Laminate Floor Replace A Plank: The Ultimate Guide

Laminate floors are a popular choice among homeowners because they are durable, easy to maintain, and affordable. However, accidents happen, and one plank may get damaged, which can be frustrating. Fortunately, replacing a plank in a laminate floor is not as complicated as you might think. In this article, we will guide you through the process, step by step.

Before we dive into how to replace a plank, let’s talk about the different types of laminate floors, how to identify a damaged plank, and what tools you’ll need for the job.

Types of Laminate Floors

There are two types of laminate floors: glue-down and floating. Glue-down laminate floors are installed directly on the subfloor with adhesive, while floating laminate floors are installed over an underlayment and clicked together without glue. Knowing which type of laminate floor you have is essential because the replacement process is different for each type.

Identifying a Damaged Plank

The first step in replacing a plank is identifying the damaged one. Look for the plank that is visibly damaged or has a crack, chip, or hole. If the damage is not visible, look for planks that are loose or make a hollow sound when you step on them.

Tools You’ll Need

Here are the tools you’ll need for this project:

• Hammer
• Chisel
• Saw
• Replacement plank
• Tape measure
• Circular saw
• Underlayment
• Utility knife

Replacing a Plank on a Glue-Down Laminate Floor

If you have a glue-down laminate floor, follow these steps to replace a plank:

1. Remove the baseboard or trim around the damaged plank.
2. Use a chisel and hammer to break the damaged plank into pieces and remove them from the subfloor.
3. Measure the size of the gap and cut a replacement plank to fit.
4. Apply adhesive to the subfloor and the replacement plank.
5. Insert the replacement plank into the gap and press down firmly.
6. Wipe away any excess adhesive and let it dry for at least 24 hours.
7. Replace the baseboard or trim.

Replacing a Plank on a Floating Laminate Floor

If you have a floating laminate floor, follow these steps to replace a plank:

1. Remove the baseboard or trim around the damaged plank.
2. Use a circular saw to cut the damaged plank in half lengthwise.
3. Remove the two halves of the damaged plank from the floor.
4. Measure the size of the gap and cut a replacement plank to fit.
5. Insert the replacement plank into the gap and click it into place.
6. Replace the baseboard or trim.

Conclusion

Replacing a plank in a laminate floor is not as daunting as it may seem. With the right tools, a little know-how, and some patience, you can replace a damaged plank and have your floor looking as good as new. Remember to identify the type of laminate floor you have and follow the appropriate steps for the replacement process. Happy fixing!