Lifting floorboards with metal strip between them

[maprice]

Hi,

We are in the process of renovating a Methodist chapel, it was built in 1883.

The floor is suspended and made of pine floorboards that are 38mm thick. The boards have a grove in each edge and a metal strip is inserted to join the boards together. A bit like a metal tongue. We need to lift the floor and relay it.

So, has anyone here tackled a floor like this before? and if so can you offer any advice on how to lift the boards causing the least amount of damage to them?

My current plan is to punch the nails right through into the joists with a metal nail punch then pull the board away from the next and remove the metal strip. I've no idea if this method will work successfully. Any advice you have would be very much welcomed.

Many thanks

Mark

 

[CliffordPope]

Won't punching the nail heads right through rip larger holes which will cause refitting problems or leave unsightly holes?

If you accept some damage to an edge plank to get started, you could lift the next plank slightly, just enough to get a hacksaw in to cut the nails?

 

[a twig]

Carefully dremel or jigsaw through the metal strips the either side of the first board to get you started?

 

[paulc]

An oscillating multitool would be perfect for the job. Very easy to control and a minimal width of cut. However, I haven;t been too impressed with the metal cutting blade that I tried - Others may perform better.

 

[maprice]

One of the floor boards is easy to lift as it has been butchered out previously when wiring was installed. So removing the first board isn't so much of a problem. I like the idea of lifting the boards slightly so that I can get an oscillating multi-tool in to cut the nails. I'd rather not cut through the metal strip as I need it to refit.

Does anyone know if this type of flooring has a particular name? I've been trying to find out more information about it but had no luck with Google.

 

[eezageeza]

Don't try and punch the nails right through - it'll do damage, and be jolly hard work I'd have thought. Get one of these :

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Priory-150-Nail-Puller-PRI150/dp/B00862XKJC

They are remarkably effective, and only cause minor damage around the nail hole.

 

[MikeG]

You're going to sacrifice the first board you lift, I reckon. After that you will have an edge to work to, and you should be able to prize them up relatively easily.

I had a tool made a year or two back which would be perfect for your job, I reckon. It has been invaluable on mine. Let's see if I can find a picture....

If you're in East Anglia you're welcome to come and grab it for a while.

 

[88v8]

Boards an inch-and-a-half thick. Caramba.
And I bet it's good timber.
No chance of punching the nails. Even assuming they're not rusted into the joists.

Other than the absolute minimum I'd leave the floor well alone. Why do you want to take it up?

Ivor