Repairing a Damaged Floorboard

DIY Step-by-Step guide on how to repair and replace a damaged wooden floorboard.

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What you'll need

STEP 1

To remove a board, draw a line across its width. Using a drill with a 20mm spade bit, bore several holes along the line, on the damaged side. Chisel along the line so the edge is square.

STEP 2

Bore several holes, about 300mm apart, along the centreline of the damaged board. Drive a chisel along the centre to split it lengthwise. Remove the waste a piece at a time with a pinch bar.

STEP 3

If it is hard to remove nails, sink them with a nail punch. If you’ve removed more than one board, start on the side where tongues are exposed. Drive nails into the tongues at a 45° angle every 200mm.

STEP 4

Chisel off lower lip of groove on the replacement board so it fits over the exposed tongue. You may have to bevel the upper lip. Position board, cover with timber block and tap into place with mallet until flush.

STEP 5

Drill pilot holes for the nails every 300mm on the groove side of the replacement board, 12mm from the edge. Sink nails with a nail punch. Fill the nail holes. Sand and finish the boards to match the existing flooring.