I am preparing to install hardwood throughout my house(2600 sq ft). I have an extra 1/4 inch of underlayment in the kitchen and bathrooms that I believe was put in to have the vinyl the same level as the carpet. In order for me that have all the hardwood the same level I need to remove the extra 1/4 inch. How is the best way to go about that? I dont want to have to remove all the cabinets if I can help it.

Another question I have is witch is better. Complete stair tread or just he bull nose and saw of the nose that currently exist.

Thanks to all who provide input to this forum. I hope I can add to it.

First make sure the vinyl is asbestos free. How many years has it been down?

To remove the vinyl and 1/4" underlayment make a series of cuts about every 2 feet with a circular saw set to the correct depth. Take it all up together with some flat pry bars and you will be left with a gazillion staples that will have to be pulled or beat down. If the 1/4" runs under the cabinets you have two choices. One is buy a Crain 795 Toe-kick with the optional smaller diameter blade for cutting thru thin underlayments or you can use a sharp razor knife and score the 1/4" plywood several times and break it off. Then go back and clean up the rough edges, inside corners can be chiseled out. Its a tuff job but, one you only have to do once.

I much prefer the look of a solid stair tread instead of using flooring with nosing's. There again it is more work installing and finishing but it looks much better in my opinion.

Thanks,

The vinyl is relatively new as the house was built in 2002 so asbestos isnt a problem. I was trained in asbestos removal in my job so I know the hassle and expense of removal and disposal. I was badly mistaken in the thickness as I was just guessing. Removed the stripping and measured it, it's a half inch. Thanks for the advice, really dony want to remove the cabinets.

use the toe kick saw , it will cut it flush with the cabnet . Home Depo might even rent them .