Flooring

TL;DR: Buckled hardwood floors—where planks lift or warp—are usually caused by moisture problems. If caught early, you can often fix the issue without replacing your floor. First, identify and eliminate the moisture source. For minor buckling, weight and time may help boards flatten. For severe cases, replacing individual planks might be necessary. Regular maintenance and moisture control are key to prevention.

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When it comes to how to fix buckled hardwood floor, the solution might be easy. Read on!

Nothing comes close to the comfort, warmth, and distinctive style of hardwood flooring for your home. Hardwood flooring is known for its beauty and durability. Yet any homeowner knows that sometimes problems arise – and they need to be addressed in a timely way, before they get worse. If you are wondering how to fix buckled hardwood floor, there may be good news. Most buckling hardwood flooring can be addressed simply, without replacement. Read on for more!

Looking to install hardwood flooring or in need of a replacement for damaged flooring in your home? Explore the stylish, beautiful hardwood flooring from Builders Surplus. When value’s a must, shop Builders Surplus.

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What is buckling?

When a plank has begun to separate from the subflooring, it is called buckling. Buckling is also called cupping or crowning.

• Cupping describes the edges of a plank rising to form a cup along the midsection of a board. 
• Crowning is when the midsection lifts above the edges, leading to a hump down the center of the board.

Understanding how the buckling occurred is the first step to figuring out how to fix buckled hardwood floor. Buckling can be caused by improper installation, but it is most commonly caused by moisture exposure. 

Addressing moisture

The first step of how to fix buckling hardwood floor is to determine the cause, if possible.

If you find yourself with a hardwood floor that is buckling and the cause is moisture related, simply finding the source and addressing it may cure the buckling without having to replace anything.

For example, identifying a leaky appliance and having it repaired will eliminate a source of moisture that can do major damage to a hardwood floor. Then you can address the buckling and get your beautiful floor back to its original state.

Sometimes the moisture issue is a bigger problem. Getting a moisture reading of your home and floors will tell you whether you have a larger issue with moisture and ventilation that needs to be addressed. 

Caring for your hardwood floor is an important way to avoid damage as well. Always clean up spills right away, and never wash your floors with excessively wet mops.

How to fix buckled hardwood floor

After you have found the cause of the moisture and addressed it, it is a good idea to pull up a few boards and make sure there is no excess liquid pooled on the subflooring before you start repairs. If you find puddled water, dry it completely first. 

Now for the answer to how to fix buckled hardwood floor. If you’ve eliminated the moisture issue, minorly buckled planks may simply return to normal given time. For boards that are cupping, add weight to the floor by setting a few heavy boxes on top. It’s simple but it really does work. 

For serious buckling, you may need to consider replacing an area of your floor. If you saved a few extra planks from the original installation, use those. Or pick up a few replacement boards. It’s important to make sure they match your flooring, and that you take the time to acclimate the new boards to the conditions of the room before installing them.

Hardwood flooring at a value from Builders Surplus

When you’re ready to remodel your current residence or build your dream home, you’ll find first quality flooring at substantial savings at Builders Surplus. 

Choose your hardwood floor from a collection of wood species including oak, maple, ash, birch, cherry, or walnut. Then select from a variety of wood grades, board widths, and rich finishes. While the inventory changes regularly, you can explore our possible selection on our website. 

Then come into one of our five New England locations to make your purchase, or to speak with our friendly and helpful associates. 

When value’s a must, choose Builders Surplus!

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FAQs: Fixing Buckled Hardwood Floors

Q: What does a buckled hardwood floor look like?
A: You’ll notice planks that rise, arch, or lift away from the subfloor—either at the edges (cupping) or in the center (crowning).

Q: What causes hardwood floors to buckle?
A: The most common culprit is moisture—whether from leaks, spills, or humidity imbalances.

Q: Can I fix a buckled floor myself?
A: Yes, often you can. First, address the moisture source. Then, let minor buckling settle or place weight on the affected area. For major issues, you may need to replace damaged boards.

Q: Should I replace the whole floor if a few planks are buckled?
A: Not necessarily. If the damage is localized and you’ve addressed the root cause, you can usually replace just a few boards.

Q: How do I prevent my hardwood floors from buckling in the future?
A: Control moisture by using dehumidifiers, fixing leaks quickly, and avoiding overly wet mopping. Also, make sure your flooring was installed with proper acclimation and spacing.

Q: Where can I buy replacement hardwood flooring?
A: Builders Surplus offers a wide range of first-quality hardwood flooring at great prices. Visit one of our locations or browse online.

Photo by Kim Stiver