Will a plumber also cut and nail down a plyboard sheet?

sourpuss2021

I want a lino putting down in a small bathroom that currently has bare wooden floorboards.  I figured out that it will need to go on top of a plywood sheet (plus ringshank nails) which I've just bought.

The plumber fitted the new bath a month or so back.   Really what should have happened is a plywood sheet should have gone down on the floor at that point so it covered the entire floor.  Instead it will just have to be the visible space, not under the bath.

The plumber is coming this week to change the radiator.    I want to also ask him to cut and nail down the plywood sheet.   I read that it's best to take the toilet out first so that the toilet rests on top of it, instead of trying to cut a curve in the sheet to go around it.

Is it reasonable to expect the plumber to be able to use a hacksaw to cut the sheet into the necessary T-shape and nail it down?  I know he knows how to use a saw of course but don't know how accurate he is.   I doubt he has any electrical cutting tools either.

But it seems a bit much to need a joiner/carpenter just for this?

DB1904

Hacksaws are for cutting metal not plywood. 

If your plumber is coming to fit a radiator will they have time to do the flooring? You maybe charged for another visit. 

sourpuss2021

It's a Stanley Pistol Grip Hacksaw that I have.   I've found it cuts well through pine, and it did go easily if noisily through an inch of the plywood when I tested it.

This plumber has changed a few radiators here before and it doesn't take him more than 90 minutes.   I've mentioned the board to him already and just wanted to clarify here before I contact him again.  Fortunately he's not coming till Friday.

rob7475

Are you laying the lino yourself or having someone in to do it?

If someone's doing it for you, ask them about fitting the plywood. 

It depends if your plumber is just a plumber or does a bit of bathroom fitting, tiling etc too. If he does, he'll more than likely be happy to take on the job - just ask him.

sourpuss2021

Yes fortunately someone is coming from a local company to fit the lino.  They're coming this week to measure up.  Hope I can get the fitting booked in soon so that I'm not getting the plywood wet in the meantime.   But unfortunately they say they don't do anything outside of their remit.   For instance they used to be able to trim doors but they don't any more.

Also if the toilet needs to come out then suggests the plumber needs to be here.

He's pretty handy so should be able to do it.  He's also putting up the new shower rail while he's here.  Just not sure how he'll feel if the nails need to be hammered in every few inches or it requires especially accurate cutting.

As you say, best to ask him!  But he doesn't really enter into long dialogues before he's here.  Busy on other jobs I would expect!

FreeBear

sourpuss2021 said: It's a Stanley Pistol Grip Hacksaw that I have.   I've found it cuts well through pine, and it did go easily if noisily through an inch of the plywood when I tested it.

I occasionally use a hacksaw to cut wood - Not the best tool, and you are limited on the depth (length) of cut.

A decent wood saw isn't that expensive - https://www.screwfix.com/c/tools/handsaws/cat9260002#category=cat9790018 and it is worth having a couple on hand. Also a lot quicker to cut through wood with a handsaw than a hacksaw.

stuart45

Worth getting a few, fine and rough for different jobs. Keep them oiled.

sourpuss2021

Thanks, FreeBear.  I do actually have one of those saws too and the plumber usually brings one too.  Hadn't realized it was the right one for plywood.   Just tried it and it does go through fairly easily.   But the plywood squeaks if you don't hold it very tightly!  Obviously best to get it flat on a table if possible and in an ideal world it would be clamped to it.

FreeBear

Rub a bar of soap or a candle on either side of the blade - It will give it a little bit of lubrication and should stop the squeak.

sourpuss2021

Thanks, I'll try that - or, rather, tell the plumber to!

markin

How thick is it? Will the soil pipe still line up, door need trimming? Or is it just 3mm hardboard.

If he's busy he will have other jobs lined up after the 90min and won't be hanging around for other jobs.