Radiator swap, remove floorboards

[nero44]

Hello,

not sure if my question should be here or under Flooring, but here I go.

I have a spare Type22 radiator, which I want to swap out for this Type11 radiator. The Type 22 is a bit wider and requires about 4-5cm extra width on both sides. My question is:
- Should I just leave the floor alone, and install two elbow pieces to go out and up? Will ask a plumber to do the soldering.
- Should I cut open the floor boards and reroute from below with new holes through the floorboard? If so, is it sufficient to just remove the first floorboard, cutting somewhere along the joist?

See picture.

 

[Madrab]

If it was me then it would be adjust the pipework under floor. Any time I see elbows out and up to a rad it just looks bad and a bit of a bodge. The floor is accessible so much easier to move rather than fudge it IMO.

 

[kidgreen61]

As above, easy access, do it properly from under boards.