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How to Repair Flooring
If you’ve been wondering how to repair floor damage, whether it’s hardwood scratches, pet stains, or broken tiles, the process requires the right tools and steps. Below, we cover how to repair and refinish hardwood floors, fix damaged boards, and even manage tile issues.
Step 1: Remove the Damaged Boards
Tools you will need to get the hardwood repair done: Circular Saw, Hammer, Cat’s Paw/Trim Pry Bar, Wood Chisel, Multi-Tool, Brad Nailer.
Pet stains or worn-out boards will need to be replaced when they are beyond saving. First, find the boards you will completely replace.
- Mark the Boards: I mark the specific boards I will be removing very clearly along their entire length so there are no mistakes.
- Determine Thickness: You need to find out how thick they are (this is important!). Most old wood floors are between 1/2″ and 1″. The best place to find the depth is to remove a floor heat register or pull up a threshold.
- Set Saw Depth: Once you know the thickness of your flooring, set your circular saw to just a hair deeper than the thickness of the flooring (about 1/32″).
- Cut & Remove Boards: Make 2 parallel plunge cuts into the floorboard along its length with the circular saw. Use a multi-tool or chisel to finish the cut, and then remove the middle piece first. The groove and tongue sides may require a pry bar or cat’s paw.
- Tip: This step is crucial if you’re learning how to repair a damaged hardwood floor effectively.
- Clean Up: Vacuum out all sawdust and make sure the tongue and grooves of the remaining boards are clear of any wood debris.
Step 2: Install the Replacement Boards
Once cleaned, you’ll need to patch the floor with your replacement boards. This method works for both how to repair hardwood floors and for those wondering how to repair hardwood floor scratches that require board replacement.
Measure & Cut to Length: Measure the length you need to replace and cut your replacement to size.
To Replace Just a Few Boards:
- Remove the Groove – Cut off the bottom half of the groove on your replacement board with a table saw, chisel, or hand plane.
- Insert Tongue Side First – Insert the replacement piece tongue side first into the existing flooring. A scrap board can be used to hammer it in without damaging the surface.
- Face Nail in Place – Once seated properly, nail it down with brads every 16–24″.
Note: For larger sections, follow advanced flooring replacement instructions.
Step 3: Refinish the Repair
Once the boards are in place, the only way to achieve a seamless look is to repair and refinish hardwood floors. Sand down the area, then refinish to match the surrounding surface.
This step is also useful if you’re looking into how to repair hardwood floors that have widespread scratches or dullness.
Bonus: Tile Repairs
While most of this guide focuses on wood, many homeowners also ask about how to repair floor tile. For cracked or chipped tiles:
- Remove the damaged tile with a chisel.
- Clean out the adhesive and debris.
- Apply new thin-set mortar and set the new tile.
Grout the edges and seal after drying.
Whether you need to know how to repair hardwood floors, fix scratches, or even handle tile issues, the process requires patience and the right tools. By following these steps, your floors will look refreshed and strong again.