Lifting floorboards

[NBee]

Hi. I'm going to have to lift some floorboads this weekend.

Can anyone advise on the best way to do this - the tools to use, the best position to lift then, and where to cut them if necessary (and with what?).

Many thanks for any help.

 

[alexnic]

You need a 'feather splitter' it's a flat chisel / bolster and can be bought in any good tool store for about £7. I would suggest getting the one with the protective plastic skirt otherwise you could end up with sore knuckles.

Hammer this all the way down each side of the floorboard to split the feather (tongue & groove) otherwise the floorboard will split when lifting it.

It's best to cut the board on the centre of a joist so try and spring the board if you can and wedge a hammer or chisel under it then cut the board ( a circular saw is best , you can buy a saw especially for the purpose with teeth all the way round the top but any good hand saw will do)

Once it's cut, use the feather splitter to prise the board up gently from both sides