How To Repair Wood Laminate Flooring

How to Repair Wood Laminate Flooring

Wood laminate flooring is a popular choice for homeowners because it is durable, easy to clean, and relatively inexpensive. However, even with proper care, wood laminate flooring can become damaged over time. If you find yourself with a damaged wood laminate floor, don't despair! With a little time and effort, you can repair it yourself. ### Assessing the Damage The first step in repairing wood laminate flooring is to assess the damage. Determine the extent of the damage and what type of repair is needed. There are three basic types of damage that can occur to wood laminate flooring: -

Scratches

are the most common type of damage. They can be caused by furniture, pet claws, or other sharp objects. -

Dents

are caused by heavy objects or impact. -

Chips

are caused by pieces of the laminate being broken off. ### Gathering Materials Once you have assessed the damage, you will need to gather the necessary materials to make the repair. For most repairs, you will need the following: - Wood laminate flooring repair kit - Utility knife - Sandpaper - Tack cloth - Wood filler - Putty knife - Mineral spirits - Clean cloth ### Repairing Scratches Scratches are the easiest type of damage to repair. Simply follow these steps: 1. Clean the scratch with a damp cloth. 2. Apply a small amount of wood filler to the scratch. 3. Use a putty knife to smooth the wood filler over the scratch. 4. Allow the wood filler to dry completely. 5. Sand the wood filler smooth. 6. Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth. ### Repairing Dents Dents can be more difficult to repair than scratches, but they can still be done with a little patience. Follow these steps: 1. Clean the dent with a damp cloth. 2. Apply a small amount of wood filler to the dent. 3. Use a putty knife to smooth the wood filler over the dent. 4. Allow the wood filler to dry completely. 5. Sand the wood filler smooth. 6. Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth. 7. If the dent is still visible, you can try steaming it out. To do this, hold a hot iron over the dent for a few seconds. Be careful not to hold the iron too close to the floor, or you could damage it. ### Repairing Chips Chips are the most difficult type of damage to repair, but they can still be done with a little skill. Follow these steps: 1. Clean the chipped area with a damp cloth. 2. Apply a small amount of wood filler to the chipped area. 3. Use a putty knife to smooth the wood filler over the chipped area. 4. Allow the wood filler to dry completely. 5. Sand the wood filler smooth. 6. Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth. 7. If the chip is still visible, you can try filling it in with a wood laminate repair kit. These kits typically come with a variety of colors to match your flooring.