How To Remove Burn Mark From Laminate Flooring

Among the popular components of modern interior designs are laminate floors. Over the years, the laminate flooring industry has dramatically improved its products’ quality. Today,  hardwood and laminate floors have become two peas in a pod thanks to these advancements.

In addition to being economical, laminate floors grace you with exceptional quality and durability, not to mention the wide range of designs at your disposal. You can choose any of these variations, provided it complements your style.

Unfortunately, laminate floors are sensitive and can be subject to burn marks, chips, or moisture damage, altering their integrity. I know you want to maintain the aesthetic and décor of your floors and wouldn’t fancy the burn mark signs on your floors. Never worry. I got a solution for you.

In this article, I have elaborated on a stepwise process on how to remove burn mark from laminate flooring to help restore your floor’s elegance.

Also, in the article I’ve discussed;

• What is Laminate Flooring
• Components of Laminate flooring
• Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring
• How to Remove burn mark on laminate flooring
• How To Remove Scratches & Scrapes On Laminate Flooring
• How Do You Remove Old Laminate Flooring?
• How to repair swollen laminate flooring without replacing

Also Read;

• How to Install Vinyl plank flooring on Concrete 
• How often to refinish hardwood floors 
• How to Clean Porcelain tile floors 
• How to Install Concrete Floors 

What is Laminate Flooring?

Consider laminate flooring as an imitation of hardwood flooring. However, unlike the latter, which entirely comprises real wood, laminate flooring is mainly a combination of synthetic materials originating from leftover wood.

The principal reason for the invention of laminate flooring was to provide a cost-effective alternative for hardwood floors. The quality of laminate floors has significantly improved over the years, with some of the floors exhibiting complete water resistance. The goal is to offer consumers the same quality as hardwood floors but at a lower price.

Components of Laminate Flooring 

Laminate flooring is a combination of four main components, which include:

Melamine plastic backing: This layer serves as the base of laminate floors. Melamine is known to exhibit exceptional durability, especially when it’s combined with a formaldehyde compound. It enhances the otherwise low quality of waste wood by reinforcing moisture resistance, and in turn, acts as a source of stability for the planks.

Core: The core is the centerpiece of the entire flooring as it holds all the other layers together. In addition, this layer bears all the weight exerted on the floor. It can comprise either a medium or a high-density fiberboard, but the latter is superior as it exhibits greater strength.

Picture/Decorative layer: As the name implies, this layer is all about the aesthetics of your flooring. The variety of colors and designs that accompany laminate floors are all thanks to this layer. You can choose from various effects and designs, be it a specific wood species, stone, ceramic, you name it.

Wear layer: Since it’s the topmost layer, the wear layer primarily reinforces the floor’s durability by guarding against scratches. Additionally, it acts as a moisture barrier, thereby maintaining the floor’s integrity. It is mainly an aluminum oxide material and exhibits a glossy appearance that enhances the picture layer’s elegance.

Each of these layers varies in thickness or quality, aesthetics, and price. This variation aspect is one of the major advantages of laminate floors, in addition to the following:

Advantages of Laminate Flooring

• Relatively affordable
• Impermeable top coat
• It has a scratch-resistant coating, making it ideal for households with pets.
• Offers easy maintenance and cleanup

Disadvantages

• The floor may exhibit a swelling behavior when exposed to moisture for a long time.

How To Remove Burn Mark From Laminate Flooring

The procedure of how to fix a burn mark on laminate floor varies depending on the degree of the burn. For surface burns that do not interfere with the core, scrub the burnt part with toothpaste and a toothbrush, then clear the residues using a damp cloth to restore the floor’s aesthetics.

On the other hand, deeper burns demand a tedious removal process that entails patching up the floor using an epoxy wood filler and topping it off with woodgrain. In worse-case scenarios where patching fails, the ultimate solution is to replace the burnt plank.

Burn marks compromise both the integrity and elegance of your laminate floor. However, worry not, because you can easily fix the damage. Unlike real wood, the synthetic materials that make up laminate floors tend to be delicate. Therefore, sanding or the use of abrasives could be tough on the floor and will most likely end up extending the damage. The ease of fixing it mainly depends on the degree or depth of the burn, which includes:

Surface Burns

Although not fireproof, laminate floors burn at a slow rate and are more likely to encounter surface burns than deeper ones. These burns alter the wear and picture layer but do not penetrate the core, so removing them should be a breeze. All you need is a toothpaste, toothbrush, some water, and a piece of cloth. Once you have these items in place, exercise the below procedure; 

• Spread some toothpaste over the burnt area and ensure it covers the burn entirely.
• You can then wait for up to thirty minutes for the toothpaste to effectively penetrate the burn.
• Afterward, use the toothbrush to aggressively scrub the burnt area while checking simultaneously if the burn mark is no longer visible. In this way, you can avoid over-scrubbing the area.
• Finally, dampen your piece of cloth with clean water and wipe away the residues, after which your laminate floor should look as good as new.

