How to Repair Damaged Hardwood Floors

Jun 29

11:27

2010

Anna Woodward

When it comes to the installation and repair of hardwood floors, the process can easily become costly and time consuming. However, the overall cost is a wonderful investment into the value and look of your home. The materials are more wear resistant that other options and much easier to keep up. Through, accidents will happen regardless of your flooring choice…. and in these cases, it’s important to know your repair options. In this article, we will outline the steps necessary to replacing your hardwood flooring.

Step 1 – Get your tools and materials ready.

The initial step in any project is making sure you have the correct tools and materials necessary to completing the job at hand. Check to see whether you have a supplier of the proper material in your area. This is crucial, in that you’ll want to know you have access to the proper patches before ripping up your existing floor.

In addition, you’ll want to grab your tool box to make sure you have access to the correct tools:

• Circular Saw
• Rubber Mallet
• Razor Knife
• Cleaning Supplies
• Sharp Chisel
• Fast-Drying Epoxy
• Miter Saw

Once your materials and tools are in check, measure the areas you will be repairing; determining the amount of panels required and what length they will need to be.

2 – Cut Out the Damage

Strap on those safety glasses and grab your circular saw. You will want to set your proper depth and make two cuts, roughly half an inch on either side of the panel. Take your time, and pay attention. Mistakes can be quite costly.

Once the first cuts have been made, make a third at the same angle. Start at the corner of one of the initial cuts and bring the saw upwards in the direction of the other. This will make somewhat of a “Z” shape.

Now take your chisel and remove both triangles of wood. Clean the grooves in the area around the repair. These samples can also be used in your search for matching materials.

3 – Replacement

As the damage has now been removed, you are now ready to cut out your patch board. To be precise, make a final measurement. Your boards should fit tightly, without any gaps. Remove the bottom protrusion of wood from the board’s grooved edge with a saw or razor, and bevel the ends of each side of the new board. Take the time to fit your piece dry before spreading the epoxy.

Now apply your epoxy and tap the piece in with a rubber mallet. Be sure to work quickly, as these adhesives tend to dry fast.

Now dry the area down, and give yourself a good pat on the back. Congratulations, you have yourself a DIY hardwood flooring repair!

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