A true asset for charm and comfort, hardwood flooring has been highly popular for several decades. The richness of its characteristics and colors also allows for a perfectly adapted touch to the home’s decor, whether rustic or contemporary. But over time, nicks, tears, or small holes may appear. Here are 7 tips for successful hardwood floor repair.
1. Concealing small holes
Small holes in a hardwood floor can be filled with putty of the same shade as the flooring. The repair may remain visible; however, it can blend into the floor as it will resemble a knot in a wooden plank. Note that it’s preferable to replace the plank if the hole exceeds a quarter-inch, for aesthetic reasons.
2. Touching up light scratches
To touch up shallow scratches, it’s always best to identify the planks and cut them using masking tape to separate the damaged plank from the others. Lightly sand with 220-grit sandpaper until the scratch disappears. Then apply a layer of varnish with the same sheen and quickly remove the tape to avoid leaving a demarcation. In the case of pre-finished flooring, it’s better to replace the plank with an identical one. Any varnish corrections on pre-finished flooring will be visible.
3. Correcting deep scratches
Deep scratches are generally more difficult to correct or conceal without professional help. It is therefore recommended to call an expert who can properly assess the situation and offer you an aesthetic and safe solution for your floor.
4. Replacing a hardwood plank
When a plank is too damaged to be repaired, it must be removed using a wood chisel and replaced. A new piece of plank of the same size should then be placed, ensuring that the grooves match those of the planks that remain in position.
5. Repairing a warped floor with access from underneath
Before starting the repair, the source of excess moisture must be identified and corrected.
If the floor is accessible from underneath, it’s sometimes possible to repair the damage without removing the plank, but in most cases, the damaged area will need to be replaced. Place a weight, such as a concrete block, on the damaged area. Then drive a short screw less than an inch long through the subfloor and the warped plank from underneath, without the screw piercing through the wood. The screw will pull on the floor and eliminate the warping.
6. Eliminating squeaks in a hardwood floor plank
Once you’ve located the planks causing the squeak, apply graphite powder or talcum powder in the joints between the noisy floor panels.
If this method doesn’t work, it’s possible to nail down the loose or warped plank and then fill the nail holes with wood putty using a color that matches the floor. It’s also possible to install breakaway head screws, or to inject glue that will create a bridge between the floor and the subfloor. If you have access to the subfloor from the lower floor, you can simply correct the problem using screws.
7. Repairing a dent in wooden parquet
To repair a slight dent in wooden parquet, simply place a clean cloth or damp paper towel on the dented area of the parquet and heat with an iron at maximum power and steam for three to five minutes, making circular movements. During the process, be sure to re-wet the cloth as soon as it starts to dry. For a more significant dent, it’s advisable to call a professional.
No matter how well you maintain and care for your hardwood floor, you can’t avoid all incidents. However, with good advice, making small repairs is within everyone’s reach and allows you to maintain an impeccable hardwood floor at all times.