Heavy/deeper burns

These are burns that penetrate the core layer of the laminate flooring, and removing them is more involving. Getting rid of heavy burns mainly entails patching them, and there’s no guarantee that your floor will regain its initial integrity unless you replace the entire plank. To patch the burn:

• Jam the hole using wood filler, preferably epoxy. The wood filler aids in maintaining the integrity of the floor and dries within a short time.
• Scuff the excess wood filler using a utility knife or sand the filler to level it with the laminate flooring while ensuring you do not scrape or sand the floor itself.
• Paint over dry and hardened wood filler using woodgrain. Wood filler barely matches the original color of the flooring, and this is where woodgrain comes in. Consider applying woodgrain back and forth over the filler using a paintbrush or whisk broom for best results.
• Clear-coat using floor finish which acts as a protective barrier and restores shine to the floor.

Alternatively:

You can replace the burnt plank if patching fails to do the trick. Once you identify the plank with the burn:

1. Section out the plank in question using tape for accuracy.
2. You can then use a circular saw connected to a vacuum to cut out the plank. Be sure to set the depth gauge of the saw to suit the thickness of the plank(usually about half an inch).
3. Subsequently, cut across the plank by forming an x-shaped cut, then slowly pull out the cut pieces to remove the plank.
4. For the replacement plank, remove the back tongue that sticks out by cutting it off using a putty knife. Also, be sure to eliminate the grooves’ bottoms from the extremities of the replacement plank so that it fits perfectly.
5. Apply polyvinyl acetate glue onto the neighboring boards’ tongues and subsequently insert the replacement board.
6. Finally, ensure the glue sticks by exerting substantial weight onto the replacement plank for some time, and you’re good to go.

If all else fails, the ultimate solution is to contact a professional to do the job for you, especially if the burnt mark is at the center or a visible section of the room.

The video below describes how to remove burnt laminated floor/how to fix burnt laminated floor

How to repair swollen laminate flooring without replacing

Despite laminate flooring being among the most durable options that will present you with a natural wood surface, it can also be characterized by floor bubbles. In most instances, you may fret and think your floor has become useless and need replacement.

However, this is not always the case. If your laminate floor is swollen, you can follow the below process to repair them without having to replace them.

• The first strategy is to roller up the swollen region. The approach aims to realize a smooth surface. With this strategy, you will need to acquire a 100lb roller. You do not need to buy a new one. You can rent one in any local hardware store or from a neighbor. The strategy effectively softens the bubble spot and has provided a solution to many homes.
• The second approach to fix the bubbling spot is to attempt the X-acto knife on the swollen area. However, if this is not a success, you can consider the epoxy laminate repair kit as an alternative to repairing the swollen area.
• As a third approach, you may attempt the popping method in case the first two fail or if you cannot flawlessly execute them.
• Lastly, drying up the swollen area with a hair dryer or heater can be another easy way to repair the swollen floor area. However, this method will be ideal when the base is not swollen, and there is only a low-level moisture trap.

What Causes the Laminate Floors to Bubble or Swell?

The swelling of the laminate floors can be an unpleasant sight. In that regard, you must know some of the elements that can result in the establishment of bubbles on your floor to strive and prevent them before they happen. Some of these factors include;

Delamination

If you are to install the laminate floors, ensure you do it correctly. If you are not sure of your capabilities, seek professional help. Incorrect installation or damage to the floors during the installation process can puff the floors. Delamination describes a process where a floor’s surface layer separates from the backing material of a wooden floorboard. Thus, always ensure that your laminate floors are installed appropriately.

Moisture

If you live in a high humid environment or when there is a high moisture level, your laminate floors risk bubbling or swelling. Besides, if you do not have a moisture barrier on your floor or a leaking pipe beneath, your laminate won’t resist the moisture and will start swelling over time.

Lack of expansion joints

You must leave a gap between the joining sections of your laminate floors during installation, especially when you have a wide floor area. A prominent place may trap air under the planks, which can cause swelling on the surface.

Besides, ensure that you have correctly installed the planks. That is, ensure that the venting system is not interfered with and that your floor’s moisture barrier is in place.

