How To Repair Hardwood Flooring

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Shannon from www.house-impr... shows you how to repair a damaged piece of hardwood floor. If you have any questions about your home DIY projects, stop by the forum on our website and ask. Video © 2014 SKS Media.
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Videos produced by SKS Media (House-Improvements.com) are provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in the videos is intended to give general guidance to simplify DIY (do it yourself) projects. Because tools, products, materials, equipment, techniques, building codes and local regulations are constantly changing, SKS Media cannot and does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy of the information contained therein. Further, SKS Media will not accept any claim for liability related to, but not limited to, omissions, errors, injury, damage or the outcome of any project. It is the responsibility of the viewer to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project. The viewer must always take proper safety precautions and exercise caution when taking on any project. If there are any questions or doubt in regards to the element of a project, please consult with a licensed professional. SKS Media conducts all matters in accordance with the laws of Saskatchewan, Canada.

[@andrewr9826]

I have no damaged flooring but I still watched the entire video you are the man

[@lovingod4ever33]

I absolutely adore how perfectionist and meticulous his is! Awesome work! Much respect man!

[@richvail7551]

Oh my gosh, a great carpenter always makes it look so easy and the end result flawless. Great video

[@larrynicholson2720]

Good job on the repair, but you used the wrong adhesive. Construction adhesive is rigid and has no movement, wood floors expand and contract. They also crystallize over time and become brittle and when they break your board is no longer glued down. Bona makes adhesive for the flooring industry which will allow for movement but remain attached ( R-880 or R-850T). It can be bought at most wood floor distributors. I enjoy your video series, keep up the good work. From a 40 year veteran of hardwood flooring.

[@HouseImprovements]

Good tip, thanks

[@carlfritz9496]

I watched several videos about repairing a hardwood floor and this is the best one! Great job Shannon!

[@user-hv1ik9li7f]

This is yet another superb instructional video from Shannon. One of my very favorite KZbinrs and clearly one of the very best in the nation at his craft.

[@KAK8327]

Shannon is the man! Skills to pay the bills

[@rickward3575]

Been doing hardwood floors for 38 yrs and I do the same technique., what I do though is to set my table saw up to cut the bottom of the groove off and insert the flooring with the tongue on. Both systems will work. As you mentioned chiselling where the floor was nailed you must be very careful not to damage the other boards. Nice work.

[@guywesley2475]

Hey Rick do you have a email address that I can send a pic of the floor I am trying to repair and I need some advice

[@MegaSuperbug]

Great idea Rick guess that adds extra stability to the floor panel

[@bkrich]

Agreed, I also prefer leaving the tongue and cutting off the bottom grove instead

[@johnstrong2129]

I do the same thing I cut the bottom of the groove off but either way works I work for several different Carpenters and learn several different ways of doing everything

[@michaelrafales2782]

I really appreciate that your videos not only show great technique, but also the importance of time and patience.

[@ronstar8857]

I am a licensed contractor who does a bit of many types of jobs. I have a client in need of a floor repair. Watching your video has given me the confidence to tackle this type of work. Thanks so much for a great video and for sharing your expertise in this area. Great job!

[@kevinfilbin7688]

How do I do this on a concrete slab?

[@DBRSAstonMartin]

Watched this without having a need to know how to do it. When i ripped up my carpet to replace it noticed that one of the planks was bad. And long and behold I remembered this video and was able to do it with ease. Thanks!

[@hoffrun]

I like the 3 cuts and removing the center piece , out of harms way of damaging the adjacent boards. Brilliant.

[@yvesjolicoeur747]

So nice to have access to such high quality tutorials. Thanks a million

[@egibson2266]

I was literally looking at a couple boards in my floor this evening that need to be replaced and wondering how I should go about it, and this video pops up in my feed... weird timing, yet invaluable.

[@nov51947]

One of the lessons I've learned from your videos, Shannon, is the value of *_PATIENCE_* I'm a Type 'A' personality and everything seems to take way longer than I expect it to. Thanks for some great instructional videos...I hope you're doing well from them!

[@zikebucan1785]

Some Southern Stuff you’re type A idiot

[@1Tibs1]

I can relate

[@gamerwhiz6847]

OMG so much work just to change 1 plank! Makes one very careful not to damage wood floors.

[@jerrypressley3399]

Nice job. True professional. I have no idea why people would give a thumbs down.

