How to Repair Your Hardwood Flooring
Nothing enhances the look and feel of your home quite like the natural beauty and textures of hardwood flooring. Hardwood creates a welcoming, warm vibe that is timeless and highly sought after.
With the right care, hardwood floors can last a lifetime, making them a sound investment for many homeowners. However, hardwood floors do require occasional maintenance to keep them looking and performing their best.
Over time, hardwood flooring can develop scratches, buckles, or dents from normal wear and tear. Whether you have solid hardwood or engineered hardwood floors, many of these issues can be repaired yourself. If your hardwood is beyond repair, you’ll need to hire a professional team to restore it for you.
Before you begin any work on your hardwood floors, be sure to consult your manufacturer’s information for the best practices, safe products, and to ensure you don’t void your warranty.
How to Repair Hardwood Scratches
Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are, scratches are inevitable on your hardwood floors. They can be caused from normal use, pet claws, moving furniture, or when dirt isn’t cleaned regularly.
Minor Scratches
Minor scratches don’t require much work to repair. Before beginning, you’ll want to clean the area thoroughly. It is best to use a color marker or stain pen that matches your floors, made specifically for hardwood. Some hardwood scratches can be fixed by rubbing a raw walnut on the area.
Deep Scratches
Some scratches are deeper and need a bit more work. Before beginning, make sure you clean the area thoroughly. Then use a small amount wood filler to the area. Use a putty knife to spread it until the filler is level with the surrounding floor. After it dries, lightly sand the area to smooth out any rough edges. Apply wood stain or use a stain pen matching your floors color.
How to Repair Buckled Hardwood
When repairing buckled floors, it’s important to first identify the cause. Hardwood floors can become buckled when they have been exposed to water or humidity, when there are extreme changes in temperature in the home that cause the floors to contract and expand, when there is damage to the subfloor, or when they weren’t installed properly to begin with. It is important to use professional installers to ensure floors are perfect from day one.
Minor buckling can sometimes resolve itself when moisture has been removed. Run fans or a dehumidifier to draw moisture out to see if the issue resolves. If not, you’ll need to replace the affected boards. Check the subfloor first to make sure there is no damage there that needs to be repaired. Then remove the damaged section of wood and replace it with a new piece that matches your existing flooring. If you are not experienced, you will want to rely on a professional, so you don’t cause further damage.
How to Repair Dents in Hardwood Floors
Dents can happen when something is dropped on your floors, heavy furniture has stood too long without being moved, or even from shoes such as cleats or high heels.
Small Dents
Small dents may be fixed with a little moisture and possibly heat. Apply a clean, moist towel or cloth to the dent and allow it to sit for several minutes, allowing the wood to expand and reduce the appearance of a dent. You can also apply low heat to the cloth to help expand the wood. Be cautious not to use too much moisture or heat as both can damage the wood.
Deep Dents
More severe dents may need a little more work. You can use a wood filler and stain to repair some dents. Use a putty knife to spread it until the filler is level with the surrounding floor. After it dries, lightly sand the area to smooth out any rough edges. Apply wood stain or use a stain pen matching your floors color. For other dents, you may need to seek professional assistance.
What if My Hardwood is Beyond Repair?
If your hardwood has been damaged by a major leak, flooding, structural problems, or another major issue, it is best to seek the guidance of a professional. Professionals who specialize in hardwood restoration can let you know if your floors can be restored, sections replaced, or if you need to replace all of your hardwood.
Most minor repairs to scratches, buckles, or dents in your hardwood floors can be completed successfully by many homeowners. By being cautious you can restore the beauty of your hardwood on your own. However, it is important to know when to seek professional advice. With a little care, you can maintain your hardwood flooring and keep them looking their best for many years. Visit or contact us at Classic Flooring Center to explore a wide range of high-quality hardwood flooring options. Whether you need replacement boards, professional advice, or more, our knowledgeable team is here to assist you.
