How to remove skirting board behind tiles?

[rusty26]

Hi. We are about to install gloating hybrid flooring through- out the house, including the tiled areas. I would much prefer to remove the skirting boards and place them above the new floor rather than use scotia. The problem as shown below, can I remove the skirting board without damaging the tiles, or do I cut them at tile level?

 

 Hoping you can help

[rusty26]

A few more close up pics

  

[R4addZ]

hi @rusty26 

The problem you have is that in order to remove the skirting boards, you will need to pry them off the walls and I seriously doubt you will be able to do this as the tiles effectively lock them back to the walls. There are two options that I can see.

1 use a renovator tool to cut them off flush (Depending on where the fixings are you may still need to pry the top section away from the wall).

2 As you are going over the tiles, simply break away the row of tiles next to the wall to pry out the intact skirting and then use a floor levelling compound to fill in where the tiles were.

There is an advantage in option 2 in that removing the wood will prvent future problems with moisture/condensation as the remnant of the boards in option 1 is a cut edge of exposed timber which may absorb any moisture and swell causing issues with the new flooring. That said you may find, if you go with option 1. that having removed the top of the skirting the remaining piece may be loose enough to simply lift out (if you can't get a grip on it simply drive a screw into the top and use a pry bar to pull up on the screw).

[AlanM52]

Hi @rusty26,

My first thought looking only at the photos was a renovator tool and a flat blade screwdriver to pry out the rest.

So yeah... I agree with @R4addZ and his suggestion relating to the above.

Cheers

[EricL]

Hello @rusty26 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your skirting board.

It's great that you've received excellent advice from @R4addZ and @AlanM52. I agree with their recommendations, both options are ideal and will allow you to access the skirting board and remove them from the wall. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric