How to Fix Gaps in Flooring!!! (Laminate, LVP, Engineered wood)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ก.ย. 2021
- FAST and EASY FIX for GAPS in most plank flooring!!!!
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I watched this video because I had some gaps in my wood flooring but after reading the comments I just kicked the board to achieve the same fix, thanks Vancouver Carpenter, I wouldn't have found the fix without you.
😂
Fantastic ❤
I met with an inspector for a home I was buying and that's what the inspector told me to do. I just made sure I had shoes that didn't leave scuffs and gave it a quick kick. Easy fix.
Great trick!
If i could offer one suggestion it would be to put down a strip of blue painters tape on the flooring where the double stick tape is going to contact it. This will allow you to pull the 2x4 up afterwards without worrying about damaging the floorboard.
Awesome idea !!
This is what I did.
Instead of the carpet tape, we use a piece of that non-slip rubber matting that you line drawers with on the bottom of the wood, and a piece of foam on the top to protect your knees. You then kneel on the wood with both knees, and that's enough pressure to get it to grip without needing tape.
The tape occasionally causes problems especially on cheaper vinyl planks.
It can rip up some of the wear layer and ruin the plank, which is a nightmare if you don't have some attic stock on hand.
@@DonLicuala We haven't used that crap for years, and none of the architects are specifying it anymore. I'm surprised you even use it on rentals.
This technique is still useful though - it can be used on click vinyl plank etc.
U saved me so much frustration..thanku so much I thought my floor was just stuck like that unless i redid it !!
@@serenity3526 You might just be able to kick the planks back into place with rubber-soled shoes. That works fine most of the time, but if not, this gadget is easy to make.
Buy one of those rubber drawer liners (it looks like a sort of mesh) and use contact cement to glue it to a piece of wood.
When it is dry, put something soft over the top (we use a piece of rubber sports flooring, but anything will do) and kneel on it to apply pressure to the plank.
Then, just tap it with a rubber mallet. Use many small taps instead of trying to hit it really hard.
Also, it helps if you position the device on the opposite end of the plank to where the gap is. If you place it too near the gap, the weight of you kneeling on it can sometimes warp the plank enough to prevent it from smoothly clicking into place.
Thanku so much God bless
@@thepenultimateninja5797 Yep, rubber soled shoes! That's what I did, carpet tape risks tearing off the veneer.
You saved us a ton of time and money! We cut the LVP too short thinking the baseboard would be thicker than it was. They put up the baseboard without telling us to fix it and we were about 1/8 short in several places. Double stick carpet tape for the win! My husband had happy tears 😂
about 80% of the time, instead of using double sided tape, you can just "kick" the plank lengthwise to close up the gap. (rubber soled running shoes help)
That's what I do with mine all the time... success rate 100% on a simple tongue & groove system. Don't know if it works on a click system
Yup, this is the easiest way. Don't use black-soled shoes :)
That would make a gap on the other side huh. No way you're moving a whole row like that
sounds like it'll just get undone as soon as someone walks on it if it's that easy though.
@@samuelbankston2108 I pick the closest wall that has baseboard and quarter round, and "pull" from that side. I've yet to have a situation where the end cut under the baseboard gets exposed. If the pieces separated like the example in the video, they were not very strong to begin with (even on the long edge), so they will slide with a few well placed kicks.
I have used an auto body repair dent suction cup. Can pick them up at Harbor Freight or auto supply store. Flip a lever, it sticks and flip back to release.
I have done the same thing. You can get a single suction cup or double suction cup with a long handle for more leverage. I got mine at Princess Auto.
Same here, except I use a cheap $3 plastic one from Harbor Freight and it has lasted me for years.
Have you done this on textured LVP or just the smooth laminate?
Best tip here
DUDE, great tip, I have a couple of those and I'm getting ready to lay some flooring. (this should be pinned).
Thanks so much for having this video. I had 6 gaps in my floor from my dishwasher install severly leaking 2 years ago. It raised the floor then shrunk back and caused these big ugly gaps. Used your plan and it worked just as good as it did on TV. FABULOUS and thanks so much!!
I have never felt so happy to learn anything like i did watching this. Thank you so much this is amazing
Use fishing line to cut the adhesive between the floor and tape. Works everytime
I do this kind of work all the time. I’ve never used fishing line, or even heard of that. That is an awesome idea. Thanks for that tip.
@@Beefeater911 just like flossing teeth. Back and forth motion
@@Chris-lz7sx the people in the buildings I repair now, use double sided tape on the walls all the time. I’ve been using a putty knife to remove things they hang. It works, but fishing line would be much quicker I think.
