How To Fix Scratches On Wood Floor

Wood floor is a very popular type of flooring that many people choose for their homes. Wood flooring is typically very hard-wearing, and the fact that it can withstand a lot of footfall is a huge part of what makes it such a popular choice.

However, despite it being very hard-wearing, it is actually not uncommon for the wood floor to become scratched.

If this does happen, you might find yourself stressed trying to find ways to fix the scratches, and get your wood floor looking as good as new. 

If this is the case, you are in the right place. In this guide, we’re taking a look at how to fix scratches on wood floors. So if you want to find out more, keep on reading!

What Causes Scratches On Wood Floor?

First things first, let’s take a look at what causes scratches on wood floors. There are lots of different things that can cause your wooden floor to become scratched, but the main culprits include dirt, grit, and sand. 

It can be surprising the damage that these small things can do to your wood floor. But when dirt, grit, or sand gets onto your wood floor, and then it is walked upon, this can cause damage to your wood flooring.

The dirt, grit, or sand can penetrate the wood and then be scuffed across the floor as you walk, and this is what will typically cause scratches. 

Of course, these aren’t the only things that can cause scratches to wood flooring. Depending on where in your home you have the wood floor, you might find that furniture can cause scratches to your floor.

If you drag a chair across the floor then the legs of the chair can cause scratches. Likewise if your couch slides back on the floor, this could also cause a scratch on the flooring. 

If you notice a scratch on your wood floor, it is understandable that you may be alarmed. Wood floor is by no means cheap, so you probably want to keep it looking as good as new for as long as possible.

So can you get scratches out of the wood floor?

Can You Get Scratches Out Of The Wood Floor?

Thankfully, most of the time, you will be able to get scratches out of the wood floor. The effectiveness of the attempt will depend on a number of factors, primarily the depth of the scratch. 

However, with the right methods to hand, you will usually be able to get scratches out of your wood floor. In this guide, we’ll be taking a look at a couple of different methods that you should consider using to get scratches out of your wood floor.

So without any further ado, let’s dive right in and take a look.

How To Fix Scratches On Wood Floor

If you notice scratches on your wood floor, it is incredibly important that you get to work on removing them right away. Time is key for getting scratches out of your wood floor.

The method that you should use will depend on the depth of the scratch, and how long the scratch has been there. So, let’s take a look at some methods that you should use. 

Surface Scratches

Surface scratches are scratches that have only broken through the protective layer on your wood floor. The whole point of the protective layer is to protect your wood floor, so removing superficial scratches is usually easy.

To remove superficial scratches you will be required to use floor cleaner, water, soft cloths, and a matching protective coating. 

Begin by cleaning the floor with a soft cloth and the floor cleaner. This will remove any dirt and debris from the surface of the floor. Wipe it clean with a small amount of water, then dry the area.

Then begin to apply the protective coating to the area that has been scratched. After the coating has dried, buff it out, and your wood floor will look as good as new. 

Minor Scratches

Minor scratches have penetrated the protective coating and affected the wood beneath. Thankfully, the damage to the wood beneath the protective coating is only minor, so you can usually repair these scratches.

To do so you should gather water, floor cleaner, soft cloths, steel wool, fine grade sandpaper, and wood wax repair sticks.

Begin by cleaning the scratch and the area immediately around it using the soft cloth and floor cleaner. Wipe the area clean with some water, and leave it to dry.

Take the steel wool and begin to rub over the scratch with the grain of the wood (never against it). Then blend it in using the sandpaper. Once that is done apply the wood wax repair sticks, and leave to dry. Then buff it out, and the scratch should be repaired. 

Major Scratches

Major scratches are scratches that have gouged deeply into the wood grain. These are the most dramatic scratches and they really can ruin your wood flooring.

Sadly, if this occurs to your wood flooring, then most of the time you will need to seek professional advice to get the issue fixed. 

While you could attempt to fix these issues yourself, we would almost always recommend against it. Sadly, if you are not a professional, most of the time attempts to fix these scratches will actually make the issues worse.

Unfortunately, major scratches are a big fix, and they are the most concerning type of scratch that you can have in your wood floor. So it is best not to mess around with these scratches, instead you should speak to a professional right away. 

Summary

Wood floor is typically very hard-wearing, but unfortunately, it is not immune to scratches. If you spot scratches on your wood floor, then it is understandable that you might be alarmed. 

In this guide, we have taken a look at how to fix scratches on your wood floor, including superficial, minor and major scratches. So if you want to fix scratches, check out the guide above. 

Thanks for reading!