How to Repair Wooden Floors

Repairing a wood floor can add new life to your home or office.

Wooden floors can suffer wear and tear over time if they are not treated properly. Luckily, if you catch it early enough, it is possible to reverse or repair much of the damage. To properly repair a wooden floor, you must be ready to fix the current damage and then treat the wood to avoid issues in the future, but the nice thing about that is once you've put all that effort into the floors, they will last for several years before you even need to think about them again.

Things You'll Need

• Electric sander and sandpaper (20 grit and 50 grit)
• Claw hammer
• Pry bar

Instructions

Repair

1. Sand the wood with 50 grit sandpaper if your problem is a minor one like scratches. For large areas, rent an electric sanding machine so you can cover a large area faster and begin with 20 grit sandpaper. When repairing a wood floor by sanding, it is usually best to sand the entire floor to avoid leaving a funny-looking spot.

2. Pull up the damaged board or boards if there is major damage. If you know who the manufacturer of the wood is, you may be able to find the same wood to replace your damaged boards. The manufacturer's name is often stamped on the bottom of the wood.

3. Buy wood flooring that is stained as similarly as possible to your floor if you cannot find the original manufacturer. You can minimize the difference between the old floor and the new boards by sanding everything down with 20 grit sandpaper and a sander. Once the wood appears uniform, re-sand it with 50 grit sandpaper to smooth it out.

Treat

1. Buy a wood floor finish. There are several different types of wood sealant available at your local hardware store. The two main types are oil- and water-based. Some types require a base coat and others don't, so check the directions on your finish before leaving the store.

2. Clean the floor thoroughly with water, allow it to dry, then vacuum it carefully. Make sure there is absolutely no sandpaper, dust, dirt or debris of any kind on the floor or it will become part of the floor permanently when you apply your finish.

3. Apply the base coat product (if required). The manufacturer of your finish will specify the type of applicator you must use, which is usually a rag-type cloth on a broom handle. Begin at the wall furthest from the door and work back so you don't paint yourself into the room.

4. Allow the first coat to dry as per the manufacturer's instructions. Once dry, apply the second coat. Repeat until the floor is finished.

Tips & Warnings

• Most products recommend a minimum of two coats of floor finish, but the general rule should be no less than three for best results.

• Apply the base coat and finish sparingly; never make it thick.

References

• Wood Floor Doctor: How to Repair a Hardwood Floor for D.I.Y's and Contractors
• Perma: Wood Floor Restoration, Refinishing, Cleaning and Maintenance