Flooring Repair & Restoration Guide 2026

Flooring damage is inevitable over time, but many issues can be repaired or restored without full replacement. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about flooring repair and restoration in 2026, from minor scratches to major water damage and everything in between.

Common Flooring Problems

1. Scratches and Scuffs

Surface scratches are common on all flooring types:

• Hardwood: Can be sanded and refinished
• LVP/Laminate: Use repair kits or replace planks
• Tile: Polish or replace tiles
• Carpet: Professional cleaning or patching

2. Water Damage

Water damage severity varies by flooring type:

• Hardwood: May warp, cup, or need replacement
• Laminate: Swells and cannot be repaired
• LVP: Waterproof, but check subfloor
• Tile: Check grout and subfloor

See our Best Waterproof Flooring Guide for prevention tips.

3. Gaps and Separation

Gaps can occur in floating floors:

• Temperature and humidity changes
• Improper installation
• Subfloor movement

4. Stains

Stains affect different flooring differently:

• Carpet: Professional cleaning or replacement
• Hardwood: Sanding and refinishing
• Tile: Grout cleaning or replacement
• LVP/Laminate: Replace affected planks

Repair by Flooring Type

Hardwood Flooring Repairs

Hardwood offers the most repair options:

• Minor Scratches: Touch-up markers or wood filler
• Deep Scratches: Sanding and refinishing
• Water Damage: Sanding, replacement, or refinishing
• Gaps: Filler or seasonal adjustment

See our Hardwood Flooring Complete Guide for maintenance tips.

Luxury Vinyl Plank Repairs

LVP repairs are typically limited:

• Scratches: Repair kits or plank replacement
• Damaged Planks: Remove and replace individual planks
• Water Damage: Check subfloor, replace planks if needed

See our Luxury Vinyl Plank Installation Guide for replacement procedures.

Laminate Flooring Repairs

Laminate has limited repair options:

• Scratches: Repair kits or replacement
• Water Damage: Must replace affected planks
• Chipped Edges: Replacement or filler

Tile Flooring Repairs

Tile repairs are straightforward:

• Cracked Tiles: Remove and replace
• Grout Issues: Clean and re-grout
• Loose Tiles: Re-adhere with thinset

See our Tile Flooring Complete Guide for details.

Carpet Repairs

Carpet repairs include:

• Stains: Professional cleaning
• Burns: Patching or replacement
• Wear: Re-stretching or replacement

See our Carpet Flooring Complete Guide for maintenance.

DIY vs. Professional Repairs

DIY Repairs

You can handle:

• Minor scratches (touch-up)
• Replacing individual LVP/laminate planks
• Replacing single tiles
• Cleaning and maintenance

Professional Repairs

Hire professionals for:

• Hardwood refinishing
• Major water damage
• Subfloor issues
• Large area replacements

Prevention Tips

• Use furniture pads
• Place area rugs in high-traffic areas
• Clean up spills immediately
• Maintain proper humidity levels
• Regular maintenance and cleaning

For maintenance tips, see our Flooring Maintenance & Care Guide.

Cost Analysis

Repair Costs

• Minor Repairs: $50-200 (DIY)
• Plank/Tile Replacement: $100-500
• Hardwood Refinishing: $3-8 per square foot
• Water Damage Restoration: $500-5,000+

When to Replace vs. Repair

Consider replacement when:

• Damage affects more than 20% of floor
• Repair costs exceed 50% of replacement
• Floor is near end of lifespan
• Multiple issues throughout

Frequently Asked Questions

Can scratched hardwood be fixed?

Yes, minor scratches can be touched up, and deeper scratches can be sanded and refinished.

Can water-damaged laminate be repaired?

No, water-damaged laminate must be replaced. The planks swell and cannot be restored.

How do I replace a single LVP plank?

Remove baseboard/trim, unlock surrounding planks, remove damaged plank, install new plank, and reinstall trim.

When should I refinish hardwood?

Refinish when scratches are deep, finish is worn, or you want to change the color. Typically every 10-15 years.