Laminate floors look great until life happens. A dropped pan, a pet accident, or years of traffic can leave a plank chipped, cracked, or swollen. The good news is you can fix it without calling a pro. This guide walks you through two easy options: patching small damage or replacing a full plank when the damage is too much to hide.

Spot the Type of Damage

Before you grab tools, look closely at the plank.

• Small chips or scratches can be patched.

• Cracks or lifted edges often need a full replacement.

• Water damage almost always calls for swapping the plank.

Knowing the difference saves time and keeps the rest of the floor safe.

How to Patch Small Damage

Patching works best for tiny flaws that are more cosmetic than structural.

Step 1: Clean the Area

Wipe the damaged spot with a damp cloth. Dust or grit can keep filler from sticking.

Step 2: Use a Laminate Repair Kit

Pick a kit that matches your floor color. Most come with putty or wax.

• Warm the wax or knead the putty.

• Press it into the chip or scratch.

• Smooth it with the tool included in the kit.

Step 3: Blend the Color

Use a touch-up marker if needed to blend the repaired spot into the plank.
Aim for close enough. Once the light hits it, most people will never notice.

How to Replace a Damaged Laminate Plank

If the plank is split, warped, or soft from moisture, replacement is the only clean fix.

Step 1: Find a Matching Plank

If you saved extras from your original install, use one of those. If not, take a sample to the store. Getting the color right is key.

Step 2: Remove the Baseboards

Carefully pry up the baseboards along the wall closest to the damaged plank. This gives you room to unlock the floor without breaking the joints.

Step 3: Unlock the Planks

Working from the wall toward the damaged spot, lift each plank at an angle to separate it from the next.
Take your time. Laminate locks together tightly, but it should come apart without force.

Step 4: Swap the Damaged Plank

Once you reach it, pull it out and drop the new plank into place.
Make sure the grooves line up so the surface stays flat.

Step 5: Reinstall the Floor

Reinstall each plank in reverse order until you reach the wall again. Tap lightly so the joints close.
Then reinstall the baseboards.

What to Do if You Cannot Unlock the Floor

Some laminate is glued or installed under trim that cannot be removed. In that case, you can cut out the damaged plank instead.

1. Mark a square inside the plank, leaving an inch of space around the edges.

2. Use a circular saw to follow the marked lines.

3. Remove the middle section.

4. Cut the remaining edges and lift them out.

5. Trim off the locking lips of the replacement plank.

6. Set it in place and secure it with flooring glue. Place a weight on it until dry.

This method takes patience but saves the surrounding planks.

Keep Your Floor Looking Good

A few simple habits can keep damage from coming back.

• Use felt pads under furniture.

• Wipe spills fast.

• Sweep often to keep grit from grinding into the surface.

A little care goes a long way with laminate floors.

Fixing a broken laminate plank is easier than it looks. Whether you patch a tiny chip or replace a full board, both methods restore your floor without stress. With the right tools, a steady hand, and a clear plan, you can make your floors look new again.