How to Replace Hardwood Floor Boards

Check out this webisode of Checking in with Chelsea, or keep reading to learn how to fix that eyesore on your hardwood floor.

Gather Materials

Here’s a list of all the materials you’ll need for this DIY repair job. Having everything ready ahead of time will make the process smoother.

Purchase your new hardwood boards from the same manufacturer, or take a sample plank to a home improvement store for help matching the wood. For solid floors, the new boards must be the same thickness as the existing planks.

Additionally, let the new wood boards acclimate to your home for at least three days before you install them. This means you should purchase them and let them sit inside for this long before you start your project.

Assess the Damage

Before beginning your DIY hardwood floor repair, carefully examine the damaged area. Note the size and location of the hole or worn boards. Check the surrounding floor for signs of rot or water damage, which may indicate a larger underlying problem.

Use a utility knife to pry up the edges of any loose or buckled boards. You want to fully expose the subfloor underneath so you can inspect it. If the subfloor feels spongy or you see dark stains, mold, or rot, you likely have a moisture issue. In that case, you’ll need to address ‌subfloor issues before replacing the boards. If left untended, excessive moisture will ruin any new boards, and you’ll have to replace them all over again.

Also, pay attention to the type of hardwood flooring you have. Solid hardwood consists of full planks milled from a single piece of wood. Engineered hardwood has a thin veneer of hardwood adhered to a plywood or composite core. The repair steps may differ slightly depending on the type of hardwood flooring in your home.

Remove Damaged Boards

Start by using the pry bar and hammer to detach the damaged boards from the subfloor nails or adhesive. Pry carefully to avoid gouging the adjacent boards. Go slowly and be patient.

For tongue-and-groove flooring, you may need to detach full boards to remove the damaged planks in the middle of the floor. Number each plank and mark its orientation before pulling it out.

Use a chisel to remove remaining nails or any tongue-and-groove tabs. Then, sweep and vacuum up all debris and dust.

If there is subfloor damage, now is the time to address that. Cut away moldy or rotted areas, replace them with new plywood, and nail them securely.

Prepare Replacement Boards

Lay the replacement boards next to the open flooring and make any necessary adjustments with a circular saw or table saw. You want a tight seam, allowing for the proper expansion gap at the walls.

Drill pilot holes in the replacement planks every 8 to 10 inches and countersink them for the finish nails. This prevents the wood from splitting when nailed down. Apply wood glue to the underside edges.

Install the New Boards

Carefully tap the new boards into place with a rubber mallet. Use a pry bar if needed to align the tongue-and-groove edges. Place finish nails in the pilot holes, nailing at an angle into the subfloor. Use a nail set to countersink nails.

For the last row of planks against the wall, you will likely need to rip the boards to size to maintain the proper expansion gap. Reinstall trim molding to cover this gap once you complete the repair.

Sand and Refinish

Once you install your replacement boards, you’ll need to blend them in aesthetically with the existing floor. This sanding and refinishing process smooths the new boards and unifies the color.

Use painter’s tape to mask off adjoining boards. Carefully sand the new boards flush with the existing flooring, following the wood grain. Vacuum when you finish this.

Use wood putty to fill any nail holes or small gaps. Allow that to dry completely. Then apply stain and finish, matching sheen and color as closely as possible. Apply polyurethane in thin, even coats and allow drying fully between coats.

Finally, remove all tape once the floor has cured for 24 to 48 hours. Move furniture back into place. Your once-damaged hardwood floor is now repaired and renewed.

So, Is Hardwood Floor Repair a DIY Job?

Replacing a few damaged floorboards is an intermediate DIY project. With some carpentry skills and the right tools, it is certainly achievable. Assessing the scope of damage and preparing the subfloor takes time but isn’t overly difficult. Just work carefully when prying up boards and take steps to limit dust.

Most homeowners can manage installing replacement planks and refinishing as a DIY home improvement project. However, if the flooring damage covers a very large area, it may be wise to hire a professional hardwood flooring contractor. They have specialized tools for efficiently removing and disposing of floorboards and experience with tricky installation challenges. DIY repairs often take longer but have much lower hardwood floor refinishing costs.