Has it been a while since you got laminate flooring installed? Do some areas of the floor look chipped to you? You may have dropped something, or it may have been damaged due to another factor. Either way, you’re going to have to fix that, and we’ll show you how.
Even though laminate floors are pretty tough, they are prone to getting chips for various reasons. Most methods of laminate floor repair use a simple technique, namely, filling the imperfections with wood filler.
JUMP TO: Causes | Methods | Prevention
Let’s start with the possible causes.
What Causes Chipped Laminate Flooring?
So, what exactly is it that causes laminate floors to get chipped?
Improper Installation
Installation of a laminate floor is a leading cause of chipped laminate floors. This is due to laminate floors being put together, and they may get chipped in the process when they’re stacked side by side.
Chipping, especially in the corners of the laminate floor, is caused during installation.
Accidental Drops
Accidentally dropping an object can end up chipping your floor. It may even leave a dent depending on the weight of the object fell.
Heavy Machinery
Using heavy machinery on your laminate floors is a big no-no as it can leave scratches, dents, and chipping due to friction. Some things aren’t mean for laminate floors, and that’s alright.
Water Damage
A laminate floor damaged by water can end up being chipped as well as swollen. The floor will slowly start to chip till there’s nothing left.
Hard Plastic Toys
Hard plastic toys or tools on your laminate floor can abrade a laminate finish.
How to Fix Chipped Laminate Flooring?
Now that we know the possible causes, how do we fix a laminate floor that is chipped? Is it irreversible, or will we have to replace the damaged plank entirely? Replacing the plank is the last resort; several methods are available before you reach that point. Most of the items used in these methods are available in any home improvement store.
Remember that matching the color is essential regardless of the method you use to fix the chipping.
Acrylic Filler
Acrylic fillers are sealants used most commonly on wood, hardwood, acrylic, and laminate floors. They are silicone sealants that are paintable, hence ideal for interior and exterior repairs.
It is resistant to moisture, low or high temperature, and can be used indoors and outdoors.
- Clean the chipped area and dry it
- Use the filler on the chipped area and flatten it to level
- Let it dry
- Paint it the color of the laminate. You can use permanent markers too. Be sure the color matches the laminate floor color.
Wood Filler
Wood filler is perfect for repairing chipped laminate floors as it generally does the work on chipped/scratched woods. It is only used to repair minor defects in the wood, such as scratches, cracks, chipping, etc.
It comes in different finishes, but you can use a sealant and paint on it if you can’t find the right one for your laminate floor.
- Clean the chipped area
- Use the wood filler on the chipped area
- Flatten it to level with a putty knife or a flat object
- Let it dry
- Coat it with a polyutherine if needed
Stain Pencil
Stain markers are used to cover up scratches or dents, but they can also disguise chipped areas on the floor. They are like a pen, and all you have to do is manually cover the area like you would with a regular pen.
Strokes of color should be applied to the chipped area until it blends with the laminate. However, it is not a fix; it simply covers the chipped area not to be seen.
Sawdust and Glue
This method requires sanding on applied sawdust, not on the laminate itself, as laminate cannot be sanded.
- Get some sawdust and wood glue.
- Apply some glue to the chipped area and sprinkle sawdust on it.
- Flatten it with a putty knife and wait for it to dry.
- Lightly sand the applied sawdust.
- You can apply paint on it to go with the color of your laminate floor.
Replace Lamonate Plank/ Laminate Boards
If you feel that the plank is too damaged and just replacing it would be easier than other methods, you are free to go for it.
The laminate planks that are chipped will have to be removed and replaced with new ones. You can follow the same laminate plank replacement guide I’ve written for the water-damaged planks.
How to Prevent Chipped Laminate Flooring?
We know what causes chipped planks and how to fix them, but how does one prevent chipped planks?
Furniture Pads
Furniture pads can prevent chipping due to the movement of furniture. If the furniture is moved around often, there are more chances of your laminate being chipped. Dragging the furniture here and there will also end up damaging the laminate floor.
Investing in a furniture pad is one of the best things you can do for your laminate floor, as it will prevent chipping and scratches, and dents.
Rugs
Using rugs is like having a layer of safety between you and the flooring. That layer of safety could prevent scratches, dents, and chipping if you were to drop an object unintentionally. Rugs also provide comfort and a great look to your place, which is definitely worth the money.
Besides this, you can also cover chipped areas with carpets and rugs. You can hide chippings in this way if you don’t wish to fix laminate flooring.
Conclusion
Chipping can look ugly on your laminate floor, but you can disguise it with a stain pen or fix it with any viable filler. Using rugs and furniture pads is beneficial to you in more ways than one. It only has the pros, without the cons.
If chipping is excessive due to water damage, replacing the plank would be your best choice.
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