hardware floor repair

[Ross Anderson]

Hi All,

I maintain an older rental house with hardwood floors. The hardwood strips are about 2.5" or 3" inches wide.

Termites got into the house and the long term tenant did not notice until a three foot-long plank of hardware floor disintegrated. Other than the one piece, the surrounding hardwood planks are still solid.

The termites have been killed, but I need to repair this single plank. Any thoughts on how to do it? I'm guessing rip, plane and nail.

Is there an easier way?

[Ed Pawlowski]

I've seen it done on This Old House or some such show. You may want to search out YouTube videos. Did not look all the difficult once you cut out the old piece. Start here

[Hawk]

I'm assuming the planks/floor is oak wic you can purchase at the bi box stores. If one plank is all you need, it's easy to cut out the old and insert the new. Remove the bottom tongue on the groove side, insert into the existing groove and place down on the tongue of the other side, then nail.

[hubops]

Yep. A little care in removing the old one - to help preserve the adjoining pieces from damage. Glue + nails for the new piece. I watched a flooring guy replace 4 or 5 strips that were infested with powder post beetles. John T.

[micky]

Nails at an angle, 2 nails at opposing angles, so they won't/can't pull out. Use nail set to put them below the wood level, fill with wood filler to match.