Highlights
The cost to repair laminate floors depends on the extent of the damage
On the low end, a repair can cost as little as $122 (or less if you DIY it)
On the high end, repairs can cost upwards of $3,800
Beyond minor scratches, laminate floor planks can’t be repaired and must be replaced
If the damage extends to the subfloor, that will also need repairs or replacement
Laminate flooring is both affordable and highly durable, but that doesn’t mean it’s immune to damage. The average cost to repair laminate flooring is $865. It can cost as little as $120 or more than $3,800 if you need a partial replacement.
Scuffs and scratches happen. This is especially true if you have children and pets who are prone to turning your living room into a DIY racetrack. Though laminate is sturdy, moisture tends to be its weak spot; something as small as a spilled cup of water could cause warped planks if it’s not wiped up quickly. In that case, replacement is the only option. Here’s how the costs break down for laminate floor repairs.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair Laminate Floors by Square Foot?
It’s impossible to repair laminate planks beyond minor nicks and scratches, which can cost as little as $20 if you DIY it. For most other repairs, homeowners must remove the damaged flooring and install new laminate. This could also include parts of the subfloor, the layer below the planks. On average, according to HomeAdvisor, repairing laminate floors costs:
| Type of Repair | Cost |
|---|---|
| Remove damaged planks | $1 – $3 per square foot |
| Install new laminate planks | $2 – $8 per square foot |
| Replace or repair a damaged subfloor | $1.40 – $7 per square foot |
All in all, the average homeowner will pay $865 for laminate floor repairs.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair Laminate Floors Near You?
The cost to repair laminate floors varies based on location. Homeowners in areas with a higher cost of living will end up paying more for labor. To get an idea of how much your project will cost, here are the average cost ranges in different cities:
| City | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| New York City | $300 – $5,600 |
| Seattle | $220 – $4,050 |
| Detroit | $120 – $4,500 |
| Boise, ID | $102 – $3,800 |
| Charlotte, NC | $100 – $1,700 |
| San Antonio | $630 – $1,520 |
| Sacramento, CA | $400 – $1,387 |
| Boston | $300 – $1,200 |
| Cincinnati | $400 – $770 |
Types of Laminate Floor Repairs
Laminate can be repaired in three different ways. These come with their own costs.
Repairing Scratches and Gouges
If you have tiny scratches or gouges, they can sometimes be covered with a furniture marker or filled with wax filler. You can purchase a DIY repair kit for less than $20 at your local hardware store. A professional fix will typically cost $100 to $300.
Replacing Planks
If your laminate flooring has deep cuts, cracks, or water damage, you’ll need to replace the damaged planks. This usually costs more than $300, but it depends on how many planks need replacing and if the laminate can be easily removed. On average, it’ll cost about $3 to $11 per square foot to remove and replace damaged planks.
Redoing Spacing
If your boards are warped or loose, you’ll need to redo the layout of your floor. This requires a professional flooring contractor who will open up the floor and repair the subfloor or underlayment if necessary. Redoing spacing usually costs $300 to $1,200.
Laminate Flooring Repair Cost Breakdown
You may notice on your bill that the flooring company hasn’t itemized the cost of removing your damaged planks. Since most laminate flooring repairs require a replacement, this is usually built into the cost of installation. Nonetheless, all projects have a similar cost breakdown.
Materials
Most laminate flooring repairs involve installing new laminate, which is inexpensive compared to hardwood. On average, materials for installing new laminate will cost $0.70 to $2 per square foot. Higher-end brands of laminate will be on the top end of that range.
If you need to replace your subfloor, there’s an additional material cost. Most subfloor materials cost between $1.50 to $7 per square foot. Plywood, which is one of the most inexpensive materials, costs around $1.50 per square foot. Warmboard is the most expensive, at around $7 per square foot.
Labor
Labor is often one of the largest laminate flooring costs because the actual material is so inexpensive. Local flooring contractors typically charge between $0.60 to $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 upwards of $400 just for labor.
What Factors Influence the Cost to Repair Laminate Floors
The cost to repair laminate floors depends on the complexity of the job and the extent of the damage. It will cost more to replace water-damaged laminate in a room that flooded than it will to repair a cracked plank. The following factors influence the total cost:
The type of damage
The number of planks damaged
Whether or not the planks can easily be removed (such as with click and lock style floorboards)
Whether or not the damage extends beneath the planks
The type of materials used (higher-end materials always cost more)
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Homeowners who DIY their repairs end up saving on labor, but it can cost more money in the long run if any mistakes are made. It may seem simple to swap out a plank from a click and lock style laminate floorboard, but even just a small gap between planks can harbor moisture that will ruin your laminate, underlayment, and subfloor.
If you don’t have any knowledge of laminate floor replacement, it’s best to hire a laminate flooring repair company. On the flip side, you can repair minor scratches and gouges on your own for less than $20 with a DIY kit. The hardest part of a minor repair is matching the color of the marker or wax with your laminate.
FAQ About Repairing Laminate Floors
How long does laminate flooring last?
Laminate is a sturdy material that lasts 15 to 25 years, providing it’s properly maintained and isn’t damaged.
Can you repair damaged laminate?
Laminate isn’t the most forgiving material; you can only repair small scratches and gouges. For this reason, you should purchase a few extra planks when you first lay down your floor so you don’t have to worry about finding a matching plank later down the line.
Can I fix laminate flooring on my own?
You can fix minor gouges and scratches with wax or furniture markers. Most hardware stores sell DIY kits.
What happens if water gets under my laminate floors?
The faster you can dry your laminate floors the better. Water that gets under the laminate planks soaks into the subfloor and can cause mold and warping. In that case, you may need to replace certain materials.
