Opening Floorboard

[diysalmon]

Hi,

I am trying to install some recessed light on the ground floor. To gain access to the wiring, I need to open the floorboards in the first floor directly above the ceiling in the ground floor.

I tried searching online for some videos but can't find any. I wonder if anyone have done this sort of thing and can give some advice on how to best open them.

Thanks.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

You need a circular saw
A hammer and chisel
and a utility bar.
You need the circular saw set at the depth of the floorboard at about 18-20mm.
This is to avoid cutting in to pipes and cables.
You locate were the floorboard bridges the joist, you will see a nail line and cut across one side of the nail line on the section of floorboard you wish to remove (both ends of section your removing), avoid cutting into nails as this will damage saw blade.
You then run the saw down the length of board you wish to remove, where the tongue and grove joints are. Once you have done this, you prise that section of board up, using hammer/chisel/utility bar.

 

[diysalmon]

Thanks.

I guess the joist is where the board is nailed to. Is it possible to have a pipe there? Is there an easy way to determine whether there is a pipe (or wire)?

For floorboards close to the wall, the skirting seems to be in the way. Is it possible to avoid removing the skirting to remove the floorboar?