How to Fix a Broken Laminate Plank

Inspect the floor and identify the location of the broken laminate plank. Determine the shortest route of reaching it, so you can remove fewer planks from each course until you access the broken one.

Remove the floor trim or molding from the closest parallel wall to the broken laminate plank using a pry bar and hammer. Avoid pounding the trim too hard, but work carefully so it remains intact. Lift the trim and set it aside in a spot where it will not get damaged so it may be reinstalled.

Lift the edge of the first plank up to unlock its joint from the adjacent plank, and slide it out to release it. Continue the process of lifting the edges of the remaining boards and pulling them back to release them, working your way to the damaged panel. Set the loosened planks aside.

Continue to unlock, lift and remove the flooring planks from one course at a time, making your way to the damaged plank. Every time you remove a board, place it near the spot where it will go back to save time during the reinstallation process.

Pull out and slide the broken plank from the course when you get to it. Hold the replacement plank at a 45-degrees angle, slide it down to insert its tongue into the groove of the adjacent plank and push it in place.

Continue the process of snapping the planks you removed, moving outward toward the wall, from one course to the other. Replace the planks in the same order you removed them, so the end pieces line up correctly. If required, trim excess length along the ends of the last course so they set in place.

Reattach the floor trim using a hammer and trim nails to hold the floor down.