How to Replace Warped Hardwood Floorboards
Replacing a warped hardwood floorboard is a simple project any homeowner can carry off with little more needed than a replacement floorboard, a few tools and the knowledge of how floorboards are laid. Depending on how large the warped board is, the replacement can be done in under an hour, leaving your floor looking as undamaged and level as ever. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Drill
- Chisel
- Hammer
- Hardwood floorboard
- Carpenter's glue
- Nails
- Nail punch
Instructions
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1
Drill a series of holes down the length of the warped board along the grooved edge in a straight line. Use a chisel to connect the holes and square the line.
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2
Drill a second line of holes down the center of the board, creating a straight line with the chisel as well.
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3
Using the lines in the warped board for leverage, remove the board completely with a hammer and the chisel. You'll also have to remove the tongue that formally connected the warped board with its neighbor via a set of nails. Break the tongue out in small pieces and remove the nails with the hammer.
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4
Examine the subfloor to determine if the warping was caused by moisture leaking through the subfloor. If the subfloor is wet or damaged, repair the subfloor and remove the cause of the water damage before replacing the warped floorboard.
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5
Measure the gap left by the old board and cut the new board to size, making sure the cuts are square. Use the chisel to remove the lower portion of the grooved edge of the board so that it will fit snugly into the gap left by the warped board over the neighboring board's tongue.
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6
Replace the warped floorboard with the replacement board by spreading carpenter's glue on the tongues and grooves of the new board and the neighboring old boards. Slip the new board into place. Drill pilot holes into the board on the groove side of the plank and nail the board into place. Use a nail punch to sink the nails beneath the board surface, and then fill the holes with wood putty to hide the nails.
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7
Sand, and stain the new floorboard so that it matches the other floorboards surrounding it. Apply two coats of polyurethane varnish to protect the new board.
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Tips & Warnings
If the existing floor is unstained, just add the clear polyurethane varnish to the new board after installation.
