Lifting a Floorboard

Several DIY jobs might require you to lift one or more floorboards. You might need to reach a pipe or cable beneath the floorboard or you might just need to replace a warped or damaged board. In older houses the floorboards will be straight edged and lifting them is no problem. Simply insert a chisel into the gap at one end of the floorboard and prise the board gently up until you can insert a claw hammer into the gap. Gradually work along the board prising it up as you go.

Tongue and grooved floorboards

Removing a tongue and grooved floorboard is slightly more difficult as you will need to saw through the tongue on the least one side. It is best to use a convex blade flooring saw for this, but a pad saw or circular saw can also be used. Cut along the full length of one tongue to allow the board to be gently levered up.

Safety

When cutting through a floorboards make sure there are no cables directly below the cut. If you're not sure turn off the power at the mains before you start. You also need to remember not to cut into floor joists, as this will weaken them.

Using filler to repair a floorboard

If the damage to the floorboard is minor you can buy filler designed for this use. Try to match the colour to that of your floor and remember that the filler will shrink slightly as it dries. Always allow the filler to dry properly and then sand back any excess. Be aware that if you plan to stain the boards the filler may not match the stained colour of the wood.