What Causes Laminate Flooring to Chip?

Installation

• When a laminate plank is dropped at any point during the installation process, there is a risk that it will chip. Or if a heavy object is dropped on a case of laminate planks, it could strike the top plank in such a way that it chips a corner. It is also possible to chip a corner as you carefully click the flooring into place. Some installers use a metal laminate pry bar and hammer that could chip the plank.

Cutting

• Cutting laminate pieces to size or shape is common during installation, but using the wrong cutting technique can chip the laminate plank. If you have a saw mounted to a table or arm such as a power miter saw or table saw, then cut the laminate with the finished side up. The clean and steady approach of a mounted saw allows for a cleaner cut than a handheld saw, according to the DeKalb Saw website. If you are using a handheld power saw, then cut with the finished side down. Handheld saws tend to chip the laminate as you first place the blade to the plank, so it is best to start the cut on the unfinished side.

After Installation

• Installed laminate can be chipped if a hard object strikes a corner at just the right angle.To prevent this, make certain that your laminate floor is installed properly with the planks tightly configured together. This allows the floor to absorb the blow of a dropped object and increases the chance of avoiding a chip. Loose laminate floor planks also are more apt to chip when something heavy is dropped on them.

Repair or Replacement

• Laminate planks that are chipped during installation should be discarded. But if your laminate chips after the floor has been installed, you have two choices. If it is just a small corner chip, contact a home improvement or flooring store and ask for a laminate filler. You will need to match the filler color to your floor color, and you may need special tools such as an electric knife to install the filler. If the chip is larger than a quarter, you will need to replace the plank.