Laminate flooring offers several advantages over hardwood floors, including a wider variety of designs and a more affordable price point. It’s also a highly durable flooring option that resists damage and wear. However, damage can still occur, leading many to believe that repairs are impossible.
While hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished to look new, the same isn’t true for laminate. Despite this, repairing laminate flooring is possible. Here are some tips from experienced professionals on how to tackle these repairs yourself.
Repairing Small Scratches
Small scratches are the easiest to fix, often becoming nearly invisible after repair, especially on textured laminates that mimic wood. Minor damages can be repaired using special kits available at well-stocked hardware stores or DIY shops.
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These kits typically include wax crayons or tubes of paste in various shades. Each repair kit comes with detailed instructions, but the process is generally straightforward. Choose the shade that best matches your laminate, apply the product to the scratches, and then polish the area with a cloth. This method can make minor scratches virtually disappear.
Addressing Deeper Damage
Deeper scratches and dents can also be repaired, but this requires more advanced tools and skills. For these repairs, you might need a tool with a small battery-operated soldering iron and colored sticks to create a filling mixture. The soldering iron melts the colored stick closest to your laminate’s color and applies it to the damaged area.
Depending on the depth of the damage, you may need to make several passes. Excess material is then leveled with a small spatula, and the repair is polished. This procedure is more complex and may be better left to professionals if you’re not confident in your skills.
Replacing Damaged Laminate Planks
When damage is too extensive for a simple repair, replacing the damaged plank may be the best option, without having to remove the entire floor. Here’s how you can do it:
- Find a Replacement Plank: Before removing the damaged plank, find a replacement. If you can’t find an exact match, you can use a plank of the same dimensions in a similar color. Take a plank from a hidden spot, like under a piece of furniture, and use it in the visible area.
- Removing the Damaged Plank: Carefully cut the damaged plank along its length with a rotary saw, ensuring not to damage the adjacent planks. Stop before cut the neighboring planks and finish the cut with a chisel and hammer. Once cut, the damaged plank can be easily removed.
- Installing the New Plank: Trim the tongue of the new plank’s short side so it can fit into place without disturbing the other planks. Secure the new plank in position using silicone adhesive. Apply the silicone carefully to avoid raising the plank higher than the rest of the floor. Precision and skill are required to achieve a satisfactory result.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re unsure about handling the repairs yourself or if the damage is extensive, it may be more practical to seek professional help. Professionals have the tools and expertise to ensure the repair or replacement is done seamlessly, preserving the aesthetic and integrity of your laminate flooring.
By following these steps, you can maintain the beauty and functionality of your laminate flooring without the need for a complete overhaul. Whether you’re fixing minor scratches or replacing damaged planks, these tips can help you achieve professional looking results.
Photo: Neilsen Tools, Ambience Hardwood Flooring