Damaged Laminate Flooring Planks – How to Fix

Although laminate flooring is ultra-durable, damages happen. Over time, even the most robust flooring solutions can face some wear and tear. Fortunately, common laminate flooring plank damages can be fixed with some simple solutions. In this article, we’ll explore the most frequent types of damaged laminate flooring planks and provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix and remedy them.

Common Types of Laminate Flooring Damage

The most common types of laminate plank damages we see are:

• Scratches and Scuff Marks
• Chipped Edges or Corners
• Water Damage
• Bubbling or Lifting
• Buckling

Fixing Common Damages

Fixing minor laminate plank damages, like scratches and chips are pretty straightforward and do not require replacing full planks. When it comes to water damage and bubbling, it can be a more advanced fix that requires uninstalling your current planks, and re-installing new planks. Continue reading to get all the details on how to repair laminate planks depending on your damage.

Scratches, Chipped Edges or Corners

Generally, scratches and scuff marks are easy to address and fix. Scratches and chips usually occur due to heavy impacts, mishandling of furniture, or from footwear. For scratches and chips, you will follow the same instructions utilizing a laminate flooring repair kit.

• Clean the affected area with a mild cleaning solution and a soft cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
• Use a laminate flooring repair kit or a matching color marker specifically designed for laminate floors. Apply it to the scratch or chip, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Gently wipe off any excess repair material and let it dry.

Water Damage, Bubbling, Buckling or Lifting

Larger issues, like water damage, bubbling, buckling or lifting, are either caused by moisture causing expansion, or an inappropriate gap around the edges, which limits the ability to expand. We see water damage happen in kitchens, laundry rooms and bathrooms frequently, but humidity can also cause bubbling and lifting of planks. Also, pet accidents can lead to needing to replace laminate planks. Depending on how large the area, you will need to uninstall damaged planks and re-install new planks.

1. Identify the source of the leak, humidity, or expansion gap, and fix the issue. For example, if it is the humidity, we’d recommend a dehumidifier or air conditioning unit.
2. Dry the affected area immediately using a dry cloth, mop or fan to prevent further damage.
3. Start by removing the baseboard or molding around the area where you plan to work. This should be done carefully so that you do not cause any damage to the boards, molding, or walls.
4. Carefully unlock each piece of laminate leading to the damaged planks and set them to the side. You will replace these undamaged laminate planks in a minute, so take care not to cause any additional damage while uninstalling your flooring.
5. Once you’ve reached the damaged planks, carefully remove them and replace them with the new laminate flooring that you previously acclimated. You can then throw away the damaged planks, use them for a DIY project, or contact the manufacturer to see if they have a recycling program.
6. Once the damaged planks have been replaced, you can put back the non-damaged pieces until your floor is once again complete. Be sure that there is still an expansion gap between the last plank and the wall it’s installed next to!
7. To finish your repair job, replace the baseboard or molding. Once finished, you shouldn’t be able to tell that your floors were ever uninstalled and reinstalled!

If no expansion gap was the issue, you will need to remove the perimeter baseboards and create a 1/4″ gap. The easiest way to remedy this is to use a saw to cut the edge planks to allow for the gap. Be sure the baseboard will still cover the edge of the plank.

It’s easy to fix damaged laminate flooring planks, but if you find yourself still having questions, write them in the comment section below! We will be happy to help you with your flooring needs!

More DIY Flooring Fixes:

• How to Repair Laminate Flooring: Buckling Laminate Flooring
• How to Repair Scratches on Laminate Flooring
• Biggest Mistakes When Installing Laminate Flooring