[@wdousley]

Can't believe it took me a year to find this excellent video. Great Job for 8 yrs ago

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks

[@louisedatrice3927]

Thanks; after 4 years of a broken plank I will now Fix it! Great video.

[@chipshot442]

Great job patching that floor. Didn't even have to face nail it and add filler and matching stain. Well done Shannon!!!

[@TopoPilot]

You really nailed this repair. I am pretty meticulous and you seem to be as well. Nice job and very well explained.

[@jinmeow1685]

I have the same issue, but I was told by a carpenter that it can’t be fixed unless redo the whole room. I’ll definitely not hiring that carpenter after watching the video. Thanks for sharing.

[@ljohnson5978]

Excellent job. Your videos are super helpful. I just installed a window, where a wall unit a.c. once was. Cut and framed a larger rough opening, and used your technique for taping the sill pan, and over the nailing flange.

[@davidricci7736]

Nice job. It's encouraging to know there are folks like you that can fix different things properly.

[@tedkrush5661]

I like how you cleaned your waste and debris as you went and that tools were placed on cardboard or towels to protect the floor. It is the little stuff like that can also make the project satisfying.

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrTmac2023]

thanks for the video. my home was built in 1918. my office is carpeted, but right where my cpu chair's leg hits the floor in my favorite /most used spot? I started to notice a dip and/or break under the carpet / in the floor. Overtime it got worse, so yesterday i took a box cutter and cut out a piece of the carpet (not close enough to a wall to easily pull back) and wow, my office has hardwood floors under the carpet. 1 piece (that i can see) of the hardwood floor looks like water or some kind of damage / rot. Going to use your method to replace that bad section(s). im almost tempted to tear the carpet out and resurface the wood floors! (my kicken, living room and dining room are the same / matching wood. ) These old homes are hard work, but amazing what you find sometimes :)

[@peterstanghellini393]

very good demo. it does look time consuming, but the important thing is to get her done right the first time

[@chithanhphung7302]

I wish you're in my town so you can guide some crappy carpenters in my city. Very very high quality of work .

[@pemfiri]

This video showed me i probably should not mess with my hardwood floor and need to hire someone, it requires quite a bit of experience

[@GunsHarleysUSA]

And that's how a true carpenter does it......Nice job Shannon......Thanks for posting.

[@krn14242]

I agree totally. Prepared area, had the right tools, took his time, and did it correctly.

[@Zozo806]

Why Not cutting it out with a multitool?

[@billyandjohnny7734]

GunsHarleysUSA .

[@presidentforever5663]

Fucking noob

[@theoneaboveall8625]

@@Zozo806 cause you gay...thats why

[@donnalynthayer4834]

Thanks. This was so helpful. You wouldn’t believe how we were trying to do it. Your careful work is appreciated. You do beautiful work. Will try it.

[@GlennG514]

Excellent demo...you make it look so easy !!! It ain't I'm sure ! Thanks for your time to explain how to do it Appreciated 😀

[@RichAdamsFineArt]

Nice walkthrough and excellent final result. I have this exact same repair in some older oak floors I'm working on. This was a great how-to.

[@claudelory1473]

I always wondered how one repairs this type of flooring. Good job.

[@GetToThePointplz123]

Love the little jack hammer sound when chiselling, best advice "take your time"

[@chriswiseman]

Once again an awesome video. I always like how you explain everything you are doing in detail in a slow clear voice. I’ve used a bunch of you other videos as well for building a deck. Turned out MINT!

[@cloverdale87]

Quick tip; on the removal of old flooring piece. Drive in a bunch of wood screws into the top of the piece to be torn out. Then lay a scrap piece of 2x4 and tap with the mallet. Less risk of damage to the adjoining boards. It will work on the end pieces also if you leave meat on it.

[@stuartmillman4361]

Great video. I just got a hardwood floor installed. Now I know what do if I need to replace a piece. Thank you!!!

[@ryanclabough3991]

Next time you do the wood repair ,try the three lateral cuts and then cut the board width ways and you can collapse the middle up and out and you don't need drill or the chisel. I do it for a living so I thought I would save you some time. A multi tool saw works well too

[@HouseImprovements]

Good call.

[@jpm5036]

I do it like that exactly. I make 3 cuts end to end, then 1 going across the middle cut. middle pops right out, groove side pops right out. zip the cleats on the tongue side pops right out

[@chrissy212e]

@@HouseImprovements Hi isnt their an easy way to do this for someone whose not a tradesperson & doesn't have your tools with a chipped plank not to far away from the edge of the wall.

