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How to Repair Damage to Arista Laminate Floors

Arista is built tough with an AC5 wear layer, aluminum oxide finish, and Level 4 scratch resistance. If damage does occur to your Arista floors, here's how to handle both.

Most Arista damage has one of two fixes: repair putty for surface scratches, or replacing the plank for deep gouges, chips, or water damage. If you're unsure, start with putty. It won't affect your ability to replace the plank later if necessary.

  • Surface scratches or scuffs: Roberts Palette Quick-Repair Putty
  • Deep gouges, chips, or water damage: Replace the plank

Arista is water-resistant, not waterproof. If a plank has been exposed to standing water and shows warping, edge lift, or swelling, putty won't fix it, the HDF core has changed shape. Replace the plank.

Minor Scratches and Scuffs

You can use Roberts Palette Quick-Repair Putty or a similar repair product suited for laminate flooring. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.

Replacing a Damaged Plank

Arista's Uniclic system lets you replace individual planks anywhere in the installation. For a visual walkthrough, watch this plank replacement video.

What you'll need: utility knife or hand saw, straight edge and pencil, pull bar or pry bar, rubber mallet and tapping block, Gorilla Clear Glue or super glue, replacement plank. Use leftover planks from your original order. If you don't have any, contact support@flooret.com before ordering to confirm availability. Acclimate the replacement plank flat in the room for at least 24 hours at 65°F–85°F and 40–70% RH.

Step 1: Remove the damaged plank

  1. Draw a centerline down the plank, then 45-degree lines from each corner to the centerline.
  2. Set saw blade depth to match plank thickness to protect the subfloor.
  3. Cut along the centerline, then the diagonal lines. Don't cut into adjacent planks.
  4. Remove the center section, then the two triangular end pieces.
  5. Use a chisel to remove the lock mechanism from the long and short edges of the surrounding planks. Vacuum thoroughly.

Step 2: Prepare the replacement plank

  1. Chisel off the lock mechanism from the long and short edges of the new plank.
  2. Cut the corners where the two grooved edges meet.
  3. Apply adhesive to the exposed grooves on both the replacement plank and surrounding planks.

Step 3: Install

  1. Align the cut corner first, sliding the exposed click mechanism under the adjacent planks.
  2. Drop the plank into position and tap flush with a rubber mallet.
  3. Let adhesive fully cure before foot traffic or moving furniture.

Prevention

Felt pads (1" minimum) on all furniture legs. Walk-off mats at entrances. Masonite panels when moving heavy furniture. Wipe spills immediately, standing water at seams can reach the HDF core. Trim pet nails. See How to Clean and Maintain Arista Laminate Floors.

What to avoid: No steam mops or standing water. No wax, polish, or mop-and-shine products. Don't drag furniture. Don't sand. Don't skip cleaning the subfloor during replacement, debris prevents flush seating and can cause the click mechanism to fail.

Common Questions

Can I sand out a scratch?
Arista's pattern is a printed layer sealed under aluminum oxide, sanding destroys it. Use putty for surface repairs or replace the plank.

What if water gets under a plank?
If caught quickly and the plank still sits flush with no swelling, dry the area and monitor. If you see warping or raised seams, replace the plank, the HDF core has absorbed moisture.

What if I don't have extra planks?
Contact our support team for assistance with a new order, or to discuss alternative solutions.

Questions? Email support@flooret.com or call 1-800-700-8122. M-F, 8 AM–7 PM CST.