How to Patch a Damaged Hardwood Floor

A damaged hardwood floor isn't the end of the world, or even the floor. Put away those area rug cover-ups and let's repair it. A few tools and a little time are all it takes.

Things You'll Need

• Hardwood Flooring
• Measuring Tapes
• Razor Knives
• Two-part Epoxy
• Chisels
• Circular Saws
• Combination Squares
• Common Nails
• Hammers
• Miter Saws

Instructions

1. Find a source of hardwood flooring to replace the damage before you start removing the old flooring.

2. Figure the length and number of strips to be replaced.

3. Remove the first strip using the following techniques. Take care not to damage the surrounding areas, or you'll end up with more repairs.

4. Use a circular saw set at the proper depth (most floors are 3/4 inch thick) to make two passes approximately 1/2 inch from each side of the board (not cutting past the end joints).

5. Make a third cut at an angle between the first two cuts, again not cutting through the side match - the third cut will connect the first two to form a Z. This gives you two triangle-shaped pieces - you don't need cuts on the long sides of the flooring strips because it's tongue-and-groove.

6. Use a sharp chisel to remove the cut pieces.

7. Clean the groove and area around the repair.

8. Take a piece of the damaged flooring with you to the dealer and purchase enough material of similar color and grain pattern to complete repairs. The dealer should also carry a fast-drying glue or two-part epoxy for adhering the repair pieces.

9. Cut the piece of flooring to the exact length to ensure a tight fit. You don't want any gaps.

10. Remove the bottom protrusion on the grooved edge. This can be done with a saw or by scribing the back of the board with a razor knife, then tapping the piece off with a hammer.

11. Bevel the ends of the board slightly with a miter saw or by using a block plane to bevel the groove side of the board.

12. Dry fit the piece before installing. Once you're sure, remove it from the floor and apply the glue in the groove and on the tongue of the boards adjoining the repair. Also apply glue to the tongue and groove on the repair piece.

13. Work fast; these adhesives dry quickly.

14. Repeat the above steps for the rest of the area to be repaired.

Tips & Warnings

• Work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the surrounding floor. Some glues will take longer to dry, and it may take overnight before you can sand and finish the repairs.

• Use proper ventilation when working with epoxy. Matching the stain and finish coat of the surrounding floor takes patience. Use some scrape pieces to get the color right before you start on the floor.