Introduction

Laminate floor get a ding? Whether it's a small chip or a big divot, you can repair it with simple, DIY techniques that make the floor look as good as new.

Assess the laminate floor damage

You can fix minor chips and scratches in a laminate floor with filler products.

But if the damage is severe, you have to replace the plank (you did save a few from the installation, right?). It’s a job you can do yourself in about two hours. In addition to a spare plank, you’ll need a circular saw, hammer and chisel, router or table saw, drill and wood glue.

Some flooring experts recommend removing the base molding and unsnapping and numbering every plank until you get to the damaged portion. That works if the damaged plank is close to the wall. But trust us, if the damaged section is more than a few rows out from the wall, it’s actually faster to just cut it out.

If your laminate floor is glued together, the unsnapping routine won’t work at all. See “Replacing Glued Planks,” below. Plus, check out our expert guide for installing laminate flooring.