Buckled Wood Floors: Causes and Fixes

Published October 14, 2023

A homeowner’s worst nightmare is a damaged luxurious wood flooring. Of course, we all want a spectacular home, and a lovely wood floor often comes with it.

However, wood flooring requires some maintenance to avoid unwanted damage. The most common disaster you don’t want your beautiful house to have is buckled wood floors.

So, what causes the buckling of wood floors, and how can you fix it? Keep reading to find out.

What Are Buckled Wood Floors?

The buckling of wood floors is when your floorboards rise, causing humps and uneven surfaces.

Wood naturally expands and contracts as it reacts to environmental conditions. However, severe expansions and contractions can prevent your hardwood floor from returning to its original shape. This is when buckling starts.

What Causes Wood Floor Buckling?

The most common causes of buckling of wooden floors are either due to environmental factors or faulty installation. These include:

Water

Leaking appliances or moisture from a concrete subfloor can buckle your wood floors. When it gets wet and moisturized, the wood must accommodate the humidity. Thus causing the hardwood planks to swell. It would need to move upward and expand, which leads to buckling of the wood floor.

High Humidity

The buckling of wooden floors is also usual in highly humid environments. That’s why a wood floor is usually not recommended if you live in an area with humid weather, especially in small and windowless parts of your house, like the bathroom and kitchen.

Your wooden floor can absorb moisture from the air, and this will cause the wood to expand and buckle. Fans and ventilation can reduce buckling, though.

Improper or No Acclimation

Acclimation should be done first before installing the hardwood floors. If not, the wood may expand or contract after the installation, leading to the wood’s deformation.

Acclimation is a process where the wood planks stay within the rooms where they will be installed. This process has to be done for at least two weeks so that the wood can adjust to the temperature and humidity of the area.

Improper Installation

Taking care of your precious hardwood flooring is a plus and can prevent your wooden floor from buckling. However, if the installation is faulty, it will cause severe wood problems in the long run.

To address this, you should only hire professionals like Vintage and Specialty Woods to ensure your wooden floor is installed correctly. We are the most complete and thorough timber company for your project.

Our team of timber specialists ensures that you get the best quality and craftsmanship for your high-end and complicated projects that require intricate work. Our gallery of past projects and satisfied clients speak for our quality of work.

Wood Floor Repair: How to Fix a Buckled Wood Floor?

As mentioned, weather and moisture are the most common culprits of buckling wood floors. If the buckling is minimal, you can try drying the damaged area and see if it returns to its normal shape.

You can also try putting a little pressure or a heavy object on the buckled wood to settle it back into its place.

If these don’t work, calling a professional is highly encouraged. Replacing and fixing buckled wood floors can be a lot of work.

How to Fix Water-damaged Swollen Wood Floor?

Fixing water-damaged swollen wood floors requires careful attention and a step-by-step approach. Here are the steps you can follow to fix a water-damaged, swollen wood floor:

Step 1: Identify the source of water

Before starting any repairs, it’s crucial to identify and address the cause of damage.

Step 2: Remove standing water

If there is any standing water on the floor, use a wet vacuum or towels to remove it. Do not let the water sit for an extended period, as it can cause further swelling and damage.

Step 3: Dry the area and Assess

Fans, dehumidifiers, or open windows enhance air circulation and help faster drying. It’s essential to completely dry the affected area before proceeding with the repairs.

Examine the swollen wood floorboards to determine the extent of the damage. Look for signs of warping, cupping, or buckling. If the damage is severe, you may need to hire a professional for repair or replacement.

Step 4: Sand the swollen areas

Once the floor is completely dry, use a sander to sand down the swollen areas gently. Be cautious not to remove too much material, as this can affect the appearance and integrity of the floor.

After sanding, clean the floor’s surface using a damp cloth or mop. This will remove any dust or debris left from sanding.

Step 5: Apply wood conditioner

Apply a wood conditioner to the affected areas. This will restore moisture and improve the absorption of later treatments.

Step 6: Apply wood glue or epoxy

If the swelling has caused gaps between the floorboards, apply wood glue or epoxy to fill in the gaps. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application.

Step 7: Sand and refinish

Once the glue or epoxy has cured, sand the repaired areas again to ensure a smooth and even surface. Then, refinish the entire floor to restore its original appearance and protect it from future damage.

After completing the repairs, check the floor for any signs of recurring moisture or extra damage. Address any issues to prevent further complications. 

Related: 5 Hardwood Floor Repairs You Can Do Alone