How to Repair Damaged Laminate Flooring – Step-by-Step Guide

Laminate flooring is built to last, but accidents, moisture, or daily wear can cause scratches, chips, or lifting boards. Fortunately, you don’t always have to replace the entire floor. Knowing how to repair damaged laminate flooring helps you restore your surface beautifully without spending a fortune. At Laminate Floor World, our experts share professional repair techniques for minor and severe damage — from surface touch-ups to plank replacements.

How to Repair Damaged Laminate Flooring Types

Before you start repairing, identify the type of damage you’re dealing with. This determines whether you need a quick fix or a full plank replacement. Common laminate flooring problems include:

• Surface scratches from pets, shoes, or furniture.
• Chipped corners caused by impacts or heavy objects.
• Swollen or warped boards from water exposure.
• Buckling or lifting due to poor expansion gaps or high humidity.
• Peeling laminate layers from prolonged moisture.

Once you identify the issue, you can choose the best method below to repair your laminate floor effectively.

How to Repair Surface Scratches and Scuffs

Minor surface marks are the easiest to fix and often don’t require plank replacement. Follow these steps to restore your floor’s original look.

1. Clean the Area Thoroughly

Use a soft cloth and laminate-friendly cleaner to remove dust and dirt. This ensures the repair compound adheres properly to the surface.

2. Apply a Laminate Repair Paste or Wax Kit

For light scratches, use a wax repair stick or laminate filler that matches your floor’s colour. Rub it into the scratch, then wipe away excess. For deeper scuffs, use a repair paste or professional service to blend the area seamlessly.

3. Buff the Surface

Once filled, use a soft microfiber cloth to polish the area gently. This helps restore shine and conceal minor imperfections.

How to Repair Chipped or Cracked Laminate Planks

Chipped corners or edges are a common issue, especially near doors or furniture. Here’s how to repair damaged laminate flooring without replacing entire sections:

• For small chips, apply a laminate repair compound with a putty knife, then smooth and colour-match the area.
• For deep cracks, remove the affected section with a utility knife and fill it with a hardening epoxy designed for laminate.
• Use a clear sealant once dry to protect the repaired area from moisture.

If the damage covers a large visible area, a plank replacement will offer a cleaner finish. Continue below to learn how.

How to Replace a Single Damaged Laminate Plank

Sometimes, the best way to repair laminate flooring is to remove and replace a single board. Modern click systems make this straightforward. Follow these professional steps:

1. Identify and Mark the Plank

Mark the damaged board and clear the surrounding area. Remove skirting or trims near the section so you can lift planks easily if needed.

2. Unlock or Cut the Plank

If your floor uses a floating click-lock system, gently unclip adjoining boards until you reach the damaged plank. For glued planks, use a circular saw to cut along the damaged section and lift it carefully.

3. Replace and Reinstall

Click the new plank into position, ensuring the joints align perfectly. Refit any trims or skirtings, such as our 90 mm plain black skirting or 16 mm white paintable scotia, to complete the job.

Repairing Water-Damaged Laminate Flooring

Water damage is the most common reason for laminate replacement. Swelling, cupping, or bubbling boards can’t usually be sanded or refinished — but you can prevent it from spreading.

• Identify the moisture source (leak, spill, or humidity) and fix it immediately.
• Remove affected planks promptly to allow the subfloor to dry.
• Replace damaged boards with water-resistant alternatives like Floorpan Elite XL 12 mm or Floorpan Street, which can resist moisture for up to 48 hours.

Preventing Future Laminate Floor Damage

Once you’ve repaired your floor, it’s worth taking steps to protect it long term. Our installation teams recommend these habits to extend the lifespan of your laminate floors:

• Use felt pads under furniture to prevent scratches.
• Wipe spills immediately and keep humidity balanced.
• Place mats near entrances to trap dirt and moisture.
• Clean with laminate-safe products — avoid wax-based or abrasive cleaners.
• Maintain the correct expansion gap during installation to avoid buckling.

Need Help Repairing Your Laminate Floor?

If you’re unsure how to fix your damaged laminate flooring, our professionals can handle it for you. We offer quick, affordable repair and replacement services across Gauteng and surrounding areas. From water-damaged floors to surface refinishing, we’ve got you covered.

Explore our installation and repair services, browse our laminate flooring ranges, or consider upgrading to vinyl flooring for added water resistance.

Frequently Asked Questions How to Repair Damaged Laminate Flooring

• Can I repair laminate flooring myself? Yes. Minor scratches and chips can be fixed using repair kits or wax sticks. For major damage, a professional installer is recommended.
• Can you replace a single laminate plank? Absolutely. Most click-lock floors allow for individual plank replacement without disturbing the rest of the floor.
• How do I fix a swollen laminate board? Swollen planks from water exposure must be replaced — sanding or drying won’t restore their shape.
• What if my laminate floor keeps lifting? Lifting usually means there’s no proper expansion gap or there’s moisture underneath. Reinstalling the section correctly should solve the issue.

Still have questions about how to repair damaged laminate flooring? Visit our installation guide or contact our team for expert advice and on-site assessments.

External reference: For more insights on floor maintenance, visit World Floor Covering Association.

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