How to Repair Surface Cracks and Holes on a Wood Floor

If you have a beautiful wood floor, chances are you want to preserve its state as best you can. Wood enhances the look of a room and can even add to the overall profit of a home when selling. This said, if your floor ends up with cracks, gouges, holes or dents you must repair them quickly to avoid further damage being done. If the area in disrepair is quite small, such as a crack or dent, you can fill it with a wax stick made for wood. First gather your tools. You will need the following:

Protective gloves

Sharp knife

Mineral Spirits

Two clean, dry cloths

Wax Stick that matches your wood flooring

Put your protective gloves on to avoid splinters and use the sharp knife to remove any pieces of the wood that are protruding or otherwise have become out of place. Work along the grain of the wood so you do not cause any further damage. Dampen one of your cloths with the mineral spirits and rub it over the piece of wood you have just filed. Immediately use your other cloth to dry that same spot. Now you want to take your wax stick and move it rapidly back and forth with a firm and consistent motion until the indentation or crack is filled. Make sure the filler stops level to the floor.

If the damage to the floor is more than minor you are going to need a wood filler to repair it. You need to purchase a wood filler that is the same color as your existing flooring. Wear your protective gloves to protect your hands from both splinters and any chemicals that might be in the filler. Read the manufacturer’s instructions on how to mix or use the filler. Apply it with a putty knife to really get it down into the grooves. Make sure you put it in the damaged spot liberally. Once you have done this, use your putty knife to scrape any of the excess filler off of the floor, make it very level with the rest of the flooring. Allow to dry thoroughly. Now you are ready to use your sandpaper to smooth the filler. Be sure to go along the grain of the wood as you sand. Once you are finished with this brush off any excess particles and use your wax stick as directed above to touch up the finish.

These simple but effective steps will help you to repair any surface damage you have in your wood flooring. They are also cost effective which makes them an ideal solution for do-it-yourselfer’s on a budget.