How to Fix Scratches on Wood Floor

Wood floors add beauty to the overall décor of the house. But it may get scratches that are easily visible. These stretches can detract the focus from the polished appearance of a place. 

If you hire a professional to help fix them, it might be expensive. Fortunately, there are affordable do-it-yourself (DIY) methods. You can use simple household items to get rid of those annoying scratches on your floors without spending a lot.  

So, without any delay, let’s begin!

Different Methods to Fix Scratches on Wood Floor

Scratches are eyesore and ugly. So here, we will address different types of scratches and suggest appropriate methods to fix them. 

1. Superficial scratches 

Superficial scratches only impact the surface of the floor and its finish. Ashley Petrone, a home design expert from the blog Arrows & Bows, gives helpful tips on this. 

To address superficial scratches, Petrone recommends rubbing the walnut on the wood, including the veneer. The natural oils fill in the wood. Another home remedy involves using coconut oil. Its steps include:

• Apply a small amount of oil. 
• Rub it into the scratch and let it soak into the wood.
• Then wipe off excess and repeat if necessary.

Additionally, you can create a DIY solution using apple cider vinegar and olive oil. Apply it on the scratch, wait a bit, and wipe it off after a few minutes.

2. Minor Scratches

Minor scratches go beneath the protective layer and harm the wood’s surface. The trusty Magic Eraser is an excellent fix for these, especially on engineered wood. But use it carefully on stained hardwood to avoid stripping the surface.

Other options for minor scratches include using markers or blending pencils to cover them up. You can also rub the wood stain on the scratched area and quickly wipe it clean.

Pro Tip:  Finish restorers are suitable for treating minor scratches across a larger floor area.

3. Major Scratches

Deep scratches are the most severe kind, reaching down to the core of the wood. If your wooden floor has major scratches and holes, you need to be careful in fixing it. 

Use wood filler and wood stain, like a stain pen, for hardwood floors. Fill the scratch with wood filler and sand it even with the surface. Then, use the stain pen to match your floor color. Keep a rag handy to wipe away extra and adjust the color.

Another option is colored wood putty. Fill the scratch with a plastic putty knife and wipe off excess. Let it dry, lightly sand, and buff, then seal with a polyurethane finish. 

You can use melted wax that matches your floor color for bigger or deeper scratches. Wax kits or crayons can work. Heat the wax slightly with a blow dryer or heat gun, and apply it just above the scratch. Then, use a clean rag to buff the scratch and surrounding area to blend it in.

4. Heavy wear & Tear

When your entire floor is filled with scratches and gouges, the most effective solution could be refinishing the whole floor. You can rent a sander from a local store to sand the floors yourself. It’s a lot of work, but it can save you a lot of money. The best part about doing it yourself is that you can choose the color you like for the floor instead of sticking to the old one.

Step-by-step Guide to Repair & Restore the Wood Floors

Fixing scratches on wood floors is easy. Follow the below steps to repair and restore your wooden floors.

Step: 1 Clean the Surface

First, clean the scratched part well with a soft cloth to remove any dirt. This makes sure that the things you use to fix it stick properly to the wood.

Step: 2 Suspect the Scratches 

Check how bad the scratch is. See if the scratch is superficial, minor, or major. Knowing this makes it easier to decide how to fix it.

Step: 3 Select the Right Method to fix Scratch

We have discussed earlier different scratches and methods to treat them. So, pick the right way to fix the scratch.

Step: 4 Apply the Appropriate Method

Use the method you chose to fix the scratch. Take your time, and don’t hurry – taking things slowly will turn out better.

Step: 5 Apply the Protective Coating

Once the repair is completely dry, add a protective coating to keep it safe. This helps to keep the repair in good shape and prevents more scratches on your wood floors in the future.

How do you get rid of dog scratches on wood floors?

If your wood floors have scratches from a dog, here’s an easy way to fix them. 

1. First, check how bad the scratches are. If they’re not too deep, clean the floor really well to get rid of dirt and pet hair. 
2. Use a wood scratch filler or marker that matches your floor color to cover up the scratches. 
3. Apply the filler to the scratches, following the product instructions. This can help disguise and fill in minor scratches.
4. For a bit deeper scratches, try rubbing the scratched area with a soft cloth or steel wool.
5. If the scratches are still there, you can use a wood stain or wax that matches the floor color.
6. In more severe cases, you should do a process called screening and recoating. 
7. This involves lightly sanding the floor, cleaning it, and putting on a new topcoat to make it look better.

If you want to ensure the longevity and beauty of your hardwood floors, use some proactive measures to prevent potential damage. Here is a little guide to provide valuable insights into maintaining your wood floors and minimizing the risk of scratches and wear.

A Helpful Guide to

1. Do Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning is crucial to maintain the quality of your wood flooring. Dust and dirt can act as abrasives, causing scratches over time. So, use a soft broom or a vacuum with a floor-brush attachment to clean your floors gently and routinely. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools that could harm the finish.

2. Remove Shoes outdoor

Certain footwear, such as stiletto shoes, can scratch or gouge the surface. Removing outdoor shoes before walking on hardwood floors is a simple preventive measure.

3. Use Rugs and Mats

High-traffic areas, like entrances and hallways, are more susceptible to scratches. Place rugs or mats in these areas. It will act as an additional layer of protection against unnecessary wear and tear on your wood floors.

4. Proper Furniture Placement

When you move furniture, do it carefully; otherwise, it can result in deep marks on your wood floors. Always lift furniture instead of dragging it across the floor. Consider using felt pads under furniture legs to provide an extra buffer against scratches. Additionally, avoid dragging heavy furniture or chairs across the floor.

When to Get Help from a Professional? 

If your wooden floors have big or severe damage, getting professional help is wise. They know how to fix extensive damage, deep scratches, water issues, termite problems, and structural troubles. If you’re not experienced in fixing floors or if you’re short on time, professionals can do the job right and quickly.

Smart Remodeling LLC is a reputable company in Houston that can help you with this. Whether you’re looking to enhance your home’s functionality, upgrade its aesthetics, or address specific issues like damaged wooden floors, Smart Remodeling LLC has a skilled team of professionals. With a commitment to quality work and customer satisfaction, they offer a range of remodeling services for home and commercial sites. 

By choosing Smart Remodeling LLC, you can trust in their expertise and dedication. 

So, Contact Us for Consultation Today!

Final Words

To sum it up, fixing scratches on wood floors depends on how bad they are. We discuss different types of scratches, from minor to major; you can choose the method that fits your situation. If your whole floor is in bad shape, getting professionals involved or doing a big sanding and refinishing job is best. 

Remember to take regular care and preventive measures as it can help to preserve the beauty of wood floors over time.