[@128file]

Great video have a door widening project coming up and need to tie in hardwood flooring. Thank you

[@wjbslick67]

Very nice work! Getting ready to replace a bunch of boards which were ruined by a large puppy.

[@TheAtticradio]

Great craftsmanship!

[@RaquelitaRhinestone]

Kudos to you for being patient and precise.

[@plsilva56]

Thanks teacher to show me the best way to replacing laminate flooring.

[@garycaldwell3759]

Great detailed video, which helped me be very successful with replacing a plank of my Maple Hardwood floors. Thanks!

[@Grizzleback07]

I have always wondered how you repaired or replaced flooring like that. 👍

[@gillesbezeau4041]

Really nice video for people who are meticulous...I appreciate.

[@user-ms7hb9nd3c]

You have a very clear voice.

[@wymanclark5582]

When I replace one or two in the middle of floor I cut around a 5-10 degree bevel on the groove side but only on the bottom and I leave a lip about 3/32 so when you are tapping the board in it clips itself in and you still end up with a board that has a tongue and a goove. You can cut either side like this so even the tongue side will do the same thing. Also cut the end the same way and just take your time hammering it in. This way has worked great for me so far. Great video, just thought I would pass on what works for me.

[@barbaranurse42]

It's great watching a real craftsmen.

[@davidcd1993]

Nicely done- thank you for sharing the know-how

[@Adrianbudiman]

That out....... Definitely Canadian.... Proud northener!!

[@michaelr7110]

Thank you Shannon for sharing this particular video! Awesome job!

[@Jay_Dee420]

Nice job perfect finish its a joy to watch professionals at work, plus you made it look so easy.

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks.

[@rusticseeds3531]

thank you! we installed our garage doors thanks to you,

[@Usman.Sanaullah]

dannnnnggg that repair... never seen such perfect fit.

[@joseanibalrobles8319]

I appreciate your video. I have some areas on my wood floor in need of repairs. Your video showed me how to do it. Keep on, add me to your viewership list

[@nickbuol]

I need to replace a 3 foot by 6 foot section of our hardwood floors. Bought a house a couple of years back, and under the one small table in the kitchen, the wood is REALLY worn down. Fortunately the previous owners had a box full of extra flooring that matched. I wasn't sure how quite to tackle getting the boards out cleanly and while I knew to remove the "tongue" sides, it wouldn't have been until I tried to replace them that I would have thought to bevel those bottom edges. This video gives me the confidence to tackle this project. Thanks!

[@roncurry2891]

nickbuol n

[@danielbrosseau8177]

Hi Lisette.I think that the beams supporting the staircase are ok without adding posts.Since you already have your wine there maybe build a cubby for that.Something that you can walk in with a door and side wall.

[@RobertCiampa9112]

I wish someone like you was in the Massachusetts area.They want to refinish the entire floor for a 6 inch scratch.I really believe this is not necessary.

[@HouseImprovements]

In most cases what I did here will do the trick if you have a piece of the original wood.

[@kenmoon5685]

EXCELLENT!! Several new ideas!! ...Thank you!

[@aesandiego]

Thanks for your video. I found it very clear. I'm going to have to do a repair on my wood floor and this was very helpful.

[@cesarvalencia7663]

You're a professional. Good job, very helpful and very clean video. Thank you.

[@HouseImprovements]

You are welcome!

[@toditron]

I've used a piece of quarter-by ply flush to the edge you are prying against, kneeling on it to keep it in position, to give a little more protection to the neighboring board while prying. I did also use the tape as you did here, as well as a shipping blanket, to prevent any scratch damage to the finish. ....but then you're a bit handier with the chisel.

[@darev6297]

Great fix better than on Old House.

[@MrBill99]

I've got a repair just like that I have been putting off. Quality work.

[@TaiChiPlay]

I learn so much from your vids. You can do and teach. Awesome!

[@joejoejoejoejoejoej]

Great video and result I think a flexible low modulus silicone to adhere the plank to the original floor would be a tad better. It would allow for movement whilst still holding the replacement plank Good result buddy 🎉

[@glennalan]

Great video and exactly what I needed to know to repair my floor. Thanks so much!

[@ts109]

Great video, you do nice work. I would recommend an oscillating saw for the cross grain cuts.

