How to Replace a Section of Laminate Flooring: Step-by-Step Guide for DIYers to Seamlessly Swap Damaged Laminate Boards

Laminate flooring has become a popular choice in many American homes, thanks to its great looks, affordability, and easy installation. But even the toughest laminate sometimes gets scratched, warped, or water-damaged, and homeowners often wonder: "How do I replace just one section without doing the whole room?" Great news—replacing a section of laminate flooring is a manageable DIY project whether you’re patching up high-traffic areas in a busy household or fixing up your rental space. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process, share insider tips, and address the common mistakes to avoid. Before you get started, check the condition of your subfloor with a simple visual inspection to make sure there’s no hidden water damage or uneven spots.

Common Mistakes & Fixes

If you’re nervous about tackling this for the first time, you’re not alone! I remember helping a neighbor in Denver who tried to pull out boards without knowing how the tongue-and-groove system worked—he split the board and ended up with gaps. Here’s what to avoid:

1. Skipping acclimation: New boards should be left in the room for at least 24 hours to match humidity.
2. Improper cutting: Always use a fine-toothed saw, and cover the cut line with masking tape for a neat edge.
3. Forcing boards out: Gently lift and angle boards out—never pry harshly.
4. Mixing mismatched patterns: Check batch and dye-lot numbers; sometimes even the same brand has subtle color differences.

Step-by-Step Project Planning

Replacing laminate often starts with identifying the boards to remove. Most professionals recommend working from the nearest wall so you can unlock and slide the boards out. Here’s how:

1. Remove moulding or trim with a pry bar.
2. Carefully lift adjoining boards until you reach the damaged section.
3. Swap in a matching replacement (verify with extra boards you saved from installation, or order a few decor samples if your pattern is discontinued).
4. Ensure the new section is flush, and all tongue-and-groove joints click together.
5. Replace and nail down the trim.

Level of Detail & Time

This isn’t a race, but most DIYers finish a small area in two hours. Time may increase if the boards are glued down, or if you need to cut around furniture. For toughest results, apply painter’s tape along the edges of cut boards to keep dust and splintering to a minimum.

Best Free Tools for Beginners

You don’t need fancy power tools—a good handsaw, rubber mallet, spacers, tape measure, and trim puller are usually enough. If you’re reconstructing a larger area, an online room planner tool can help you visualize the color and layout before you buy replacements.

Case Study: Busy Family Kitchen Resection

Let’s look at a real project: I helped the Clark family in Austin replace a kitchen section damaged by spilled water. We started at the pantry wall, unlocked 7 boards, swapped in three new ones, and restored the look in under an afternoon. The key was careful measuring and acclimating boards overnight—the new section blended seamlessly, and you’d never know a repair happened unless you inspected closely.

FAQ

1. How do I match the color of replacement boards?
2. Try using spare boards from the original install, or take a sample to your supplier for an exact match. For discontinued patterns, check online marketplaces or specialty design shops.
3. Can I replace a warped board in the middle of the room?
4. Yes, but you may need to take up boards from the nearest wall to reach the damaged one. Never cut around the board in place—it could ruin the locking system.
5. What should I do if water has seeped underneath?
6. Inspect the subfloor for mold or swelling. Replace any affected underlayment along with damaged boards. Consider using a water-resistant design tool for planning future swaps.
7. Are adhesive or floating floors easier to repair?
8. Floating floors (not glued) are generally easier to disassemble and repair. Glued-down laminate requires more care and sometimes professional help.
9. What safety precautions should I take?
10. Wear eye protection when cutting boards and use gloves to avoid splinters.
11. Is it worth hiring a professional?
12. If you have extensive damage or suspect mold, a pro might save you time and peace of mind. For small areas, DIY is very achievable.
13. Can I use any brand of replacement laminate?
14. Not always—tongue-and-groove systems can vary. Match brand, model, and batch whenever possible.
15. How often do American homeowners replace laminate?
16. According to Houzz Insights 2025, most upgrades happen every 7–10 years, unless there’s significant damage.
17. Does removing boards damage the floor?
18. If done carefully from the wall, the rest of the floor should be unharmed. Never force boards out.
19. Will the repair area be visible?
20. Proper matching and precise alignment keep repairs nearly invisible.
21. Is there a tool for visualizing repairs?
22. Yes! Try a free online floor plan creator to preview board layout and color match.
23. Can I replace boards near built-in cabinets?
24. Absolutely—just plan cuts and potential baseboard removal. Take extra care where boards meet cabinetry.