Affiliate Disclaimer: this page contains affiliate links. For more information please click here.
In this video I show how to replace a vinyl floor plank.
This repair is due to a seam failure, either during the installation or some other reason that didn’t present itself until later (one of the many reasons I HATE vinyl flooring but more on that later).
Here are the tools you will need:
- Pencil
- Square (optional)
- Rubber mallet
- putty knife or pry-bar
- Oscillating saw
- razor knife
- Vinyl Glue
- A new plank
- Shop Vac
- Weights to hold the piece until glue dries
- Matching wax pencil (optional)
Step 1
On the piece to be replaced, start by using the square to mark lines on a 45° angle from the outside edge to the center of the plank. Then make a center mark lengthwise, you can use the new piece you have as a straight edge.
Step 2
Use the oscillating saw to cut the plank along the lines, take care not to cut all the way to the edge of the plank and risk damaging another piece. Finish the cuts with a razor knife if necessary. Making these angled cuts allows the pieces to be lifted out of the space with minimal affect on the surrounding pieces.
Step 3
Use a putty knife or prying tool to gently lift the pieces out and away from the seams. You may need to test all of the pieces to see which ones will be the easiest to remove first and you may also need to use your razor knife again if there are any places where the cuts didn’t make it all the way through. Be careful not to damage the other pieces since the locking edge is the most fragile part.
Step 4
Clean and prep the surrounding edges. Inspect the seams for any obstructions, remember this piece had been replaced before so there is some glue residue I’ll have to deal with on this one. Be sure to get any and all remaining chips, dust, or pieces of broken material out of the joints. A tiny little flake will prevent the new piece from setting in correctly.
Step 5
Prep the replacement piece. For this “click-lock” or “tongue and groove” style material you will need to cut the “tongue” off of edge and the end. It will be pretty much impossible to get the new piece in otherwise. The piece I have here is already broken so its perfect for this repair. Did I mention how fragile this stuff is and that I hate vinyl flooring? Anyway, you can do this CAREFULLY with a steady hand and a razor knife but a table saw is actually the best way to get a perfectly straight cut. You can also cut at a slight angle towards the under side of the material to aid in installation.
NOTE: In the video, it may look like I’m cutting towards myself but I’m actually using my thumb and forefinger in a pinching motion to ease the knife along. This technique minimizes the risk of slipping with the knife and cutting yourself.
Step 6
Test fit the new piece. Before you apply glue or attempt a final install it’s a good idea to lay the piece out and see if you are going to have any problem areas. Make adjustments if you need to then vacuum the area again to be sure its completely free of obstructions.
Step 7
Apply glue to the seams, I find it easier to apply glue to the existing pieces and floor vs the new plank but you may need to do both. Just try not to use too much and be sure to wipe off any excess immediately after install.
You will set the new plank in “groove side first” since we already cut off the “tongue side” of the plank.
Then, gently tap the new piece in place. You can use a scrap piece of flooring from the piece you cut out as a spoil block. Just match the tongue or groove sides up on properly so you don’t damage the new piece.
FAILURE!
At this point I should be almost done but unfortunately I made a mistake and broke another plank next to this one. I think there must have been trash or something get caught in the crack that caused this. Anyway, I had to pull up 2 pieces now, the one I didn’t finish installing and the piece I broke. This is one of the many reasons I hate this fragile vinyl crap.
I was able to get them both up and replaced without any more major issues.
Step 8
Add weights to hold the floor in place until the glue dries. The weight may cause some glue to squeeze out of the seams so wipe off any access glue immediately.
Step 9
After the glue dries you can come back with a wax pencil and rub the seams. This isn’t always necessary but it will help hide any imperfections if the repair is noticeable.
Recent Comments