@@Beefeater911 Yes a fine line will do the trick
Try 30-40lb test braid. Use a piece of dowel for a handles on both ends as it will cut your hands. Like a tiny round razor blade. Wicked sharp. Think PVC cable saw only much thinner.
The best way is to get the suction cups with handles used for moving windows and glass. I’ve closed up hundreds of gaps in vinyl and laminate floor with ease.
This
I also came here to say this. Use a suction cup dingus! There are cheap and easy to find and will not damage the floor.
I've tried a suction cup. It does not work very well if the floor is textured as it's hard to get a good seal.
@@davebaker1325 I also came here to say this
Does not work with deeply textured planks.
Thanks so much for the advice. I have been looking at the gap in my bathroom for approx 6 months as the builder did a runner - it looks brilliant and complete now. Xx
This is gold...I have the same exact flooring and I have these everywhere. Its drives me crazy. Can't wait to fix it...Thanks 😊
I am very thankful for all the help and advice you give on TH-cam. You're very knowledgeable and you're very easy to listen to and learn from. Thanks!
A large rubber mallet works really fast. Hit it in the direction of the crack and it will pop it back in space. I make a living laying flooring and it works very well with less effort
Ha I just posted that. It's legit all you need.
Will this work the other way to. As in not end gap but a side gap. I laid some hybrid flooring last week. A couple of gaps have appeared along the length. Or part of the overlap of two planks.
@@liamjenkins82 yes
@@kentuckybeardsman cheers mate.
Kicking with good rubber soles, could probably do it, since they have been kicked open because of ordinary walking.
Thanks for the hint. We successfully closed the gap. However, we were hesitant to use carpet tape. Everything on the carpet tape said not to use it on vinyl floors because it might damage the floor. The labelling says the tape is designed to be permanent. We used double sided mounting tape and it worked great. Our floor is Luxury Vinyl. Thanks again!
Thank you, I'm glad TH-cam recommended your channel because this was a very easy way to fix my floor. And subscribed since you probably have plenty of other very helpful videos.
Thank you for your videos! I had been doing home/commercial repair work for years, but I’ve learned so much from your videos.
Hi Matt, your videos are so valuable thank you! Since I learned to feather the edge, things work out great when doing drywall stuff.
Btw if the gap is not too close to the wall, e.g. in the middle of the room, I usually clean the gap as you showed and then put on sport shoes with sticky sole (like you have) and jump or actually slidejump with one foot only, forward to use my body weight to close the gap. Works pretty fine and you do not need any tools at all. Have a good day!
So easy. I had the gaps to prove this tip works, was growing to hate my vinyl plank. Thanks for an awesome channel dude.
This is an awesome trick/hack! After installing 2,000+ ft in one of my historic buildings as we could not save the hardwoods, the age and moisture and movement of that building has created a few gaps. *note, the addition of blue painters tape on the floor before the double stick tape is the trick as the flooring we have went obsolete as well! My tip...use a rubber mallet and the pads on the floor pry bar, AND don't hit too hard.
Awesome tips!!
I've got a dozen+ of those gaps in the flooring at work.
Many thanks Ben 👍👍
Solid tips Ben- I’ve always just done some sweet kicking dance moves with a rubber soled shoe, but this is also a great option:)
Funky dance moves is the best way for sure 👍
Do Lakai's work well for this?
Your videos are dope 🤙🏼
Same here 😂
Won't work on the pieces close to the baseboard. Also I've had the gaps on the long side of the board - bad install - and this trick works great for that.
Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant !!!!!!!! The flooring in your tutorial is even the same as my kitchen, gaps and all. Thanks 😎
Fantastic idea. Worked great. You can even close gaps in an entire row in one step. Thanks.
Good advice. As for when needing some glue I’ve had good success using a gel type super glue for tougher joints, especially where you’re using narrow strips near your walls that want to open up. I’ve even cut in whole replacement boards in the middle of the floor after cutting off the tongues along two sides of the replacement board using this glue with great results. Gorilla Glue brand which is available most everywhere has a type of this gel super glue.
This is such an AWESOME trick. Laying my first floor this weekend and I'm sure this video will come in handy!
Can also use a rubber mallet. Have some stand on one of the planks on that run within a couple feet of the gap, then take your mallet and hit it at an angle on the plank next to the gap on the other side towards the gap.
