How to Fix Scratches on Hardwood Floors (5 Easy Steps)

Hardwood flooring is one of the most desired flooring options due to its longevity, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Unfortunately, life can wreak havoc on hardwood floors — whether your animals get rambunctious or haven’t had their nails clipped in too long, or your children are playing a little too rough on them. Either way, the scratches stretched across the beautiful hardwood surface can be somewhat of an eyesore, so repair and maintenance are crucial to restoring your floor to its original glory. 

The process is relatively simple, especially if the scratches are shallow. Deeper gouges into the wood require more TLC, but both are fixable. This article explores the steps involved in removing those pesky scratches to maintain your floor’s beauty and value, so stick around to learn more.

Step 1: Assess the Damage and Choose the Right Method

When you initially notice the damage on your floors, the first thing to do is assess the situation to choose the proper repair method. The correct home improvement option will depend on factors specific to the damage, including the depth and extent. 

Minor hardwood floor scratches are fixable with steel wool or sandpaper, as homeowners can buff out the mark by sanding in the direction of the wood grain. However, deeper scratches may require wood filler or wax to create an even surface. If the damaged area is large, you may need to refinish that area with stain or polyurethane. 

Read also: Premium Scratch-Resistant Flooring

Buffing 

Shallow, minor scratches that are almost unnoticeable (except to you, since you know they’re there) can get by with some buffing. This method requires the least amount of effort. 

It involves scuffing the area to buff out the scratch and restore the surface to its previously unmarred glory. You can use sandpaper or steel wool — either one will do the trick. 

Wood Filler

If the scratches are deep, you’ll need to enlist the help of wood filler. The wood filler will bridge the gap, creating an even surface that hides the deeper gouge. This process is simple, but you’ll need to prep the area accordingly and give the wood filler time to cure before sanding it down and staining it to match the surrounding floor. 

Wood fillers come in several tints to match varying woods, so shop around for an option that closely matches your floors. You can always stain the area when you’re done to get a close match — but if you go this route, you’ll want to match the wood filler color to the starting color of the floor. 

Refinishing

Extensive, widespread damage calls for refinishing. This method is the most involved option, as you’ll need to sand the area down to remove the damage and refinish it. You might need to incorporate wood filler into the mix if there are deep scratches or do more than one finish coat. 

If you’re working with a large area, you’ll probably want to enlist the help of an electric sander, as hand-sanding the entire floor is time-consuming and exhausting. Once you sand it down, fill any deep scratches and gouges in each floorboard with wood filler and stain and seal the area. 

Ideally, you might have leftover stain and sealant from the hardwood floor’s installation. If that isn’t the case, you’ll need to do some color matching. If you have a piece of wood the floor is made of, try staining it with a couple of options you think would closely match. Alternatively, you can bring in a section of wood with the existing stain and have it color-matched at your local paint store. 

Step 2: Prepare the Floor

Before repairing the hardwood floor, you’ll want to start with a clean surface. Clean up loose dirt and debris with a dry mop or broom. Next, use a clean rag or mop and hardwood cleaner to mop up the area and remove residual dirt and debris. 

If there are deep scratches in the wood, you should clean them by hand with a soft cloth dipped in hardwood cleaner. Let the wood completely dry before you start repairs. 

Step 3: Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials

While your work surface is drying, gather the necessary tools and materials for the repair process. If you’re dealing with minor scratches, you’ll need the following:

Step 4: Repair the Scratches on Hardwood Floors

Once you gather the materials for the method you’re following, it’s time to start the repair. Follow these steps for minor scratches:

1. Scuff the area with sandpaper or steel wool. This will remove any rough patches that may prevent the stain from adhering correctly. 
2. Clean dust from the area with a clean cloth. 
3. Follow the instructions on the stain-filled wood marker, applying it to the scratch. Start with light coats and build up to match the color of the surrounding floor. Ensure you give it enough time to set before allowing your pets or other people in that area again. 

If you’re repairing deep gouges and scratches, follow these steps:

1. Scuff the area with sandpaper to buff out rough patches that will prevent the wood filler from sticking in the gouge. 
2. Wipe the area clean with a soft rag to remove dust and debris. 
3. Fill the gap with wood filler, following the instructions on the packaging for application and curing times. Smooth the wood filler with a putty knife to ensure it creates a flat surface. It doesn’t need to be perfect, as you can sand it down later. 
4. Once the wood filler cures, gently sand the surface to ensure it’s flat and even with the surrounding floors. 
5. Wipe away sanding dust with a clean, dry cloth. 
6. Use a clean rag to apply the wood stain according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Start with a light coat and add extra layers to match the surrounding wood. You can also use a wood marker instead of a liquid stain to match the wood. Let the stain set. 
7. If the surrounding wood is glossy, you’ll need to apply a coat of shellac or polyurethane to ensure the repaired area doesn’t stick out with its matte surface. Gently apply the material with a brush and give it plenty of time to cure. 

If you’re dealing with extensive damage, it might be better to hire a professional, as this process can be somewhat complex, time-consuming, and requires specific tools. However, if you want to DIY the project, follow these steps:

1. You’ll want to use an industrial floor sander if the area is large. You’ll need protective equipment to avoid inhaling the dust, so ensure you prepare accordingly. Scuff sand the floors to remove the finish and buff out the small scratches. 
2. If the area is smaller and more manageable, you can sand the floors by hand. 
3. Once the area is sanded, vacuum up dirt and debris. Dry mop the floors to catch any excess dust, then use a damp mop with hardwood cleaner to finish cleaning the floors. Let the floor dry completely. 
4. Use wood filler in the holes, dents, and gouges, ensuring you give them plenty of time to cure. Smooth the surface with a putty knife. 
5. Sand the filled areas with sandpaper, then wipe up the dust with a clean rag. 
6. Stain the floors with a matching stain, ensuring you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Remember, it’s better to start light and work to a darker color than to automatically apply too much and end up with mismatched floors. Let the stain dry completely. 
7. Refinish the floors, following the manufacturer’s instructions. You’ll need a respirator with an organic vapor canister and booties to cover your shoes. Cut in the finish near any walls or doors with a brush. 
8. Wait for the finish to cure completely before allowing people and pets to walk on it. Let the area sit empty for a week before putting furniture on it. 

Step 5: Prevent Future Scratches on Hardwood Floors

Prevention is critical to preserving the beauty and value of your hardwood floors. While our furry companions are a joy to have around, taking preventative measures is essential. Try to keep your dog’s nails trimmed to avoid gouging. If you can’t cut them at home, take your dog to your local groomer or vet every few weeks for a quick nail trim. 

Use rugs, mats, and runners in high-traffic areas, particularly those where your dog or children enjoy racing around. We recommend using a non-slip mat underneath the rug to avoid accidents. Use furniture pads on the feet of couches, sofas, chairs, and other furniture to prevent scratches on the floor. 

Lastly, train your dog not to scratch or chew on the floor. We recommend discussing the behavior with a skilled dog trainer if you're unsure how to handle this process. 

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So, Is Fixing Scratches in Your Hardwood Flooring Worth It?

Repairing scratches in your hardwood floors can be simple unless you’re dealing with extensive damage. While DIYing the project with simple methods might work for some scratches, they might not work for extensive damage. 

If you’ve tried to remove the scratches to no avail, it might be time to hire a professional. They have the tools and expertise necessary to troubleshoot the problem and restore your hardwood floors to their stunning former glory — ensuring the aesthetics and value of your home remain high.