How to Repair Nail Holes & Cracks in Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors add a touch of elegance and class to a home. However, due to wear and tear on the floors, cracks may develop. Repairing cracks and nail holes doesn't have to be a time-consuming and frustrating process. It's a small problem. It doesn't require cutting and replacing boards with endless sanding and refinishing. Many times the problem can be fixed in only a few minutes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Painter's tape
• Wood filler
• Putty knife
• Nail
• Hammer
• Sandpaper

Repairing Cracks and Nail Holes in a Hardwood Floor

1. Stop the crack by growing any larger by driving angled nails into the wood from the side to hold the two sides of the crack together.

2. Tape the floor area around the crack and nail holes with painter's tape. This tape isn't only mildly adhesive, so it won't mar the finish on the floor. The tape will also protect the floor from the wood filler.

3. Use the putty knife to fill the crack and nail holes with wood filler, making sure to press it into the crack. Once filled, use the putty knife to level out the wood putty with the floor.

4. Allow the filler to dry fully and then sand the area smooth.

5. Remove the tape. You can then varnish or stain the area if you still need to match the color.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are only filling a nail hole Minwax Blend-Fil pencils can probably do the job. You may want to buy a few different colors of wood filler to bring home and use the one that most closely matches your wood. The unused containers can be returned later.
• If the crack is extensive, you probably need to remove the entire board and replace it, which is a more involved process.

Resources

• Bob Villa shows how to repair a hardwood floor