How to Repair LVP Flooring: A Practical Guide: Fixing Scratches, Gaps, and Damaged Planks in Luxury Vinyl Plank Floors

If you have Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring in your home, you already know it's durable, but even the toughest floors can get scratched, separated, or even cracked. Whether your living room has seen its share of pet claws or your kitchen floor suffered from a dropped pan, knowing how to repair LVP flooring yourself can save time and money. Below, I’ll share practical steps, common mistakes to avoid, and real-life tips from my projects, to help both DIYers and seasoned designers keep their floors looking flawless.

Assessing the Damage Before Starting Repairs

The first step is always to figure out exactly what you’re dealing with. Start by looking for: scrapes, deep gouges, separated seams, water-affected edges, or buckled planks. In my experience, the most common issues are light scratches and planks coming apart at the edges—usually due to weather changes or heavy use. If your problem is more severe (like water damage across a large area), consider if replacements or professional help make more sense.

If you spot gaps between the planks or want to plan your repair placement precisely, using a simple digital floor planner can help you visualize the layout before getting started.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy equipment for most LVP repairs. Here’s what I use most often:

1. Soft cloth or mop (for cleaning)
2. Vacuum with a soft brush head
3. Utility knife or vinyl plank cutter
4. Rubber mallet
5. Matching LVP planks (if replacing damaged ones)
6. Flooring adhesive (for glue-down LVP)
7. Vinyl putty or color-matching repair kit (for surface damage)
8. Painter's tape (for protecting surrounding planks)
9. Small pry bar or putty knife (for removing planks)

Surface Level Repairs: Scratches and Scuffs

Light scratches are an inevitable part of daily life, especially if you have pets or move furniture often. For minor surface damage, here’s my go-to method:

1. Clean the area thoroughly with a damp cloth—never use harsh cleaners as they can dull the finish.
2. Apply a small amount of vinyl floor scratch repair kit or color-matching putty according to instructions.
3. Buff gently with a soft cloth until the scratch blends in.
4. For slightly deeper scuffs, use a wax crayon or touch-up marker that matches your plank’s color.

In one of my client’s homes, a new puppy left a landscape of tiny scratches near the entry. After applying a clear vinyl polish designed for LVP, we restored the shine and camouflaged almost every mark—no plank replacements needed!Fixing Gaps, Seams, and Lifted Edges

Seasonal changes can cause planks to shift and create visible gaps. The best fix is often just to reconnect the original click-lock system:

1. Clear the area of debris.
2. Gently tap the plank back into place with a rubber mallet and tapping block—don’t hit the plank directly.
3. If planks have shifted a lot, you might need to remove the baseboard and work several rows at once to reconnect the edges.

Remember, a room visualization tool can come in handy, especially if you’re planning to shift multiple planks.

Replacing Damaged LVP Planks

For deep cuts, chips, or water-damaged planks, replacement is the most reliable solution. Here’s the process I recommend:

1. Identify the damaged plank—mark it with painter’s tape.
2. Use a utility knife to carefully cut and remove the damaged plank.
3. Clean the area and inspect the subfloor for moisture or debris.
4. Fit the new matching LVP plank into place, following your floor's locking mechanism (click-lock or glue-down).
5. Gently tap it flush using a mallet and replace your trim or molding.

I had a client whose kitchen suffered a flooded dishwasher disaster. Rather than ripping out the entire LVP floor, we replaced just the affected planks—a process that took half a day and saved tons on materials and labor.Common Mistakes & Fixes

From rookie blunders to expert oversights, here are a few tips to avoid headaches:

1. Don’t rush repairs—always let newly installed planks acclimate if needed.
2. Mismatch repairs look obvious—use extra LVP leftovers from the original installation.
3. Never use excessive water to clean; moisture can cause seams to lift over time.
4. For click-lock systems, don’t force planks apart or hammer them too hard, or you’ll damage the locking edge.

Case Study: DIY LVP Repair Success

Jessica, a homeowner in Austin, noticed a noticeable gap in her living room after a recent cold snap. Instead of calling in a contractor, she tackled it herself. After vacuuming the area, she used her hairdryer on a low setting to warm the planks and gently tapped them back together with a mallet. Not only did the gap disappear, but she also gained confidence to take on future repairs—no contractor required!

FAQ

1. What’s the easiest way to fix small scratches in LVP?
2. If they’re shallow, use a floor repair pen or wax crayon in a matching color, then buff. For deeper scuffs, try a vinyl repair kit.
3. Can I replace a single LVP plank or do I need to redo the whole floor?
4. You can replace just one plank if your floor uses a click-lock or floating system. For glue-down floors, it’s a bit trickier but still possible with careful removal and matching planks.
5. Is it possible to repair water-damaged LVP without replacing planks?
6. Unfortunately, most water damage requires plank replacement. Prevention with proper sealing is key, especially in bathrooms (using the right bathroom design tool).
7. How can I prevent future scratches on LVP?
8. Use felt pads under furniture, keep pet nails trimmed, and lay area rugs in high-traffic zones. Regular gentle cleaning also helps.
9. What if my LVP floor is making noise or creaking?
10. This can happen if there’s movement underneath. Check for gaps, loose planks, or, if your subfloor is uneven, consider using a thin underlayment for support.
11. Are there good DIY guides for LVP repair?
12. Yes, many are available online, or you can use a free fixture layout tool to visualize repairs and replacements.
13. How long does it take to replace a plank?
14. Replacing a single plank usually takes 20–40 minutes for someone with a bit of DIY skill.
15. Does repairing LVP affect its warranty?
16. Read your warranty terms first—sometimes DIY fixes are excluded, especially with glue-down products.
17. What’s the best cleaning method after repairing LVP?
18. Stick to a microfiber mop and gentle, non-abrasive cleaners. Avoid steam mops or strong chemicals.
19. Can I use leftover planks from a different manufacturer or batch?
20. It’s best to use planks from the same batch as older ones may vary slightly in color or thickness.
21. When should I call a pro to fix LVP?
22. If you face widespread water damage, subfloor failure, or can’t fix the problem after several attempts, bringing in a pro can prevent costly mistakes.