Laminate flooring is known for its durability, affordability, and ability to mimic the natural beauty of wood. However, even the toughest floors can experience wear and tear over time especially in high-traffic areas or households with kids and pets. Scratches, dents, and water damage can make your floors look aged before their time.

Many homeowners ask, “Can laminate flooring be repaired?” The good news is yes, it can—often without replacing the entire floor. Whether you’re dealing with minor scratches or swollen planks caused by moisture, a well-planned laminate floor repair can make your floors look brand new again.

This comprehensive guide covers everything from DIY laminate repair techniques to professional repair methods, ensuring your floors remain as beautiful and functional as the day they were installed.

Understanding Laminate Flooring and How It’s Constructed

Before diving into repairs, it’s important to understand how laminate flooring is built. Unlike hardwood, laminate is made of multiple layers:

• Wear Layer: A clear, protective surface that guards against scratch repair needs and fading.
• Design Layer: A printed image that replicates the look of natural wood or stone.
• Core Layer: A high-density fiberboard that provides structure and strength.
• Backing Layer: Protects against moisture and provides balance.

Laminate is often installed as a floating floor, meaning the planks are not nailed or glued to the subfloor but instead lock together through a click-lock system. This makes individual plank replacement or repair much simpler than other flooring types.

Assessing the Type of Damage

Different kinds of damage require different repair approaches. Here’s how to identify and handle common issues:

1. Surface Scratches and Scuffs

Minor scratches can usually be fixed using a wax repair kit, repair marker, or wood and laminate repair kit. These options blend the color back into the floor and seal the surface.

2. Deep Gouges or Chips

For deeper imperfections, use laminate filler or laminate putty to fill the damaged areas. Once dried, sand lightly and polish to restore the finish.

3. Water Damage or Swollen Planks

If moisture damage causes your planks to swell or bubble, drying alone may not fix it. You’ll likely need to replace the affected planks and check the subfloor for water damage or leaks.

4. Gaps Between Planks

Gaps can occur from temperature changes or an incorrect expansion joint setup. Use a floor gap fixer tool, flooring pull bar, and rubber mallet to close small gaps and restore alignment.

Essential Tools and Repair Kits for the Job

To repair laminate floors effectively, you’ll need the right tools and materials. Here’s what professionals recommend:

• Wax repair kit: Ideal for small scratches and minor dents.
• Laminate filler / putty: Perfect for deeper gouges or chips.
• Repair marker: For color correction on surface scratches.
• Universal repair kit / Floor and Furniture Repair Kit: Great for multi-tone laminate and wood floors.
• Floor gap fixer tool & flooring pull bar: For tightening loose planks.
• Rubber mallet: Gently secures planks without causing new damage.
• Flooring adhesive: Used to secure loose joints or repair floating floor edges.

Having these tools ready ensures you can handle both small cosmetic fixes and more significant issues confidently.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fix Scratches and Minor Damage

Step 1: Clean the Damaged Area

Start by wiping the affected area with a damp mop or cloth to remove dirt, dust, and debris. Avoid soaking the area, too much moisture can worsen laminate floor repair needs later.

Step 2: Choose the Right Color

Select a repair marker or wax repair kit that closely matches your floor’s color. Some Universal Repair Kits offer multiple shades that can be mixed for a perfect match.

Step 3: Apply the Repair Material

Use the repair marker to fill light scratches. For deeper damage, melt a wax stick from your wood and laminate repair kit and fill the area carefully. Smooth it using a plastic scraper.

Step 4: Finish and Blend

Once the filler or wax has dried, lightly buff the area with a soft cloth to blend the repaired section with the surrounding laminate flooring. The result should be smooth and nearly invisible.

Repairing Chips, Cracks, or Holes in Laminate Flooring

If you’ve dropped something heavy or your pet nails trimming routine went wrong, you may find small chips or cracks. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Clean the Area

Vacuum or sweep the damaged section to remove dust. Use a damp mop for a final wipe.

Step 2: Use Laminate Filler or Putty

Apply laminate floor filler or laminate putty directly into the chip using a putty knife. Smooth it over evenly and remove any excess material before it hardens.

Step 3: Match the Color

If needed, use a repair marker to blend the repaired spot with the rest of the flooring. Allow it to dry completely.

Step 4: Seal and Protect

For extra protection, apply a light coat of sealant or a laminate-friendly polish to the area. This reinforces the repair and adds shine.

Fixing Gaps Between Laminate Planks

Gaps can make your floor look uneven and allow debris to accumulate. Here’s how to fix them like a pro:

Step 1: Check for Expansion Issues

Before closing gaps, confirm that they’re not caused by improper expansion joint spacing. Laminate needs small gaps around the room edges to expand and contract naturally.

