Hardwood floors are a timeless investment, but even the most durable flooring can experience damage over time. Whether it's a few damaged planks or a more extensive subfloor issue, timely repairs are essential to maintain the beauty and functionality of your floors.
Discover two common repair methods: plank replacement lace-ins and subfloor repairs.
Understanding plank replacement lace-ins
A plank replacement lace-in is a technique used to replace individual damaged planks within a hardwood floor. This approach minimizes disruption and cost compared to replacing the entire floor. Here's how it works:
- Removing the Damaged Plank: The damaged plank is carefully cut out, leaving a clean, square opening.
- Preparing the New Plank: A new plank, matching the existing wood's species, grain pattern, and finish, is cut to fit the opening.
- Installing the New Plank: The new plank is inserted into the opening, interlocking with the surrounding planks. It's secured with adhesive and/or nails, ensuring a seamless and secure fit.
- Blending and Finishing: The repaired area is sanded and refinished to match the rest of the floor, creating a virtually invisible repair.
When is a plank replacement lace-in appropriate?
Plank replacement lace-ins are ideal for repairing isolated damage caused by:
- Scratches and Gouges: Deep scratches or gouges that penetrate the finish and wood can be addressed with a lace-in.
- Water Damage: If water damage is limited to a few planks, they can be replaced individually.
- Minor Insect Damage: Isolated termite or beetle damage can be repaired with lace-ins if the structural integrity of the subfloor is intact.
Subfloor repair: the foundation for your floors
The subfloor is the structural layer beneath your hardwood flooring. If the subfloor is damaged, it can compromise the stability and appearance of your entire floor.
Common subfloor issues include:
- Moisture Damage: Water leaks or excessive humidity can lead to warping, rotting, or mold growth in the subfloor.
- Structural Damage: Termite infestations, wood rot, or excessive weight can weaken the subfloor, causing it to sag or crack.
- Squeaking: Loose subfloor boards can rub against each other, creating annoying squeaks.
When is subfloor repair necessary?
If you notice any signs of subfloor damage, it's important to address it promptly. This may involve:
- Replacing Damaged Sections: Severely damaged sections of the subfloor may need to be removed and replaced with new material.
- Reinforcing Weak Areas: Additional support can be added to weakened areas of the subfloor to prevent further damage.
- Addressing Moisture Issues: Any sources of moisture, such as leaks or plumbing issues, must be repaired to prevent further damage.
Lean on the experts for optimal results
Both plank replacement lace-ins and subfloor repairs are best handled by experienced professionals. They have the knowledge, skills, and tools to ensure the repairs are done correctly and match your existing flooring seamlessly. Attempting these repairs yourself can lead to further damage and costly mistakes.
Our work restoring our client’s beautifully remodeled home in La Jolla, California
We did Millstone Tuscany Ruffino in our client’s beautifully remodeled home in La Jolla California in 2002, amidst the Corona Pandemic. We were able to get her home back in order after a long battle with her contractors.
When a current rain gutter overflowed (2024) and damaged her beautiful entry, Dottie called us to come repair her subfloor and make her entry way like new. We were able to obtain the last five boxes in the company of the discontinued floor and lace them in to the existing floor.
Dottie loves her floor, we were so glad we were able to salvage it!
Rely on Geneva Flooring to restore your hardwood floors with confidence
Whether you need a few planks replaced or extensive subfloor repair, don't let damaged floors detract from the beauty of your home. Contact Geneva Flooring to assess the damage and recommend the best course of action. With their expertise, you can restore your floors to their original glory and enjoy them for years to come.
