Replacing a plank or strip of hardwood flooring

Ever since you accidentally dropped one of your heavier houseware items onto your hardwood floor a few years back, the sight of the damaged section has been gnawing at you - especially when you remember how much the floor cost to install.

Well - why not repair it? Replacing a damaged strip or plank of hardwood is a fairly simple project that costs next to nothing. And, when done properly, repaired sections are barely noticeable if your floor is made of prefinished strips or planks!
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Preface Notes
Prefinished Strips or Planks
Site-Finished Floor

Preface Notes

  • In order to undertake this type of repair project, you must have access to strips (less than 3 inches wide) or planks (more than 3 inches wide) of varying lengths leftover from your original installation. To ensure that the strips or planks "age" at the same rate as your installed floor, they must be stored in an area where they will be exposed to similar conditions in terms of air and light. Properly stored replacement units will help ensure that the repaired section blends seamlessly with the rest of the floor, especially if they were prefinished.

  • To facilitate the removal and replacement processes, it is recommended that these repairs be completed during the winter months when the wood is dry and contracted.

Prefinished Strips or Planks

If you use strips or planks that have been "aged" over the same period as the installed floor, the repaired section should blend seamlessly with the rest of the floor.
    Step 1
    Take the chisel and tap it gently with the hammer in order to splinter the strip or plank and hollow it out from the center towards the edges. Chisel slowly and take the time to remove any loose pieces as you go until the damaged strip or plank has been completely removed.
    Step 2
    Cut any protruding nails down to ground level or simply pull them using a pair of pliers. A hammer claw or nail puller may also be used but be very careful not to damage neighbouring strips or planks.


    Step 3
    Take precise measurements of the length of the gap created by the removal of the damaged strip or plank and cut a new strip or plank to this exact length.
    Step 4
    The sides and ends of prefinished strips and planks are produced with two male interlocks (tongues) and two female interlocks (grooves). Cut away the male interlocks using a table saw, if available. Though a planer may also be used for this operation, the replacement section must be placed in a vise (place pieces of wood on either side of the strip or plank to prevent it from being damaged). Then, use the chisel to remove the lower part of the female interlock (groove) on the end of the strip or plank only. Only the female interlock (groove) along the length of the strip or plank must remain intact.
    Step 5
    Take a close look at the upper edges of the replacement strip or plank (prefinished). You will notice that the edges are not straight, they are slightly bevelled. These small bevels are called "micro-V" joints. You will also notice that there is no micro-V bevel along the section where you cut the strip or plank. It must be added. To do this, gently sand the edge of the strip or plank using 120-grain sandpaper until you have managed to reproduce the shape of the micro-V. Wipe away any dust using a dry cloth.
    Step 6
    Apply fast-drying construction adhesive in a zigzag pattern (S pattern) to the sub floor where the strip or plank was removed (or directly on the new strip or plank).
    Step 7
    Slide the remaining (intact) female interlock or groove (along the entire length of the new strip or plank) into the male interlock or tongue of the adjacent strip or plank. Use the rubber mallet as required to ensure that the strip or plank is securely in place.
    Step 8
    Place a weighted object on the strip or plank for 12 hours (Ex: a stack of 3 or 4 dictionaries, a tool box, a water cooler bottle full of water).


    Step 9
    Apply three coats of varnish to the newly created micro-V joint (if you don’t, the section will get dirty and become tarnished). Bring an unused section of the strip or plank with you when you visit your paint retailer to ensure proper selection of the varnish. Follow manufacturer instructions during application.
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