How to Repair Hardwood Floors

When faced with flooring options, many people dismiss hardwood floors due to misconceptions about upkeep and durability. Granted, maintenance on hardwood is higher than that of vinyl or laminate. The fact is, though, that wood floors can last for many years with proper care, since the wood itself is extremely durable. It is the polyurethane finish on the floor that may be tricky to repair if damaged. Here are some tips on how to repair blemishes in order to keep your wood floor looking brand new.

Minor Scratches: If your finish has acquired some minor scratches, there is no need to sand and re-stain. Rather, take advantage of cover-ups available in hardware stores. Use a wax stick or wood stain marker to camouflage the area, filling in the scratches with a matching shade.

Water Spots: A common problem with spills or pet accidents, water spots can cause discoloration of the wood. The main rule is to wipe up any spills as soon as possible with a dry cloth. However, if you don't catch a spill and a water spot is left, it can easily be fixed. Dark spots can be removed by using fine steel wool and mineral spirits on the area. A soft cloth dampened with white vinegar may also work.

Waxy Drips: Waxy items, such as crayons, candle wax, and chewing gum may be difficult to clean with a damp sponge if left to dry. Instead, fill a plastic bag with ice and place it on the wax area for five minutes. Then, use a spoon or piece of hard plastic (a credit card works well) to scrape the wax off the floor. Clean the area with wood floor cleaner and your floor will be good as new.

Larger Spots or Total Re-Do: There may indeed come a time when your wood floor is in need of a total refinish. If this is the case, clean the floor thoroughly, then sand the area. Use fine grit sandpaper for a small spot, but you may wish to rent a commercial sander for a larger surface. Be gentle with your sanding, though. You don't want to cut into the wood to create more scratches and, if you take off too much of the top layer, it may be hard to match the color to the existing wood. Obviously, if your intention is a total refinish, sand down to the bare wood. After sanding, clean well to remove any dust. Apply stain using a brush or cloth, then apply polyurethane with a foam brush. If the area was only a touch-up, use a dry brush at the edges to blend in the polyurethane with the existing finish.

So, yes, there is upkeep required for hardwood floors in order to keep them looking nice. However, if you fix the small problems as they arise, the upkeep is no more than the maintenance required on the rest of your home. Put forth a small amount of effort and these beautiful and durable floors will last for generations to come.