Lack of gaps between planks

Create gaps between planks when installing the laminate floors of about ¼ or ½ inch to allow for the expansion or contraction with the temperature changes. The variation in the weather condition may cause lifting of the planks if there is no space between the planks, which will cause floor swelling.

Tips to Prevent your Laminate Floors from Swelling or Bubbling

• Mop the floor immediately water spills on it. Do not leave water spills to stay longer on the laminate floors because they absorb water which can cause swelling over time.
• Incorporate a moisture barrier to make the floor moisture resistant and prevent the floor from buckling.
• If you are living in a humid environment, you can use a hair dryer or run an air conditioner in the summer to reduce humidity levels.
• The laminate floors expand with time. Therefore, when installing the floors, ensure you keep at least a quarter or half-inch space to allow for the expansion and contraction of the floors.
• Ensure you squeeze your mops to reduce the moisture levels before you use them on the laminate floors. If possible, avoid the wet mops entirely.

How To Remove Scratches & Scrapes On Laminate Flooring

Despite being very hard to scratch, laminate floors are not entirely scratch-resistant. On the upside, scratches and scrapes on laminate floors are often minor, thanks to the wear layer. To remove scrapes and scratches from your laminate floor, you will need a laminate flooring compound color filler that matches your floor’s shade, a utility knife, and a paper towel.

To get started:

• First, clear the area of any dust and debris using a paper towel.
• You can then apply your color filler directly on the scratch and ensure it slightly penetrates the groove.
• Afterward, apply some pressure onto the scratch using the putty knife so that the color filler adheres correctly to the surface. It is advisable to a plastic utility knife as it’s more gentle on the floor.
• Using the paper towel, get rid of the excess color filler, and the scratch should be barely visible.

How Much Does It Cost To Repair Laminate Flooring

The cost of repairing laminate flooring varies greatly depending on several factors and ranges between 300 to 3000 dollars depending on the degree of damage.

Significant damages such as moisture damage or damages that involve the core layer can cost approximately 800 dollars depending on whether you choose to replace the plank(s), repair the gouges or redo the entire floor’s layout. The first two could cost about 300 dollars plus the cost of equipment which could amount to approximately 80 dollars or more in total.

Redoing the entire layout costs much more depending on the floor’s quality plus the service charge, which amounts to more than $1200 and up to $4000 for high-end floors.

However, repairing laminate flooring entails mainly DIY procedures such as replacing damaged planks or eliminating scrapes and scratches. If you’re on a tight budget, consider repairing the floor by yourself to incur equipment prices only. For severe damages involving loose planks or the core layer and beyond, the best way to go is to reach out to a contractor.

How Do You Remove Old Laminate Flooring?

Laminate floors are a perfect match for DIY enthusiasts, and this means installing and uninstalling them is a walk in the park. Laminate flooring mainly entails a snap and click installation method and is therefore easy to undo. The basic equipment for the procedure include:

• Utility blade
• Trim puller
• Hammer
• Pry bar

Once these are in place, follow the steps below to remove the flooring effectively:

1. Clear the floor by removing the furniture that overlies it.
2. Using a utility blade, slice off the baseboard on the edges of the room.
3. Sufficiently insert the trim puller beneath the baseboard with the help of a hammer and carefully lift off the baseboard.
4. You can then unscrew and remove the seam binders or threshold strips with the aid of a pry bar.
5. Once the flooring is bare, start removing the planks on the edges by pulling each one up using a pry bar, starting from the tongue side. Consider removing the planks from the edges towards the center while eliminating one plank row at a time.
6. Underneath the flooring is an underlayment, which you should remove by simply lifting it off.
7. Lastly, vacuum the bare surface in preparation for your next installation process.

How Do You Remove Glued Down Laminate?

Removing glued-down laminate flooring could be an uphill struggle since the tiles or strips tightly adhere to the surface. The best way to go about the process is to weaken the bond between the floor and the surface by softening the glue. All you need to soften it is to increase the surrounding temperature using any heat source, preferably a hairdryer or warm water. More importantly, ensure you wear protective gear beforehand as a safety precaution. Here is a breakdown of  how to remove glued down laminate:

1. Whether you have laminate tiles or strips, soaking the floor in warm water is the first step to effectively removing it. The principle behind this is that glue is water-soluble and warm water will therefore weaken its integrity.
2. Lift the planks once the glue is loose enough, preferably using a putty knife or a pry bar.
3. You may use a heat gun or hairdryer to loosen tough glue so that you can easily pull up the planks.
4. Upon removing the entire flooring, soak the remaining glue residues with a glue remover solution, then scuff it off.
5. For the final step, clean up the glue residues by washing the surface with clean water.

