by MrVex
Replace a single laminate floor plank by cutting the center, removing edges, trimming the replacement, and gluing it in place.
Learn the professional technique for replacing a damaged laminate plank in the middle of your floor without removing surrounding boards. This method uses strategic cuts, modified replacement planks, and glue to create a seamless repair.
Mark the damaged board and cut the center into a triangle pattern using relief cuts
These relief cuts allow the middle of the plank to come out first, releasing tension so edges can be lifted without damaging surrounding boards
0Remove the center section first, then lift the edges of the damaged plank
Once the center is removed, tension is gone and edges can be lifted without damaging locking joints on surrounding boards
Trim off the bottom locking lip ridge from the replacement plank
This turns the click system into a drop-in fit since you can't click a board in from the top
Apply glue along surrounding edges, drop in the new plank, and tap level with rubber mallet
The glue replaces the locking mechanism that was removed, securing the plank in place