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We need to replace a subfloor in a bathroom that has vinyl floor covering and ceramic tile walls. There is cermic tile cove base. We’ll be replacing subfloor then adding 1/4″ underlayment. Since our new finished floor level is going to be 1/4″ higher than the old, I don’t see any way around cutting out the ceramic cove base. I plan to replace it with wood base so that next time the homeowners want a new vinyl floor they don’t have this problem again and can just remove shoe mould. I was thinking of using a dremel tool to gut the grout line on the cove base then using a cold chisel to try to get it out neatly. Is this a good plan or can somebody recommend a better plan. About how long would it take to get the cove base out in an 8′ by 8′ bathroom?
Thanks.
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DML
I haven't removed a ceramic cove base, but I used a Dremel enough to know that your plan will probably not work very well. Plus it'll cost a fortune in wheels or bits. I would get a dry diamond blade on the old circular saw and make a cut 3/4" or so (as close as I could get) along the bottom of the cove. I believe, though I have never seen, there is a tool specifically for cutting close to the floor and it may be available for rent 'round your parts.
Just my opinion. Good luck.
*I just saw a tool in my new tool crib of the north catalog that might help you. It is a grout saw blade that attaches to a sawzall. Seemed like a neat deal, although I have had no experience with it. I have used the regular hand operated grout saw and that works well although it is a lot of work. The sawzall attachment is called the Grout Grabber. Might be the ticket....Good luck
*A lot will depend on how the tile is attached. If it's tile on greenboard, it will come off easily after the first piece. Tile on cement board or Hardibacker will be more difficult but easy to remove piece by piece. If it's set in a mud base as in many older homes, you'll need a cold chisel, small sledge, safety glasses, and spare wall tiles to replace the ones you break (many).Dremel makes a nice attachment with a grout eating bit, but I have found it easier to use one of the small hand saws with the grit blade designed specifically for removing grout.
*DMLWe used a rotozip tool with a tungsten bit.It throws alot of dust and makes alot of noise but it gets the job done.John
*DML, if you can remove the vinyl and subfloor with out damaging the cove base, do so, then follow advice above to use a dry diamond blade, no matter what you do DON'T use the cold chisel method, too great a chance of damaging other tiles. You could also try a 4" grinder with a dry diamond blade. I assume the cove sits on top of the vinyl so you only want to cut the "coved" portion of the tile and a little higher to accomadate the new underlayment (and of course some "scooch" room). then you can install a shoe mold or even a vinyl cove base to cover the gap. Whatever you do, don't fill it with thinset or the like, use a properly sized backer rod and caulk to allow for exspansion and contraction without cracking, and to help keep moisture out of that gap and getting under the floor. Geoff
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We need to replace a subfloor in a bathroom that has vinyl floor covering and ceramic tile walls. There is cermic tile cove base. We'll be replacing subfloor then adding 1/4" underlayment. Since our new finished floor level is going to be 1/4" higher than the old, I don't see any way around cutting out the ceramic cove base. I plan to replace it with wood base so that next time the homeowners want a new vinyl floor they don't have this problem again and can just remove shoe mould. I was thinking of using a dremel tool to gut the grout line on the cove base then using a cold chisel to try to get it out neatly. Is this a good plan or can somebody recommend a better plan. About how long would it take to get the cove base out in an 8' by 8' bathroom?
Thanks.