Install shoe molding on it you’ll never have a gap problem
@@trokerolokochon9423 well, shoe molding would go on top to cover your edge gaps. Theoretically if you had enough downward pressure on your shoe molding it would hold the vinyl planks in place, I just don't know if you can do it in practice.
maybe too late for you but.... take tiles out of box, separate ie spread around room and leave 24 hrs prior to gluing. edit. just realised u guys are talkin those expensive wood laminate planks. I'm thinking vynal strip tiles. my mistake.
@@DirkDaJerk not to mention shoe molding looks like shit.
Selling my house and this trick just made my house look that much better! Worked like a charm!!!
Thanks I have exactly that problem. And the smaller pieces advice is super helpful. I have always been glad I bought that black installation hammering bar.
I don’t think you will ever understand how happy you made me with this! Omg!
I have gaps since our house is very old and flexing in the changing temps, and was fretting about these gaps, and this too has made me so happy!
Have been installing flooring for 15 years and have never thought of this. Always take off the base and tap the end with a pull bar. Thank you!!!!
If you're installing floors for 15 year's there shouldn't be and gaps 🔨
@@tomsmith9048 Read his comment again. Its sarcasm. Use a pull bar.
@@tomakafrankconlon3207 it's the gaps that worry me 🙄
Nice tips and explanation for fixing these gaps. I have several and can't wait to close them up - thanks!
Brilliant! I can tackle the few gaps I have in my flooring. Thank you so much! Cheers!
Thank you for this. I have a gap to fix in a bathroom and was dreading having to remove the baseboards. Will definitely try this!
Again, you've humbly shared your wonderful knowledge with us. This video was amazing.
You saved me hours of labour with this video. Thank you very much.
Thanks, I put down really nice vinyl plank in my entire flat and even saved it when my whole flat got flooded by using an industrial wet and dry vac. There was some tendency to buckle and show gaps as the floor fully dried over a period of weeks. I just kept at it with a rubber mallet and never had to re lay it. The low humidity in Western Australia probably allowed to eventually dry. Great tip and helpful comments. Time to go gap hunting rather than just ignoring them!!
Love this, very clever; in the past I've had to pry off baseboards and count on the knock on effect and a prayer with the flooring tool... this is so much more focussed. Thanks - from a property manager who inherits this prob quite often.
Totally thought you were going to find a way to use drywall mud
Same here.
I thought he was going to cut off a sliver of that block of wood.
You are the man! My lady friend had new flooring put down last year and within a couple months had gaps in the flooring. The contractor would not come back and make it right. She was going to have new floor installed again but, we will try this first.
It really works! I fixed a handle to the 4x2 to ease prying it off. On lino plank floor closing gaps along the edges was helped by heating the tung&groove with a hair drier.
Thanks so much for posting this. We have a few of those in the family room that I can now fix as I have all the tools you used. I wasn't looking forward to removing the quarter round and the base board to be able to close the gap! Awesome video!
Perfect timing. I just bought a house with the most beautiful floors but the installation was wrong on so many levels. I had no idea how i was going to close up so many large gaps. Thanks to you...now i do
Most of the time you can just kick it back into place. Try that first. Double sided tape is a last resort. The strong tape is usually meant to be permanent so you'll be cleaning off the adhesive which is a pain.
This is how my floors are.
Why do they separate in thd 1st place?? Seems like an ongoing issue with these types of floors.
OMG!!!! Thank you so much!!!! I have this problem with a few that have those unsightly gaps. Now imma fix them! So glad I stumbled upon your Chanel. Thanks again!!
WOW.!!! You Sir are a magician. What a wonderful technique. So many grateful thanks to you for your video.
As a real estate agent, I can say that closing the gaps can close a deal! What a great way to make an otherwise decent floor look top dollar, move in ready! Thanks for sharing this.
Incredible. Been trying to figure out how to fix a gap at my house for 8 years without having to take off baseboards and redo a row of planks!
Man after 8 years I think I woulda just pulled it and fixed it 😂
Thank you for the video. You did teach me some new tricks with the double sided tape I had not seen. We have laminate throughout the house as we have removed all carpet. I bought twin glass suction cup tool and use that to move the tiles. I think the wood with tape might work better over all if you have a stubborn tile to move though. I will buy some tape and see if it works better for moving my rows under the refrigerator that have been a problem. The refrigerator actually pulls away the rows the other way. I bought the tiles from Home Depot, Home Collector brand ( I think is the name). They are really easy to go down but have been a problem just in that one spot.. They do move back with some work though. Peace.
I was curious about your vid,I saw this 12yrs ago and never forgot it. I’ve made a good bit of money with this trick. Even showed several homeowners what I was doing and they were fine with it.
There are 2 problems with this method.