How Do You Remove Laminate Flooring Without Breaking It?

Laminate floors are durable but exhibit fragility, and you should therefore handle them with care. Removing laminate floors is a breeze, but if you do not do it carefully, you might end up damaging the product.

Uninstalling modern laminate floors entails the steps mentioned above. In addition to the steps, here are some of the take-home tips on how to remove the flooring without breaking it:

• The direction toward which you pull the planks while removing them should correspond to the direction of the floorboard grooves.
• Ensure you remove the planks one row at a time, starting with one of the rows on the edges as you move toward the center rows.
• Consider using a rubber grout float to remove the corner plank and the first plank on each row.
• While removing the planks, ensure you lift them before pulling or sliding them off to avoid forceful removal.

More importantly, be patient with the flooring, and in case of any hitches, it is best to contact a flooring contractor.

Can you burn laminate flooring?

No. Laminate flooring cannot be incinerated or burnt like the other wood products. Even though the laminate floor contains about 80% wood, its outer layer is coated with an aluminum oxide that prevents combustion and exposes people to breathing difficulties.

So if someone asked, will laminate flooring burn? The indirect answer is, NO. However, under intense heating, you could burn the laminate flooring but it will be harmful to individual’s health and the environment.

Thus, trying to burn the laminate flooring is not a great idea, even if it were possible as a disposal method. The process is harmful to an individual’s health and the environment. Burning the floors is toxic since the adhesive that bonds the wood and the top layers of the floor can emit chemicals that pose health risks.

Besides the protection from burns, Aluminum oxide helps protect the floors against daily wear and tear scratches. It also slows down the fading processes as it prevents the exposure of the floors to direct sunlight. This enhances the longevity of the floors.

Knowing the dangers of burning the laminate floors as a disposal mechanism, the next question would be; How do you dispose of Laminate floors.

How to Dispose of Laminate Flooring

Laminate floors can be disposed of through recycling, upcycling, and waste collection. The practices would effectively ensure that you do not contaminate the environment with the laminate flooring leftovers or compromise the safety standards. These options are more appropriate than burning that puts  people’s health and the environment at risk.

Frequently Asked Questions-FAQs 

Can you fix swollen laminate flooring?

Yes, by replacing the swollen planks. If your laminate flooring exhibits a swelling behavior, it is more likely due to prolonged periods of exposure to moisture. Also, if the affected planks are on the room’s edges, removing them shouldn’t be as involving.

Otherwise, if the planks are away from the edges, you will have to remove all the adjacent planks from the edges toward the center and replace them with new ones. The only disadvantage is that there will be a noticeable distinction between the existing planks and the new ones.

Can you fix water damaged laminate flooring?

Yes. The best way to go about water-damaged laminate is to seek a contractor’s assistance, which although costly, is safer and more convenient. This is because you may not know the extent of the damage resulting from leaking pipes underneath, and only a professional can fully address such a situation.

What happens if you burn laminate flooring?

Burning laminate flooring results in environmental pollution thanks to the aluminum oxide coat that makes up the wear layer. Inhaling burnt aluminum oxide could have toxic effects. You can consider laminate flooring as recycled wood. Even though a significant percentage of it is wood, the aluminum oxide component it contains disqualifies burning from being an ideal disposal method.

Can you put laminate flooring in the recycle bin?

Although laminate flooring is recyclable, you cannot put it in the recycle bin. Recycling is one of the ideal ways to dispose of laminate flooring, but it can’t be done locally. Consider contacting your laminate floor’s manufacturer to familiarize yourself with the recycling program rather than disposing of it in the recycle bin.

How to Remove Smaller Burn Marks from Wood?

You can remove smaller burn marks from wood by first sanding the stain off, running both the coarse and finer sandpaper over the damaged wood area until you entirely remove the stain. You then finalize the process by polishing the roughened wood surface. You can oil the wood if necessary.

Conclusion

The design of laminate flooring graces consumers with utmost user-friendliness. The main principle behind its design is cost-effectiveness. Aside from being affordable, laminate floors are easy to install, and repairing them entails DIY processes. 

You, therefore, do not have to reach out to a flooring contractor whenever your laminate floor needs a repair. For instance, you can efficiently remove burn marks from laminate flooring through the steps mentioned above with the necessary equipment, such as an epoxy wood filler. Follow the steps to eliminate burn marks, scratches, and scrapes to restore the elegance of your laminate floor and save yourself some money.