How To Repair A Hardwood Floor – DIY

DIY – There are a lot of reasons for and things that can cause damage to your hardwood floor. It can be burned out, cracked, chemically damaged, or maybe you simply want it to look newer. If you want to do-it-yourself, we can help. Below, you will find step-by-step DIY instructions on how to repair your damaged hardwood flooring. With the use of a new pre-finished hardwood boards, your DIY old, damaged hardwood floor repair job will be simpler than you think. Just keep in mind, that you will also have to do DIY sanding, coating with stain and sealant tasks as well.

Step 1: Remove the Boards and Nails

If you just want to repair a few hardwood floor boards, you have to make sure you can match the replacement boards with the remaining ones that are installed. Start by taking out one old board at a time. Pry it out by using a pry bar, then measure it to get the right fit for the replacement board.

Carefully remove the damaged hardwood floor boards all the way down to the solid material underneath the board. Remove the floor in a staggered pattern and be sure to install it in the same pattern to hide the joints. Remove the nails or any wreckage left behind that could possibly hinder installing the new replacement hardwood flooring boards.

Step 2: Secure Rosen Paper

To secure the layer of Rosen paper, you must use staples on the floor to provide a “friction layer” that will lessen screeches. It’s one important thing to consider as it may affect the flawlessness of the DIY hardwood floor board installation.

Step 3: Cut and Secure the New Boards

Follow the staggered pattern of the original hardwood floor when cutting new hardwood flooring boards. Make them match the original lengths so that it will hide the DIY repair job. You can use an air nail gun to nail the new pieces of hardwood flooring boards.

Note: The nail guns can drive the nails deeper through the wood. This is a good thing because it can minimize wood damage compared to using a hammer. It also leaves the heads flat on the floor, making them more easily covered by Painter’s Putty or Wood Filler.

Step 4: Fill, Sand, Stain and Seal

After replacing all the damaged hardwood flooring boards, expect for few slits in board joints. You can to fill any cracks, slits and holes with Painter’s Putty or Wood Filler. Sand, stain and seal the floor to finish everything. Contact a flooring expert to give you a hand, if needed.

Interested in installing a brand new DIY hardwood floor from wall-to-wall? Check out our post entitled, “How to Install a Hardwood Floor – DIY” for assistance.