How to Fix Wooden Floors

Learn how to fix common wood floor problems instead of replacing the floor.

Several problems present in wood floors may require small or large repairs. Common problems include scratches and squeaking. These can lower the value of your home, get on your nerves and make your home look untidy and unkempt. While some problems require less than a day to fix, others consume a lot of time and money, especially if you must replace the floor. Simple fixes take less than a day and do not require a team of professionals.

Things You'll Need

• Steel wool
• Lightweight sandpaper
• Mineral spirits
• Damp cloth
• Wood filler
• Plastic putty knife
• Paint roller
• Varnish, stain or polyurethane
• Wood lubricant
• Broom
• Reciprocating saw
• Nail
• Hammer

Instructions

Fixing Scratches

1. For shallow, small scratches use steel wool to sand out; for deep scratches, use lightweight sandpaper. Do not apply a lot of pressure and follow the grain of the wood.

2. Use a cloth dampened in mineral spirits to clean and wipe away sanding dust..

3. Fill scratches with wood filler. Use a plastic putty knife to apply and create a smooth surface flush with the rest of the floor.

4. Allow to dry and sand away excess filler.

5. Reapply varnish, stain or polyurethane with a paint roller over areas where you filled scratches.

Fixing Squeaky Wood Floors

1. Try simple methods of fixing squeaky floors before you diagnose a more complicated problem. The squeaking may result from floor boards rubbing together, so try applying wood floor lubricants in the cracks between boards and cleaning the excess with a broom and damp cloth.

2. Check for nails causing noise as they rub against floor joists and boards. If nails miss the joists they will cause squeaking; use a reciprocating saw to cut exposed nail heads and replace them as necessary, being sure to hit joists.

3. Drive nails into hardwood floors where gaps exist between the flooring and sub-flooring. This stops squeaking and prevents warping.

References

• Dummies.com: How to Fix Scratches in Hardwood Floors
• Don Vandervort's Home Tips.com: How to Fix a Squeaky Woof Floor

Resources

• Wood Floors Online: How to Spot Problems with Your Wood Floors