How To Replace A Laminate Or Wood Floor Plank

Now you did it. While working on one project, you dropped your skill saw on your nice wood floor (see fig. 1). Not only that but your wife saw ya do it. Repositioning a throw rug or an easy chair isn't going to get you out of it this time!

Most all laminate or hardwood flooring uses a tongue & groove of one kind or another to lock all the pieces together, making the job of replacing a damaged plank a pain in the ass. First thing you need to do is remember where the heck you stored the leftover flooring after it was installed. This will buy you at least another week.

Ok, the time has come to get it done. Now get your skill saw (don't drop it!) and set the blade depth to the thickness of the flooring. Typically between 1/4" to 3/8". Cut the center of the damaged plank as close to the edge as possible without harming adjacent flooring (see fig. 2).

After the center is out, take a wood chisel and (carefully) remove the two long sides. Don't place the tip of the chisel directly between the two pieces unless you want to replace more flooring (see fig. 3). Then do the same for the ends (see fig. 4).

Make sure you get ALL of the little bits out from under the edges, then vacuum it out. Any stupid little crumb will have you beating the tar out of the new piece later when it won't quite fit.

In order for the replacement piece to go in, you will need to cut the bottom of the groove off -- one end and one side (see fig. 5). Doing this makes it possible to put the new piece in place, however, it also guarantees that it won't stay there. You will need to get a good glue for laminate floors, and glue all four sides. Don't use a glue that dries hard, the glue needs to dry and be flexible to absorb any movement in the floor without cracking.

Now goop it up and install your new piece of flooring (see fig. 6). Set some weight on it until the glue sets...but let's not use the skill saw for that!

~SJN