How to Repair a Damaged Hardwood Floor

Hardwood floors are susceptible to damages like splits, cracks, gaps, buckling, cupping, scratching, staining and warping. Some of these damages are inevitable and some occur due to lack of proper care by the homeowners. However there is no need to worry as all these damages to hardwood floors can be repaired by you if you are a do-it-yourselfer or by hiring professionals. These repairs can be carried out at a fraction of the cost of replacing the floor so there is no reason why you should wait to get them repaired. In fact if you take up the repairs when the damages are minor then you can prevent costly repairs later on. Below are some tips on how to repair damaged hardwood floor that will help you to keep your floor looking good until it is time for complete replacement.

Hardwood Floor Repair: Repairing Scratches.

Scratches are a part of normal wear and tear of hardwood floors in the home. The are caused while sweeping, wiping spills, grit on the soles of shoes, pets, moving furniture or when sharp objects are dropped on the hardwood floor. With some caution scratches can be reduced but it is impossible to avoid them completely.

To repair scratches rough up the area slightly with steel wool or sand paper. You should rub in a circular motion or in the direction of the wood grain so that the wood is not damaged. Using a soft cloth dipped in mineral spirits wipe of the area of any wood particles and dust. After the spot has dried up completely paint the area with a fine paintbrush dipped in the floor finish that was used originally. Make sure to apply just adequate finish so the repaired spot matches with the surrounding area. Color sticks and touch up kits are also available in stores for this purpose.

Hardwood Floor Repair: Repairing Cracked or Split Wood.

After many years of use hardwood floors may develop cracks or small splits on the surface. These cracks and splits can be repaired on the spot by securing both the pieces together using angled nails and then hiding the crack with wood putty. However, if the there are a number of large cracks you may have to refinish the whole floor and if the split is deep then you may have to replace the whole plank.

Hardwood Floor Repair: Repairing Gaps in Between the Planks.

Due to seasonal change in humidity levels the hardwood planks expand and shrink causing gaps between the planks. This cannot be completely avoided because of the nature of the wood. You need not worry if the gap is the thickness of a dime then it is considered as normal. Just wait out the wet season and the gaps will close by themselves. However if due to constant expanding and contracting more gap develops then you may have to seek professional help for tightening up the planks.

Hardwood Floor Repair: Repairing Warped Hardwood Floors.

Warping or sagging of the hardwood floor indicates serious moisture problems inside the home. This is rarely caused by any defect in the hardwood or the installation of the floor. It is necessary to identify the cause of moisture problems and correct them with the help of professionals. The problem of warping should be addressed as soon as it is observed to prevent further warping of the wood. After the moisture problems are corrected you may need to replace the warped planks.

Hardwood Floor Repair: Repairing Buckled of Hardwood Floors.

Buckling of the hardwood floor occurs when the boards lift up from the sub floor to which they are attached. This is caused by warping of the wood due high humidity levels usually at the sub floor level. You will need the help of a professional hardwood installer to identify the cause of the problem. This problem needs immediate attention as it may cause tripping and the damage may spread. After the cause of humidity is identifies and taken care of the buckled planks can be secured with the sub floor fixing screws or with cement blocks.

Hardwood Floor Repair: Repairing Cupped Hardwood Floors.

Cupping or washboarding of hardwood floors is characterized by the rising up of wood strips at the edges while the center portion sinks down. This problem occurs due to the difference of humidity levels at the top and bottom of the wood strips. When the bottom of the plank expands and the top doesn’t because it is drier the uneven expansion causer the edges to rise up. It is necessary to balance the moisture levels if necessary with professional help. Once the moisture levels at the top and bottom of the wood are balanced the planks will straighten out. If the edges are still slightly raised the can be sanded and refinished to the right level.

Hardwood Floor Repair: Repairing Stained Hardwood Floors.

If the stain has affected only small spots then you can do spot repair on that portion. First you have to sand out the stained portion and then apply a stain remover for hardwoods available in the stores. Use protective gear as necessary. Moisten the stained spot with a clean white cloth dipped in the stain remover solution. See instructions on the label. Let it set for about one hour. If the stain is not gone then repeat the process. Once the stain is gone, rinse the spot with vinegar and leave it to dry completely. Finally apply an oil based wood stain that matches in color with the surrounding portions and let it dry.

The above tips on how to repair a damaged hardwood floor should help you to handle most of the problems arising over time. Whenever in doubt please seek professional help.