Hardwood Flooring Repair: How to Fix Scratches on Wood Floors
Hardwood flooring is durable but not damage-proof. Scratches can occur from everyday activities like moving furniture, owning pets, or wearing pointed heel shoes. You can fix minor scratches with household ingredients or scratch-hiding polishes. Deep scratches require sanding and wood filler.
Common Causes of Scratches and Dents
- Grit and debris: Small particles of dirt, grit, sand, and outdoor debris are abrasive. They grind against your hardwoods as people walk on the floor, causing scratches.
- Improper cleaning: Harsh cleaning tools like rough brooms or steel wool will scratch the floor’s finish. Also, harsh chemicals, acidic substances like vinegar, and abrasive cleaners strip away the floor’s protective coating, making it vulnerable to scratching.
- Pet claws: Pet claws can leave scratches on hardwood floors.
- Furniture movement: Sliding heavy furniture across hardwood floors without protective pads damages the surface.
- High foot traffic: Areas with consistent foot traffic, such as entryways and hallways, experience more friction and pressure. Grit and debris particles are more concentrated in these areas. The high footfall wears down the hardwood floor’s protective finish.
- Accidental dropping of heavy items: Dropping a couch’s legs, wheeled toys, a knife, or other household items can lead to floor damage.
- Wearing high-heel shoes indoors: The pointed, hard high-heel shoes exert concentrated force on the floor.
How to Repair Minor Hardwood Surface Scratches
Minor hardwood floor scratches are thin and narrow, 1 to 2 inches long, and less than 1/16 inch deep. We’ll cover four options for repairing these small scratches. (No matter which option you try, clean and dry your floors first.)
Option 1: Camouflage Scratches with a Stain Pen
Find a wood stain pen that matches your hardwoods. Use the pen to fill in any noticeable scratches. The stain will camouflage scratches and dents.
Option 2: Make a Homemade Floor Restorer
Natural oils can restore unfinished wood, like scratched areas where the previous finish is gone. Make your own by combining baking soda and olive oil until a paste forms. Use a soft cloth to buff the mixture into your scratches and wipe away the excess.
Option 3: Use a Commercial Scratch Restorer
A commercial scratch restorer, like this one from WearMax, will take away any white lines caused by scratches. It creates a permanent seal on the floor, so it won’t wash away the next time you mop.
Option 4: Sand and Stain
Use fine-grit sandpaper to sand the scratches out of your floor. Then clear away the sawdust, and apply your floor finish. You’ll need the same stain and topcoat that’s on the rest of your floors. If that sounds like too much work, try one of the other options first.
How to Repair Deep Scratches in Your Hardwoods
To repair deep scratches in your hardwoods, you need to fill them with wood filler. Before doing so, clean the area and allow it to dry. Then follow these steps:
1. Fill the Scratch With Wood Filler
Apply wood filler to the scratch with a plastic putty knife. Apply the filler on the scratch only and wipe off the excess while the filler is still wet.
2. Sand and Level the Filler
After the wood filler is dry, use a sanding sponge to level it. Be careful not to sand the areas around the scratch you’re repairing.
3. Apply Matching Stain and Finish
Apply matching stain and finish to integrate the repaired area.
If you’re not confident in your ability to match the floor’s finish, call a professional. They can help you avoid costly mistakes.