First, the double sided tape can leave residue on the floor, which is a pain to get rid of.
Second, when levering up the block, it's very easy for the edge of the pry bar to dig into the floor, leaving a dent.
Rather than use double sided tape, use one of those high tack silicone mats that you can put on your car dash to hold things still. The tack of the mat and the weight from your foot on the block gives you all the grip you need.
Hey can you provide a link to a mat that would work in this scenario?
In cases like this example, you can usually do the same thing with just your foot - if you're wearing running shoes or some other rubber-soled shoe. Either face the gap and kick the board toward it with the ball of your foot, or face away from the gap and do a reverse kick with the ball of your foot. Sometimes a combination of both works well. I used this method many times, until I finally used some carpenter's glue to prevent the gaps from opening up again.
All kinds of ways to get the tape loose. Attach a larger board on top of a smaller board so that you have easy leverage access points. Use the 2x4 and tape, but extend the tape over the end of the board and attach it on top of the 2x4; easy peel off when done. The beauty of the video is that it gets the brain engaged for solutions some of which, as seen in the comments, are quite inventive and helpful.
I got the gist of it before he even started doing it; but damn it’s so satisfying seeing those gaps disappear that I watched till the end.
I have used the porcelain tile suction cups for this situation.
Same here, except I use a cheap $3 plastic one and it has lasted me for years.
Cool trick. I think 3m command strips used for hanging would be great. Just pull the tab and they come loose.
Good thinking for sure! I bought a 5" suction cup from the tile section at HD. Gave me a lot of control to close my gap.
Brilliant! (As usual) All your videos have been expert advice for skilled tradesmen. Well done.
Nice trick for the in-tight ones. For the ones that are in the open, I just do the "squeaky shoe" kick on the floor and it usually pops in. Do it too much and you end up with sore toes.
and streaks on the floor :)
I do the same thing, but instead of double-sided tape, I have a 2x4 with silicone (dried up of course) under it. Provides plenty of friction to move the planks.
I use it once a year when the laminate flooring has gaps.
I'm actually looking at a house with all new flooring, and there's a big gap right in the middle of the floor. It's an eyecatcher, and I'm glad I randomly came by this video. Most things in life do have easier solutions than we may think at first and this is a very good example of that.
Good stuff... Thanks for sharing.
I know everyone has "their" way ... However.. I always appreciate anyone sharing a solution... because knowing ALL the ways.. is the sign of a True Master. And This way just may save someone when they forget their rubber mallet, suction cup, or dancing shoes.
Funny I was just looking at all the gaps in my floor the other day, excellent timing, and an awesome tip 👍 Thank you
Just kick it using rubber soled shoes. Much easier than all this faffing about.
You need to get out more
@@ianbrown_ an intelligent response for sure
The tricks are handy and I actually have a few opening joints that I will try to fix (again)! But I was surprised about the small strips near the wall: I think the usual advice (for laminate) is to not use starting or endpieces smaller than about 40cm, you should cut the other end to fix it.
A nice , uncomplicated , clear video . Thank you .
Excellent tip. Nothing else worked on my floors but this did the trick!
I'm from Minnesota and still frickin love this dudes accent!
Sounds goofy as hell. Insert a ouuu to every single word you speak 😅
You can also use the suction cups (double and single) used for installing windshields, then you don't have to mess with the tape.
I just came across this video and read several comments like this one but one thing none of them mention the small pieces described in the video. How are you going to fix those with suction cups?
Excellent tips, even showing how to protect the baseboard molding.
and.......just now...this video saved me!
I was all set to start sawing a small section to set into place with a ton of glue and ,,,likely regret that idea in a half hour...
When I by chance found this video.
and....it worked!!!!!!
thanks....
Ive done a ton of these repairs, if you're doing often, look into buying a torlys bulldog tool. Super handy tool to have for any laminate repairs or sometimes even new installs.
Also I would suggest always gluing the short joints just cause the joint is typically damaged in some way if they're open, but not with a wood glue. I've found that stuff ends up fairly brittle and can cause "cracking" noises as you walk on the floor. Titebond makes a tongue and groove glue which works great for these repairs, they also have a really good double sided tape that works alot better than carpet tape
When your installing it, put a peice of ducktape on the ends before you lay them, it will stop them from sliding.
You can also use a syringe to put a small amount or wood glue in the tracking before you click them together.
Never use nails in flooring, always spend the bit extra on screws and some pl premium. Guarantee no squeaks
I just noticed a gap in my flooring (less than 2 hours ago). I can’t believe the answer to my flooring gap magically appeared. Thank you 😊 a bunch!
