If you’ve damaged a plank in your solid wood floor to such an extent that you can’t fix it with filler, you’ll need to remove it and replace it. Because solid wood floors are designed in a tongue and groove style, removing a single plank can be quite tricky, so it’s best to be prepared and to take your time to ensure a good result. The important thing to try to avoid is damaging the boards around your damaged board. Also, no matter how tempted you are, don’t pull at the board because this could cause even more damage.
We’ll let you know what to do here, but before that, here’s a list of things you’ll need:
– Masking tape
– A ruler
– Something to mark the wood, for example a pencil or removable marker
– A circular saw
– A jigsaw
– A chisel and
– A hammer
Here’s what you need to do:
Cover the surface of the surrounding boards using the masking tape. Covering the tops of the boards around the damaged board will help avoid any accidental damage to the boards that are still in good condition.
Once you have the boards covered, take your ruler and your marker and mark out a rectangle along the length and breadth of the damaged board. The rectangle you mark out should be just over 1.25cm from each of the four edges of the board. This is where you will cut the board later.
Once you’ve marked out where you’re going to cut the board, you need to prepare your circular saw to cut it. If you know the thickness of your board you’ll be able to set the saw to the precise thickness, but if you don’t know the thickness of the board, start at 1.25cm and work up from there until you establish the right setting. A good idea is to make a test cut in the middle of the rectangle you’ve marked out on the board.
When you have established the thickness of the board, cut carefully, using your circular saw, along the two long sides of your rectangle.
Once the two long sides are cut, you should tackle the short sides with your jigsaw. What you’ll end up with is a rectangular “hole” in the middle of your damaged board.
When you reach this stage, you’ll be able to prize out the remaining parts of the board carefully, using your hammer and chisel.
Work around the remaining parts of the board to remove it gently, taking care not to damage the tongue or the groove of the neighbouring boards. Try to work horizontally at all times and carefully remove any nails from the tongue side of the board.
When it comes to finding a matching board to replace the board you’ve removed, it can be a bit of a challenge. It’s for this reason that whenever you invest in a new floor, it’s a great idea to buy a tiny bit extra so you can store it away for the day when you may need to repair a board or two.
FAQ
What tools will I need to replace a damaged solid wood floor plank?
To replace a damaged plank in your solid wood floor, you’ll need the following tools:
- Masking tape
- A ruler
- A pencil or removable marker
- A circular saw
- A jigsaw
- A chisel
- A hammer
How should I protect the surrounding boards when replacing a damaged plank?
You should cover the surface of the surrounding boards with masking tape. This helps prevent any accidental damage to the boards that are still in good condition.
What’s the process for removing the damaged plank?
The process involves several steps. First, mark a rectangle about 1.25cm from each edge of the damaged board. Then, cut along this marking using a circular saw for the long sides and a jigsaw for the short sides. This should leave a rectangular “hole” in the board. Then, using a chisel and hammer, carefully remove the remaining parts of the board, taking care to avoid damaging the tongue or groove of the neighboring boards.
How can I ensure that my circular saw is set to the correct depth?
If you know the thickness of your board, you can set the saw to this depth. If not, start at a depth of 1.25cm and adjust as needed. You may find it helpful to make a test cut in the center of the marked rectangle on the board to determine the right setting.
How can I find a replacement for the damaged plank?
Finding a matching board to replace the one you’ve removed can be challenging. A good strategy is to buy a bit extra flooring material when you initially install your floor. This way, you can store it away for any future repairs.