On average, repairing laminate flooring costs $1,250 but may range from $150 to $5,000, depending on the type and extent of the damage.
Laminate flooring repair costs range from $393 to $2,121, with an average of $1,250.
Common repairs include plank replacement, fixing gouges and cuts, and redoing spacing for warped boards.
Factors affecting cost include the type of damage, size of the damaged area, and labor rates in your area.
Repairing laminate flooring can extend its lifespan and maintain the appearance of your floors.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Laminate flooring repair costs $1,250 on average, with most homeowners spending between $393 and $2,121. The total cost depends on factors like the type of damage, the size of the area that needs repair, and labor rates in your area. By budgeting for these repairs and hiring a professional, you can extend the life of your floors and keep them looking their best.
Laminate floor repairs usually require removal and replacement of damaged boards. Cost factors include the floorboards' price, location, type of damage, and total size of the damaged area.
Replacing planks costs between $3 and $11 per square foot. Unfortunately, you can't repair laminate except for minor cuts and gouges. For larger issues like breaks or water damage, you'll need to replace the affected planks. There are three common ways to fix laminate flooring: Redoing spacing, replacing planks, or using a kit to repair cuts and gouges.
Replacing planks costs: $3–$11 per square foot. Typically, it costs more than $300, depending on the number of planks and how easy they are to remove.
Repairing gouges costs: $100–$300. DIY kits cost $20 at most home improvement stores. It's tough to match colors precisely and get a smooth, clear coat.
Redoing spacing costs: $300–$1,200. For warped or loose boards, you'll need to redo the layout of the floor. For best results, hire a flooring contractor.
“Many laminate flooring repairs require removing the flooring from the wall to the damaged area. If you don't have extra flooring, a risk is that pieces may crack while being removed, and you won't have enough flooring left when reinstalling,” says Andy Kilborn, Expert Homebuilding and Remodeling Contributor. “Make sure you discuss this with your pro, and have a plan if that happens.”
Removing wet or damaged laminate floors costs $1 to $3 per square foot. You'll often need to find a local handyman or demolition crew for a job like this. Most flooring professionals won't do a job like this unless they're also installing a new floor. Most pros wrap that cost into the price of repairing or replacing your laminate floors.
Cutting a board out isn't the best solution, but sometimes the only one. If you're unable to remove planks from the wall nearest the damaged section, you'll need to cut out planks. In this case, your handyman will follow these general steps:
Cut out the damaged board with a plunge saw set to only the depth of the board.
Modify a new board to remove one of the click-lock sides.
Glue that side in while using the other three sides' locking function to hold it in place.
Weight the glued-in board for 24 hours until the glue cures.
Here are some common laminate flooring repair problems, along with their solutions and what you can expect to pay:
Problem | Solution | Cost Range |
---|---|---|
Gouges and cuts | Fill and repair with a kit | $100–$300 |
Surface stains on laminate flooring | Clean and polish | $75–$300 |
Water stains from standing water | Remove and replace boards | $3–$11 per square foot (plank replacement) |
Cracked laminate | Professional replacement | $3–$11 per square foot (plank replacement) |
Warped or loose planks | Professional repair—no replacement needed | $300–$1,200 (redoing spacing) |
Buckling | Repair subfloor or underlayment | May overlap with cupping: $250–$750, or subfloor repair up to $1–$7 per sq.ft if severe |
If you've got the tools and the time, you might consider replacing sections of your laminate flooring yourself. It can take a day or two to remove and replace the boards, and you'll need a few specialized tools—most of which you can rent from home improvement stores. Click-lock style floating boards are the easiest for DIY projects. However, even small mistakes can lead to cracking, warping, or a loose layout. To save time and ensure quality results, it's best to hire a local flooring repair professional.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Yes, you can repair damaged laminate flooring yourself, especially for minor scratches and gouges on the surface. If you're considering a DIY repair, make sure you have extra matching boards to replace any that get damaged during the process. This method requires precise handling and the right tools to ensure a smooth, lasting fix that maintains your floor's functionality and appearance.
Replacing one or two pieces of laminate flooring involves removing the damaged boards and installing a new one. The best method for this starts at the closest wall. Remove the trim and pull up boards until you reach the damaged one. Then, replace that board and reinstall any planks you took out to get to that board.
Swollen laminate flooring indicates that excess moisture has permanently compromised the board’s structure. Repairing the swollen area is not possible because the integrity of the laminate is lost. You must replace the affected flooring entirely to restore both strength and appearance. In addition, identifying and eliminating the moisture source is crucial to prevent further damage.
Water that gets under laminate flooring immediately compromises the integrity of both the planks and the subfloor. It soaks into the materials and triggers aggressive mold growth while degrading the flooring structure. Immediate and thorough drying is essential; failure to remove the moisture necessitates complete replacement of the affected materials to restore safety and durability.
Laminate flooring is designed to last between 15 and 25 years under optimal conditions. Heavy usage or significant moisture exposure can cause the floor to require replacement sooner. High‑end laminate engineered with superior durability ratings delivers unwavering performance for up to 50 years when maintained meticulously. Regular inspections and immediate repairs preserve the floor's integrity and visual appeal.