Thankyou , I have a floor that did this in several spots and the installer would not fix it , I have lived with it for 10 yr's and now it will get fixed !
A rubber hammer can also work wonders for moving planks sideways.
Is the same method good for the long gaps? In other words, you showed us how to solve the width problem but not the length of the boards.
Did you ever get an answer to this question? I have the same.
@@sethellsworth5695 no. I sure wish someone would let us know, though.
Thanks for the great tip. I was about going to fill the gap will fillers and just looking for the right colour.
Wow thank you! I have a couple planks in my home that’s separating. Definitely gonna try this out.
Great tips! Was wondering how well a suction tile/glass mover would work instead of having to deal with the tape (though I can certainly see where the tape would be better in small spaces and not sure if the suction cup would be good banging on it).
I used a big suction cup for glass, and then tapped on it. Worked like a charm.
I tried the suction cups they didn't work at all so probably avoid that
Wait, so we DON'T fill the crack with hot mud?
🤣
I know an installer that I used to work with. One day he had a gap in a 3/4" install that wouldn't move. Instead of using the proper filler we use in small gaps he decided to fill it with outdoor caulking.......
I use a screw sticking out into the 2x4, and then toss another 2x4 beside it and use a claw hammer too pry the glued 2x4. Good video, cheers from Osooyos ;)
I put a screw in each and have a run of this flooring type. I haven’t had any problems cents but that’s not to say that I won’t. You’re a genius thank you very much for sharing I like this and it will come in handy when and if I start seeing a groove in the middle of the floor or a warp. Thank you very much and I’ll keep up the good work.
OK, thanks. But what if the gap is on a side, not the end?
That's what I'm wondering. And it's in the middle of the room.
means you had a bad install
Easier way: Clean the crack, add a little glue, and kick it into place with your sneaker. The method in the viedo will do it for the shorter pieces near the wall >23 year floor installer
he doesn't say how to fix the other end either
great tips, and thanks for showing the use of the various tools. I am new to installing, so all details are very valuable!
Hi I’ve never thought of this so simple and prevents damage to floor regards from UK 🇬🇧
The problem is those gaps gonna come back soon.
Super glue
Flooring doesn't just separate...The lock that holds them together failed for whatever reason. Put a drop of glue on it after you clean but before you knock it together. Make sure you wipe up any glue that comes out of the joint.
There is no "lock" on the ends! The joint you are referring to is on both sides of each plank (one side the grove is in the up direction the other side the grove is in the down direction). Nowhere in this video did he show a situation like you describe. The lock on the sides of each plank are designed to prevent lateral movement only.
The best tip I've seen in a long time. Many thanks bro.
Brilliant! I really needed this. Best TH-cam recommendation ever. Thanks.
Another awesome tip! Just the answer I need to my flooring problem. Thank you so much! 👍
Very clever solutions & tips. Thanks.
[1] I'm going to start putting my rolls of tape in a Ziploc bag.
[2] Perhaps, warming up the existing adhesive with a hair dryer or heat gun,
then tapping to persuade it to move might make stubborn jobs easier.
This is awesome. I have some separation in floor and wondered how to fix it. This video is problem solved. Thank you
Brilliant! I'm going to try this with the annoying gap I have in my hall flooring. Thanks👍
This was best tip I got on youtube in the past year. Fixed about 20 gaps in my laminate flooring that was just bothering me and my OCD. Thanks for this video.
Great tip. I have several gaps in my laminate flooring right outside my boys bathroom. Water has flooded under the flooring in the past and now gaps have appeared. This tip will help. Thanks
I've been looking for this video!!! I'd seen the concept briefly a long time ago, but couldn't remember good enough to use it. I tried using rubber non slip matting, and it didn't work worth a damn! Thanks so much.
This is brilliant, and I had no idea how to fix my gaps. Thanks!
Nice tip thanks. i purchased one of those slick little metal tools to assist in my installation, and yes, the pads are on it. It was eight bucks, but worth a million. Thanks for posting.
OMG!!! so glad to find this. just installed & floor is moving so much from side to side, & am having anxiety about how to straighten it when it becomes too much - once baseboards are installed. ty ty ty!!! 😃🤗🦋
Just exclaimed to my wife “yes! Vancouver Carpenter has a video on this!” Worked like a charm
Yes, neat tip that , never used the double sided tape b4, We are gradually replacing all our old flooring with click together laminate and are learning along the way but it's nice to look at what we've done and how it transforms a room which had carpet b4, regards from UK Pete