Use the technique shown below for short sections of boards. If the floorboard is very long and most of the board is in good condition, cut out the damaged section of the flooring with a circular saw set to a depth exactly equal to the thickness of the finished flooring. Then pry out the damaged section.

• New board(s) to match the existing flooring
• Drill
• Hammer
• Chisel
• Pry bar
• Nail set and nails
• Circular saw

 

Step 1

1. Remove damaged section or sections. Using a spade bit, bore holes across the ends and middle of the old board or boards.

 

Step 2

2. Use a wood chisel to split the board lengthwise between the holes.

 

Step 3

3. Slip a pry bar into a split and carefully remove the damaged board.

 

Step 4

4. Using a claw hammer, pull out any old nails that remain in the subfloor.

 

Step 5

5. Carefully cut the new boards for a tight fit. Slip the groove of each new piece into the tongue of the adjacent board.

 

Step 6

6. When you get to the last board, turn it over and chisel away the lower part of its groove. Note how the boards will interlock.

 

Step 7

7. Secure the new board. Blind-nail through the tongue all but the last piece.

 

Step 8

8. Apply glue to the subfloor, tongue, and half-groove of the last piece, then tap it into place. Use a hammer block to protect the wood surface.