How to Patch Strip Flooring

In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains how to patch strip flooring.


Steps:

1 Score cut line on damaged floorboard using a utility knife.

2 Drill series of 5/8-inch-diameter holes down center of damaged floorboard.

3 Use chisel to cut through floorboard along the scored line.

4 Chisel out center section of floorboard between the holes.

5 Use hammer and chisel to knock out remainder of damaged floorboard.

6 Chisel off the lower lip of grooved edge from replacement floorboard.

7 Plane down the width of replacement floorboard, if necessary, to fit space.

8 Apply carpenter's glue to top of tongue on adjacent floorboard.

9 Set replacement floorboard in place and tap down with scrap block and hammer.

10 Sand repaired area with random-orbit sander.

11 Protect baseboard with blue painter's tape.

12 Apply minimum four coats of urethane finish to replacement floorboard, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.