it down and how well it is still fastened. I would hire a few laborers to do the demo unless you just have a thing for punishment. Basicly you dont know untill you get into it, most guys are just going to charge time and materials.

You may very well end up tearing off some of the top layers of the plywood subfloor as well. Not everywhere but in places. That's happened to me. And also, the subfloor will basically be a mess. Instead of sanding and patching it, I simply lay another layer of plywood over it. The cost is about the same and this way, you get a stiffer subfloor.

Staple another floor right over that, at a 45º or 90º to what is down now.