#10. How to replace laminate boards?

Question

How to replace laminate boards? I had some damaged ones, and I am trying to replace them, but I am having a hard time getting the new ones back into place. What am I doing wrong?

Answers

• If you try to replace laminate boards without taking up the ones to the nearest corner, you’re probably going to just damage more boards and want to cry and drink. A lot. Unfortunately, it’s probably the best way to do it. Another thing to keep in mind is that it looks like it’s in a high traffic area. If you glue it, it may not last long.
• If you do shave down the tongue, try to kind of notch it out almost like a serrated edge. I know it sounds ridiculous, but a nice sharp new utility knife can make your life a lot simpler on this. It lets you get way more wiggle room to lock it back together. Also, a flooring jack and shift the whole damn thing away from the wall. Slide them back once they’re in. Every one of the tips on this thread may be the one or might have to try them all. Good luck, hopefully you still have a floor and your sanity at the end of the day.
• I did this and I shaved my lip. It was mostly under the fridge so it didn’t matter too much but if I did it again, I would tack it with glue as well. Pulling up 50% of the flow to replace one tile wasn’t kosher to me.
• You have a click locking floor. It locks into place on all 4 sides. Without cutting 2 sides it isn’t going in. Then you have to glue it in place. Not the best idea but doable.
• May need to cut the bottom groove off the new board to get it in place. Then either glue down or use a few trim nails.
• Cut the tabs and glue them. You can even pop a few nails where the trim goes.

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