How to Fix Laminate Flooring
If a simple repair of sanding and refinishing is not possible, pull out and replace laminate floor strips. Switching out a section of laminate tongue-and-groove flooring can be difficult but not impossible. You must be careful to avoid drawing attention to the patch, and you should make sure that replacing a few laminate strips here and there is not simply addressing the symptoms of a larger problem. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Steel wool (possibly)
- Mineral spirits (possibly)
- Wood finish (possibly)
- Sandpaper (possibly)
- Wood filler (possibly)
- Drill and spade bit
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Pry bar
- Laminate floor strip
- Flooring adhesive
Instructions
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1
Examine the floor before proceeding. If the problem is simply excessive scratching, replacing the strips may be the proper solution. If the boards are cracked examine, the subfloor for any weakness. Tunnels on the boards is evidence of carpenter ant or termite infestation and will require an exterminator.
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2
Determine if sanding and refinishing is a better option before beginning. If the scratches are minor, rub the surface with steel wool and mineral spirits. Only rub with the grain, and refinish the floor. Sand and fill eeper scratches with wood filler and refinish them. If these solutions do not work, go on to step 3.
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3
Find laminate strips that match the existing floor as closely as possible. The best way to do this is take flooring from someplace else in your home (e.g. a closet or from under a carpet). If that is not an option, you will have to buy strips, sand and stain them to match the floor.
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4
Drill holes across the ends and middle of the strips to replace them with a spade bit. Be careful not to damage the subfloor. You will use these holes to chisel out the old board.
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5
Use a wood chisel to split the board lengthwise, working your way from end to the other through the drill holes.
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6
Pry out the strip with a pry bar, using a piece of wood beneath the pry bar to avoid damaging the adjacent boards. Pull out any nails underneath the board.
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Prepare the new board. Cut the new strip to fit the hole in the floor using a miter box. Chisel away the bottom edge of the new strip's groove so you can put it into place. Apply flooring adhesive to the bottom of the strip.
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Place the tongue of the board into the existing groove, and put down the new strip's groove. Tap the board into place by covering it with a wood block and pounding that block.
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