Pulaski

You could mop the marble tiles with a strong mineral acid, such as sulphuric acid, and just dissolve them.

/helpful

Michael

Dime size pieces will probably be the very big pieces.

Pulaski

This isn't the tool I was thinking of, but it's a lot less fiddly than even a "super-Dremmel" type tool.

I actually have one of these, and have used myself it to rip the lower edge off wooden paneling so I can install flooring under the paneling so that at a later time, the paneling can be removed and replaced with drywall (plasterboard) without leaving a gap at the edge of the flooring. .... The only issue with using this tool in the manner described is when you strike a nail!

ETA. And yes it is what it looks like, a piece of chainsaw chain fitted to an angle grinder!

sir_eccles

Oscillating saw?

Pulaski

That would need a void behind the material you're trying to cut, whereas a skirting (base) board is installed in contact with the wall surface material (plasterboard or masonry), making any sort of saw with a reciprocating action, whether hand or powered, ineffective/ inoperable for the task of removing the lower edge of a skirting board in situ.

Hotscot

Think I'll get some quotes for staining and sealing as I've been reading that prices have come down and indeed it may be very competitive with tiling now.

I used one of those services to ask for tiling quotes yesterday. Got one, $2500 for 500 Sqft. Except I asked if he was licensed and he says he has a business licence from the city.
I said yes but do you have a contractors license, with insurance and a bond?, and he said...

"I have a city lincense .. I'm a trust worthy indivial with over 10 years experience I have many references available you no need license for hadyman business"

The last part is true however you cannot bid on any job here which is over $500.
In addition when operating illegally the owner is not even required to pay for any work done.

I want to make sure I'm giving business to a legal operation as too many of them are being undercut by illegal operations that aren't licensed and can provide no guarantees.

Michael

I don't trust any contractor whether bonded or not. In my last townhouse, the HOA decided to replace all the roofs (cedar shingle) and we got a quote for about $15,000 per townhouse including an independent project manager for about 150 townhouses (about $2.25 million total) and the contractor did the work and the never once did the manager go on the roofs to check what the contractor was doing. When the contractor was falling behind on his work, materials were missing, and rental trucks were broken down at the project, the HOA sent people to talk to the contractor and check his work and it was discovered he was diverting materials to another project, the flashing on the roofs were installed incorrectly, all the broken down trucks weren't returned since the contractor didn't have the money to pay for the rentals, and the contractor let the bond expire.

After firing the contractor, spending another $500,000 to repair the roofs, and filing a lawsuit against the contractor, the contractor filed for bankruptcy. The project manager claimed that he wasn't paid enough (about $200,000) to go on the roofs to check what the contractor was doing and it wasn't his job to determine if the contractor was diverting materials or was financially sound.

Hotscot

I hear you Michael, been there done it, bought the tshirt.

I've sued and won against contractors before but I also know how to go after their bond, as small as it may be, if things don't work out, and I've got practice at writing contracts now.

It's mostly why I now learn, buy the tools, and do my own work now but for some things I've no time.

Pulaski

Me too, exactly this!

Michael

I wonder if they can stain and seal the floor without removing the baseboards. I'm not sure of the technique that is used (suspect it isn't the same that I used to paint the garage floor) but I have doubts it would look right using a paint brush to get it stained and sealed next to the baseboards.

Pulaski

I just found some instructions on the diynetwork.com website:

Hotscot

Yes but that's acid stain old chap....wouldn't have it anywhere near..

Pulaski

Not good, huh?

Hotscot

No, it is good but a lot of hassle to work with in terms of floor prep beforehand and then the process itself.
There are many more types of stain these days that are easier to use like acrylic water based, that's the sort of thing I'm thinking.

TimFountain

Honestly, it you want it to look good then yes. Getting a taller baseboard to cover any sins from the removal of the old one is usually an option. It is cheap, easy to install and easy to cut. In summary yes remove it....