How Much Does Laminate Floor Repair Cost? [2025 Data]

Laminate floor repair costs $1,248 on average, but they go as low as $150 or as high as $5,000. The cost depends on whether you opt for a DIY option or hire a pro to replace floor planks for $3 to $11 per square foot. Scuffs and scratches happen, especially if you have children and pets who are prone to turning your living room into a racetrack. 

Though laminate flooring is sturdy, something as small as a spilled cup of water could cause warped planks if you don’t wipe it up quickly. In that case, replacement is the only option. Here’s how the costs break down for laminate floor repairs.

Laminate Floor Repair Cost Factors 

Most laminate floor repairs have a similar cost breakdown, with the main factors being the type of laminate, the type of repair, and labor fees. 

Cost of Laminate Floor Repairs by Problem 

You can repair laminate in a few different ways, depending on the problem. Issues with the underlayment and subfloor come with a higher repair cost. Here are some common prices.

• Repairing Scratches and Gouges: You can use a DIY repair kit for less than $20 and fix small scratches and gouges in your laminate floor with furniture markers or wax filler. For larger scratches, a professional fix costs $100–$300.

• Replacing Planks: Replacing damaged planks costs $3–$11 per square foot and costs more than $300, depending on the number of planks and how easy they are to remove. Deep cuts, cracks, and water damage are signs it’s time to replace them.

• Redoing Spacing: A pro will need to redo the layout of your floor and potentially repair the subfloor or underlayment if your boards are warped or loose. Redoing spacing costs $300–$1,200.

• Squeaky Laminate Floor: Issues with the subfloor, underlayment, or moisture cause squeaking floors. This fix costs $75–$300, and your contractor will use construction adhesive or screw down the problematic pieces. 

• Laminate Floor Bubbles: Water damage can cause bubbling in laminate floors. For larger bubbles, you’ll need to replace the tiles or planks, which costs 3–$11 per square foot.

• Laminate Floor Cupping: It costs $250–$750 to repair a cupping laminate floor. If planks are sinking in the middle and peeling on the edges, there’s a moisture issue. You’ll need to replace the cupped tiles or planks. 

• Surface Stains: If you’re hiring a laminate floor cleaning company near you, expect to spend between $75–$300 to remove surface stains. Large stains take more time to remove, and some stains require removing and replacing the laminate.

Type of Laminate 

Laminate mimics the look of natural materials like hardwood flooring at an affordable price. That price is determined by the type of material, texture, finish, and abrasion coefficient rating (or AC rating). The AC rating measures durability and stain resistance, with higher levels having higher durability.  

Expect to pay more to replace:

• High-end imitations like hickory versus common imitations like maple or oak

• Textured laminate versus smooth laminate

• Glossy laminate versus matte or semi-matte finishes

• Laminate with a higher AC rating

Though you’ll pay more up front to replace laminate with a high AC rating, you’ll spend less on repairs because it’s more durable. The same goes for glossy finishes and textured planks, which show fewer minor imperfections.

Labor

Labor is often one of the highest laminate flooring costs because the actual material is relatively inexpensive. Local laminate flooring installers charge between $0.60 and $4.00 per square foot for their labor. In other words, if you’re replacing a 100-square-foot section of flood-damaged laminate, you could pay upward of $400 just for labor.

Additional Service Add-Ons 

Laminate flooring consists of various parts, like subflooring, underlayment, and thresholds in your doorways. When you repair your floor, here are some extra costs to consider.

• Replacing Thresholds: For most homeowners, threshold replacement costs $100–$250. Thresholds that cover transitional areas, like doorways, are subject to heavy foot traffic. Over time, this can damage the laminate, and you'll need to replace it.

• Painting Laminate Floors: You’ll spend about $250–$450 to paint laminate floors in a standard 200-square-foot room, but it depends on the size of the floor and the paint you use.

• Repairing or Replacing Subfloors: Replacing subflooring costs $1–$7 per square foot (excluding labor), and most homeowners spend $500–$720. All laminate flooring has a subfloor, including plywood or OSB (oriented strand board). You might need to replace subfloors if you notice warping, water damage, or squeaky floors.

• Replacing Underlayment: Underlayment supports the floor and reduces noise. Expect to spend $0.29–$0.79 per square foot to replace it. Labor costs depend on your contractor’s hourly price. You might need a replacement if there’s water damage. 

• Maintenance: Cleaning your laminate floors keeps them in good condition. Hiring a professional cleaner costs $75–$175 per visit, though prices can increase depending on the size of your home and location. 

Laminate Flooring Repair vs. Replacement 

Minor issues in laminate floors, like scratches and gouges, can be repaired with DIY kits for under $20. You can hire a pro to take care of the damage for $100 to $300. However, laminate isn't the most forgiving material. Deep cuts, cracks, and water damage mean you’ll need complete plank replacement.

For extensive damage affecting multiple planks or underlying issues with the subfloor or underlayment, replacement can be more cost-effective than sinking money into multiple repairs. If your laminate is looking worn but the subfloor remains in good condition, painting the existing floor can refresh the appearance at a lower cost. 

Cost to Repair Laminate Flooring Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro 

Homeowners who DIY their laminate floor repairs save on labor but can spend more money in the long run if mistakes are made. It may seem simple to swap out a plank from a click-and-lock style laminate floorboard, but even a small gap between laminate planks can harbor moisture that will ruin your laminate, underlayment, and subfloor. 

Most homeowners can make smaller DIY repairs, like waxing over scratches and cleaning stains. Making minor repairs with a DIY kit can cost less than $20. The hardest part is matching the color of the marker or wax with your laminate.

As previously stated, professional labor adds $0.60 to $4.00 per square foot (or $25 to $30 per hour) to your budget. However, for larger repairs and replacements, it’s best to hire a laminate flooring repair company near you to tackle the project. 

4 Ways to Save on Laminate Flooring Repair Costs 

Laminate is extremely durable, but it does have some weaknesses. It’s prone to water damage and minor scratches. These tips can help you extend the lifespan of your laminate and save on repair costs.

1. Practice Prevention

The best way to save on laminate floor repair is prevention. Put down rugs and carpets in high-traffic areas to avoid scratching the floor. Slip off high heels, boots, and heavier footwear. If you have to move furniture, lift instead of drag. 

2. Clean Spills ASAP

There’s no use crying over spilled milk. Even a small spill can cause laminate flooring to bubble and warp. To prevent water damage, clean up spills as soon as they happen. You can also use a dehumidifier to lower your home’s overall humidity and remove moisture that might have leaked into the subfloor or underlayment. 

3. Use a DIY Kit for Minor Repairs

A laminate touch-up kit is a great tool for fixing minor scratches, gouges, and marks. They cost less than $20 and are DIY-friendly. 

4. Paint Your Floors for a Refresh

If your laminate floor is looking worse for wear but your subfloor and underlayment are in good condition, consider hiring a pro to paint the laminate. This can hide discoloration and minor imperfections costs less than replacing all of the planks or tiles.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project 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. 

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