How to Fill in Missing Floor Wood

A missing floorboard can make a floor dangerous to walk on.

Floor deflection happens when you step on a wooden floorboard and it bends downward. This may indicate a weakened piece of wood that can eventually break. If this happens, replace the missing floor wood with a new floorboard. The process is not difficult if you are comfortable working with a table saw. You can replace the board in a few minutes' time.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Replacement board
• Table saw
• Hand drill
• Finishing nails

Instructions

1. Remove the remainder of the missing board if there is any left until you have access to the joists that secured the original board. In many cases, you can rip the board up with your hands.

2. Pull the old nails out of the joists with a hammer.

3. Measure the length of the open area and measure the width of the open area with a tape measure. In many cases, the width will be a standard width that you can purchase at a home improvement center. Cut the board to length with a table saw or miter saw.

4. Remove the bottom leg of the groove from the side of the board. To do this, run the length of the board across a table saw blade. Do not cut into the main portion of the board.

5. Place the tongue of the new board into the groove on the board next to the opening in the floor and press the other side of the new board down until it rests against the joists.

6. Drill two pilot holes through the top of the new board at each end with a drill and drill bit. Secure the board to the joists with a hammer and finishing nails.

References

• DIY Info Zone: How to Replace Wooden Floorboards; December 2010
• Fine Home Building: Replacing a Floorboard; Michael W. Litchfield