[@jeffthewhiff]

I have been working on a similar project recently on my wooden laundry room floor. I first removed some vinyl tile and subflooring and will be using the original floor boards underneath and will eventually sand and stain the floor. The tricky part will be trying to level one side of the floor as it slants toward my backyard.

[@survivalist9818]

Good job exactly how I do it. It's the glue down floors that are a bit more difficult.

[@HouseImprovements]

yes they are

[@mattuk180586]

Great video! Will help me replace a piece that was pulled up when they ripped out the kitchen island of a foreclosure I bought.

[@user-hk3gb2xc9s]

Nice work! Thanks for taking the time to do this. I'm renovating a kitchen next month,we are removing a section of counter and lower cupboards,there's no hardwood under it now,but will have to be filled. I might use this technique to fill in the area.

[@ColdWarVet607]

That was great, really nice job, like new. I was going to say what Rick Ward said below, till I saw he said it. I would think that method is a slightly less difficult method of fitting the new board in, but perhaps there is some beveling needed to be done on the groove side, maybe just a bit??? Anyway its one half dozen or the other and the best way is the way that works best for you. Going to be replacing several real solid oak planks in the Kitchen. Thanks for the great demo.

[@erwinaquino6350]

Exactly what I need to do in my kitchen. Glad I found your video. Tnx for making it.

[@12KillHannah]

Use a fein tool instead of drilling 6 holes. It will save you a lot of time. And you can cut the staples to make it 100x easier

[@bluedaughter]

I loved watching this video. Too bad you are not my next door neighbor because the wood flooring in one of the rooms of my home has started coming up in a small area. It seems to be buckling up a bit. I am calling different businesses; lumber companies, hardware stores, etc., to try and get a referral so that I could find a home repair person that would know how to do this and to also do some other small repairs in my home. Thanks for posting a very informative video.

[@mikebabineau3617]

Great video,thanks for pointing out the common pitfalls for us diy'ers.... :)

[@ryanzadeh1478]

Long time I was thinking if I got some jobs to do like this ,how I can do "? Thank for your absolutely great work.

[@c.v.nwaneto4275]

Nice one mate,kudos from Dublin,ROI.👍🏾

[@jreyna1770]

Great job Shannon, one word to the wise...be careful using painter's tape. If left on too long or if too much weight is applied to it, it can damage wood flooring finish...the whole reason why I'm watching your video is because I painted base boards and used blue tape and upon removal of tape it damaged some planks.

[@HouseImprovements]

hmm , I have never seen that happen

[@lesliedickinson198]

A very good piece of carpentry and will be a useful guide for a repair i want to make to my floor

[@stefandunker6276]

Well done, thanks very much for sharing. Greetings from Berlin

[@tonyrome068]

Excellent job

[@julieosterberger6731]

Terence it is very good step by step instruction.

[@IWestexI]

Nice idea with the tape hooks

[@adshwartz]

I had to do it a couple of times and it took me a lot of thinking and slow work, your method is realy good! Thanks for the video.

[@covercalls88]

Very helpful hints. Thanks

[@tomrusso7360]

Excellent work and demonstration!

[@HouseImprovements]

thanks Tom

[@nicmont7158]

Nice work. I do it a little differently. I cut the board into a t and remove the grove side first then I use an oscillating saw to cut the cleats and the tongue side comes out with ease. I definitely don't use a drill or circular saw, but hey, if it comes out looking like part of the original installation then I guess that's all that matters. Nice job, bud.

[@bdaddy355]

Awesome video - all i can say is wow looks great. You made it seem so simple and easy.

[@ryanjohnson1179]

Great great Job. Very impressed.

[@maydanlex]

This guys GOLD.

[@matthewlucero3984]

Very Nice!!! Thank you for the tips and the demonstration!

[@drleo2641]

Multimaster would have had that out by cutting the perimeter in 2 minutes. When you feel a nail you jump over and start again. The blades are $11 each but who has a half an hour to painstakingly take that out. Especially if the customer hasn't seen it in you got to do it quickly. But yes. Sorry to criticize. Excellent skills and care. Attention to detail. Very conscientious hard-working fellow. Good advice for folks that don't have a multimaster

[@susanbaker1050]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video and posting it. It was very well done.

[@robertturnbull5472]

thanks for this great diy .. have 3 boards i have ti replace

[@josephcook4222]

Nice video. Great topic. Admire your skills. Great presentation.

[@jaywoodson2231]

good job, very educational.