Step 2: Use a Floor Gap Fixer Tool

Attach the floor gap fixer tool to one plank using the adhesive pads. Gently tap it with a rubber mallet toward the gap. This will bring the planks back together seamlessly.

Step 3: Lock the Planks

Once the planks are aligned, apply a small amount of flooring adhesive between the joints if necessary. Wipe off any excess to maintain a smooth surface.

Replacing Damaged or Swollen Planks

Sometimes, severe moisture damage or swollen planks can’t be repaired and require full plank replacement. Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Identify the Damaged Plank

Inspect your floor for raised edges, warping, or bubbling. Mark the affected plank.

Step 2: Remove Surrounding Planks

Since most laminate floors are floating floors, start by removing baseboards and nearby planks until you reach the damaged one. Use a flooring pull bar to gently lift and separate them.

Step 3: Replace the Damaged Plank

Fit the new plank in place, ensuring the expansion joints remain intact. Use a rubber mallet to click it securely into the locking system.

Step 4: Reinstall the Floor

Once the replacement is complete, reinstall the surrounding planks and baseboards. Check for even alignment and test the flooring for stability.

Preventing Future Damage to Laminate Floors

Once your laminate floor repair is done, proper maintenance will prevent future problems and extend your flooring’s lifespan.

• Control moisture: Avoid excessive water when cleaning. Use a damp mop, not a wet one, and choose water-resistant laminate flooring for high-humidity areas.
• Add protection: Use furniture pads under chairs, tables, and sofas to prevent scratches.
• Use rugs: Place high-traffic rugs in busy areas like hallways and kitchens.
• Trim pet nails: Regular pet nails trimming prevents surface scratches and dents.
• Maintain humidity: Keep indoor humidity between 35–55% to prevent plank swelling or shrinking.

These preventive measures minimize the need for future repairs and preserve the beauty of your floors.

You can also check out How to Properly Clean and Maintain Your Laminate Flooring.

DIY Laminate Repair vs. Professional Repair

DIY laminate repair is a great option for homeowners who enjoy hands-on projects and want to save on costs. Tools like the Floor and Furniture Repair Kit make small repairs easy, even for beginners.

However, professional repair is worth considering for widespread water damage, deep scratches, or uneven subfloors. Professionals use advanced techniques, including laminate floor repair tools and color-matching technology, to ensure flawless results.

If your flooring shows signs of moisture damage, professionals can also inspect the subfloor for hidden problems and provide solutions that extend your floor’s lifespan.

When to Replace Laminate Flooring

Even with the best repair efforts, some damage may be beyond repair. Consider replacement if:

• The core layer is exposed or crumbling.
• Multiple planks are swollen due to prolonged water exposure.
• The floor has shifted significantly, creating unsafe gaps or uneven surfaces.

At this stage, upgrading to water-resistant laminate flooring is a smart investment. It provides better defense against moisture and lasts longer in kitchens, basements, and other damp environments.

Conclusion: Repairing Laminate Flooring Like a Pro

So, can laminate flooring be repaired? Absolutely! With the right tools, techniques, and attention to detail, you can handle everything from scratch repair and plank replacement to fixing gaps and water damage.

Whether you choose a DIY laminate repair or a professional repair, proper care ensures your laminate flooring continues to shine for years to come.

If you’re ready to restore or upgrade your floors, visit Flooring Outlet & More today. Our experts will help you find the best repair kits, replacement planks, and flooring solutions tailored to your home.

FAQs

1. Can you repair damaged laminate flooring?

Yes, most laminate flooring can be repaired using laminate filler, repair markers, or plank replacement. For scratches and chips, a wood and laminate repair kit works best, while swollen planks due to moisture damage may need full replacement.

2. Can You Repair laminate flooring without removing it?

Minor issues like scratches, chips, or gaps can be repaired without removing the floor. Use a wax repair kit, laminate putty, or a floor gap fixer tool. However, for deep water damage, plank replacement may still be necessary.

3. How to fix laminate flooring that is coming up at seams?

When seams rise, it’s usually due to moisture damage or tight expansion joints. Remove baseboards, relieve pressure, and reseal seams with flooring adhesive. Ensure your floating floor has enough space to expand naturally to prevent future lifting.

4. How to fix deep scratches on laminate flooring?

For deep scratches, use a laminate filler or wax repair kit to fill the groove. Match the color with a repair marker, smooth it out, and apply a sealant for extra protection and a polished appearance.

5. How to fix a crack in laminate flooring?

Clean the crack, then apply laminate putty or laminate filler using a small putty knife. Smooth the area evenly, let it dry, and blend with a repair marker to restore color and hide the crack effectively.