How to Cut Old Flooring Next to Walls

Replacing old flooring is usually a fairly straightforward project, however there is always a chance you will encounter a weird or trying situation when replacing your flooring. It's usually wise to rip up the old flooring when putting down a new one. Otherwise, you may notice changes in your home after a few floors have been laid down, such as doors becoming hard to close. Sometimes, when a remodel takes place a person may build a new wall right over the old floor. When it is time to rip up this floor, you simply can't dislodge and remove it from the subfloor since a wall is on top of it. You will need to cut through the floor at the wall to successfully remove it.

Reciprocating saw
Reciprocating saw blade
Extension cord

Instructions

- 1
  Place your reciprocating saw blade into your reciprocating saw and secure it in place. Plug the tool into the nearest outlet or extension cord.
- 2
  Position the reciprocating saw so that the blade runs parallel with the edge of the wall. Angle the saw so that only the front half of the teeth rests against the floor -- the back half should be elevated.
- 3
  Squeeze the trigger to engage the reciprocating saw. Push the blade into the floor with firm pressure to prevent it from skipping around over the floor. The teeth should begin to tear into the floor.
- 4
  Drag the saw backward once the front of the blade cuts through the entire surface of the flooring material. As you move backward, the blade will continue to chew away at the flooring material.
- 5
  Pull up the flooring material once cut along the entire length of the wall. You should be left with a nice straight edge and be ready to install the new floor.

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