If your hardwood floors show some major or minor scratches, here are some ways to repair the damage yourself. It is best to get professional help so that your DIY fixes don’t damage the wood further and cause more extensive repair work.
Identify the Type of Scratch: Identify the type of finish on your floor. The finish may be water-based, oil or wax based, varnished or stained knowing what the finish is will guide some of your treatment of the imperfections.
For light scratches:
Carefully clean the area around any scratches using a soft or microfiber cloth and some hardwood cleaner. If the scratches are small and the floor has a relatively new finish, you can mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and olive oil in a small cup and carefully dab the solution into the scratches. Leave that solution in the scratches for a day then rub it with a clean cloth.
For medium scratches:
For medium scratches or light damage, you may be able to apply a new coat of finish to the area without having to refinish the entire floor.Use a wood stain marker, match the wood color and fill in the scratch. Buff with a soft cloth. Rubbing a walnut over scratches can naturally blend them in. Gently rub steel wool along the grain to smooth the scratch. Apply a finishing oil afterward.
Fixing Deep Scratches & Gouges:
Wood filler or wax sticks, fill deep scratches with wood filler that matches the floor color, let it dry and sand lightly. If scratches cover a large area, sanding and refinishing may be necessary.
How to Prevent Scratches on Hardwood Floors?
Preventing scratches on hardwood floors requires a combination of protective measures and regular maintenance. Here are the steps to keep them looking flawless for years.
Use furniture pads:
Furniture is one of the key reasons why scratched wood floors exist. Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches when moving chairs, tables and couches. For heavy furniture, use furniture coasters and area rugs underneath.
Be mindful of pet nails:
Keep your dog’s and cat’s nails trimmed to minimize scratches from running or playing. Must use pet friendly rugs in high traffic areas where they love to roam.
Place rugs and runners in high traffic areas:
Entryways and living rooms are prone to wear and tear. Place rugs and runners in these areas. Use non-slip rug pads to prevent movement and protect the floor.
Avoid shoes indoor:
Shoes with hard heels or points can be very dangerous for floors. High heels and sports shoes do not evenly distribute weight, making dents and pock marks a very real risk. Even shoes with soft bottoms can still track and grind dirt into your floors, transforming your shoes into stylish sandpaper. The best remedy is to remove shoes altogether, offering your guest soft slippers to use when in your home.
Clean floors the right way:
Dirt, debris and more can damage wood floors. They can cause scratches or even more serious damage. So, ensuring your wood floors are cleaned regularly can reduce the risk of scratches. You can use a soft cloth to sweep floors or purchase a vacuum cleaner that’s safe to use on wood flooring.
Avoid rolling chairs:
Rolling chairs can really scratch up hardwood floors when they get in touch with dirt and grit. You can either avoid using these chairs or place pads under the wheels. Also, check the wheels for any potential damage and clean them regularly to prevent scratches.
Conclusion:
Preventing scratches on hardwood floors is all about proactive care. Using materials, keeping floors clean and being mindful of furniture and foot traffic. By implementing these steps, you can keep your floors looking new for years.
How Often Should You Refinish Hardwood Floors?
You should refinish hardwood floors every 7-10 years in high traffic areas and every 10-15 years in lower traffic areas. Depending on the level of wear and tear on your floors, the quality of the original finish and how well you maintain them.
Key points to remember:
Signs that your hardwood floors need refinishing:
- Deep scratches or spots indicate the protective finish is wearing off.
- Sun exposure and water damage can cause uneven coloring.
- If floors look dull even after cleaning, the finish may be wearing down.
- If water soaks into the wood instead of beading up, it’s time to refinish.
- Warped boards or rough textures mean refinishing or replacement is needed.
Alternative to full refinishing:
- If your floors are not heavily damaged, consider buffing and recoating instead of full refinishing.
- Screening and recoating every 3 to 5 years.
- Deep cleaning and polishing every 6 to 12 months to maintain the finish.
Factors that affect refinishing frequency:
- Solid hardwood can be refinished multiple times, while engineered wood has a limited number of refinishing cycles.
- Polyurethane lasts longer 7 to 10 years, while oil based finishes may require refinishing sooner.
- Home with kids, pets or heavy foot traffic will need refinishing.
Hardwood vs. Laminate: Which is More Scratch-Resistant?
When comparing scratch resistance, so laminate flooring is generally considered more scratch resistant than hardwood flooring due to its protective wear layer on the top, making it better suited for high traffic areas and resisting scratches from everyday wear and tear; however, while laminate is more scratch resistant, hardwood can be sanded and refinished to restore its appearance over time, which laminate cannot do.
Key points to remember:
Hardwood flooring:
- Low to moderate can scratch easily from pets, furniture and foot traffic.
- Typically can last 50+ years with refinishing.
- Prone to scratches from pets nails and heavy furniture.
- It can be sanded and refinished multiple times.
Laminate flooring:
- It is highly designed with a protective wear layer that resists scratches.
- Typically lasts 15 to 30 years but can’t be refinished.
- Better for pets and high traffic areas.
- Scratches cannot be repaired, the entire plank must be replaced.
If you’re searching for the best vinyl flooring in Edmonton, don’t worry, we are the leading flooring store in Edmonton. We offer top-quality luxury vinyl plank flooring, hardwood flooring, gym flooring, and more. Visit our website for more details.
FAQ’S:
- Can Vinegar and Baking Soda Help Remove Scratches from Hardwood?
A mixture of vinegar and baking soda can be used as a general cleaner for hardwood floors, it is not considered effective for removing scratches from hardwood.
- Do scratches come out of hardwood floors?
Yes, minor scratches on hardwood floors can often be removed or significantly minimized using various methods depending on the severity.
- Do dog claws scratch hardwood floors?
Yes, dog claws can scratch hardwood floors. While hard wood is durable it can dent and scratch from sharp objects like dog claws.
- Can I restore a hardwood floor without sanding?
Yes, you can restore a hardwood floor without sanding by buffing, screening or using a sandals refinishing product.
- Is it better to recoat or refinish hardwood floors?
Recoating is generally better as it’s a less invasive and cheaper option compared to refinishing.
