Proceeding with demolition for a house remodel. Have to take down flooring in multiple rooms to get them to the point of rebuilding at the same height.... 1 floor in one room, 3 floors on top of each other in other.

This means cutting out hardwood in the first room - but.... it proceeds under a solid wall that was added later and the adjoining room isn't being demo'd... ie we're keeping the hardwood in the next room.

I need to take out the hardwood down to the subfloor flush with the drywall - for which I'm trying a dremel multimax - but have paused to order a different bit. The big deal is where there are louvered doors between these rooms. I need to get a perfectly aligned and straight cut under them for the new floor to meet the old floor in a wide opening.

Is this the best tool? Another option?

Planning to likely screw a straight edge to the floor side being demo'd and use it as a guide for the cut that counts.

Demo the flooring but leave what’s under the added wall. Then you can bring both flooring in the rooms to the same level. Is that what yours saying?

I have that exact oscillating saw and that’s what I’d use. After running a circular saw a few inches away from the wall, then you’d only have to “bone saw” away the bit the fence of your circular saw won’t get up next to

I'm having a hard time seeing this without pictures but I'd consider either a purpose built track saw or a hand made fence screwed to the floor and a circular saw or worm drive saw. Don't skimp on the blade.

What you are probably looking for is known as a "toe kick saw," designed to make flush cuts on flooring up against a wall. There are also several handsaw designs that are intended to facilitate flush cuts, or the ubiquitous so-called oscillating multitool. But, if you're doing a whole room, the toe kick saw is going to be your quickest option.

I am not a flooring professional, but I believe that the brand of toe kick that the pros like is Crain.

^^ Toe kick saw is indeed the tool. I rented one from Home Depot when I had the same issue

This is what they look like.

https://www.amazon.com/toe-kick-saw/s?k=toe+kick+saw

Thanks! I suck at putting pictures on here, and knew that was hard to follow, but you guys got it.

quote:

hand made fence screwed to the floor

Yes, this is the plan.

I appreciate the toe kick saw reference. I'll look into that more.

Definitely read reviews on the toe kick saws. Do not buy a tool because it is inexpensive. The results can be very disappointing.

quote:

Originally posted by ChuckFinley:
Another option?

I have three.

1. Linear shaped charge. It is my "duct tape" solution for cutting. Probably not the best choice.

2. Burn the place to the ground, take the insurance, and buy a new place.

3. If you don't have an oscillating tool, buy a cheap toe kick saw.

Just a helpful tip.

Whatever you do/use…use and keep the blade sharp! Hardwood can dull a blade fast; cutting with a less than sharp blade will result in cuts that are not crisp and straight

If it were me, I'd use the oscillating saw, and slightly tilt the bottom towards the floor that won't be removed. That will ensure that the bottom of the cut won't protrude at any point and obstruct the new floor. It may not be possible to get the line exactly straight, and you may have to put a threshold over the joint.

For a perfectly straight line, a track saw would be your best bet. Festool or less expensive Makita.

I believe Home Depot rents toe kick saws if that's a better option...

Ordered extra blades for the oscillating saw. Will look at some of the other options mentioned.