🛠 How to Repair Damaged Laminate Flooring: Easy DIY Tips
Laminate flooring is a durable and stylish choice for many South African homes. However, accidents happen — and from time to time, your flooring may get scratched, chipped, or even water-damaged. Fortunately, most issues can be fixed without replacing the entire floor. In this guide, we’ll walk you through quick and effective ways to repair damaged laminate flooring.
🔧 Common Types of Laminate Damage
Before you start any repairs, it’s important to identify the type of damage:
- Scratches – Often caused by furniture or pet claws
- Chips – Usually from heavy impact or dropped objects
- Swollen planks – Typically due to moisture or water damage
Each type of damage requires a different approach, which we’ll cover below.
✍️ How to Repair Minor Scratches
Minor surface scratches are the easiest to fix.
What you’ll need:
- Laminate floor repair kit (available at most hardware stores)
- Damp cloth
- Matching wax or filler stick
Steps:
- Clean the scratched area thoroughly with a damp cloth.
- Use the wax stick from the repair kit to fill in the scratch.
- Blend and smooth with the plastic applicator.
- Buff gently for a uniform finish.
👉 Explore our laminate flooring collection to find scratch-resistant ranges.
🔨 How to Fix Chips in Laminate Flooring
What you’ll need:
- Laminate repair putty or filler
- Putty knife
- Color-matching pen (optional)
Steps:
- Clean the area.
- Apply filler to the chipped section using a putty knife.
- Smooth it out and let it dry.
- Use a color-matching pen for better blending, if needed.
💡 Tip: For deep or large chips, replacing the plank may be a better option.
💧 Repairing Swollen Laminate Planks
Swollen or warped planks can’t be repaired — they need to be replaced.
Steps:
- Remove the skirting and edge Mouldings.
- Carefully unlock the planks around the damaged one.
- Replace the swollen plank with a matching one.
- Reassemble the floor and reinstall the skirting.
🔗 Need help? Visit our installation service page or contact us.
To avoid swelling in the future, consider our water-resistant vinyl flooring or laminate options like Floorpan Street.
🧰 Preventative Tips
- Use furniture pads to avoid scratches.
- Clean spills immediately.
- Place doormats at entrances.
- Use proper laminate flooring underlay for moisture protection.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can you repair a swollen laminate plank?
Only slightly. In most cases, it’s better to replace the plank.
What tools do I need to fix a scratch on laminate?
A repair kit with wax filler, a cloth, and a blending pen.
Can I replace just one plank of laminate?
Yes, if your floor was installed with a click-lock system.
Where can I buy laminate repair kits?
At most hardware stores, or visit our accessories section.
📦 Final Thoughts
Repairing damaged laminate flooring doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right tools and guidance, you can extend the life of your floors and maintain their appearance.
🛠 Still unsure? Our team at Laminate Floor World is here to help. Contact us for expert advice or professional repairs.
📍 Serving Gauteng with quality brands like Pergo, Finfloor, and Azura.
