How do you fix badly damaged hardwood floors?

Author: Gerard Grant  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Start by cleaning the damaged area to remove dirt and debris. Next, apply wood filler to the damaged spot and level it carefully using a putty knife. Once the filler has dried, use sandpaper to smooth the repaired area. Finally, apply stain and finish to match the surrounding floor, achieving a seamless repair.

Can severely damaged hardwood floors be repaired?

While superficial damage can often be repaired, damage that goes deeper into the wood planks, impacts the subfloor, or impacts the structural integrity of the flooring should always be replaced.

How to repair a wooden floor without replacing it?

Choose the Right Filler: - Use a wood filler or epoxy that matches the color of your floor. For larger cracks, epoxy might be more suitable due to its durability. Apply the Filler: - Using a putty knife, apply the wood filler or epoxy into the crack. Press it in firmly to ensure it fills the entire space.

How do you repair a deep gouge in hardwood floors?

To fix a deep scratch

For this you'll need a wax filer stick in a matching color. Rub into the gouge until it is filled, before using a clean, soft cloth to buff away any excess. The scratch should disappear.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace hardwood floors?

Refinishing could save you roughly $4 per square foot compared to replacing the floors. For a 1,000 square foot area, that's a potential savings of $4,000. To replace hardwood floors, you could expect to pay $6 to $12 per square foot as of 2025.

3 DIY Ways to Fix a Scratch in Hardwood Floors

What hardwood floors cannot be refinished?

Next, you will need to determine whether the wood floors in your house are solid hardwood or engineered wood. That is an essential distinction because engineered flooring cannot be sanded and refinished like solid hardwood flooring can.

What is the average cost to replace a wood floor?

The national average cost to install hardwood flooring is $6 to $12 per square foot for labor and material fees. For higher-end wood and larger spaces, like if you're redoing your entire first floor in hardwood, you may pay more—possibly between $13 and $25 per square foot.

Can you use wood filler for damaged hardwood floors?

But even though we've all been trained to doubt products that sound too good to be true, most people continue to believe that woodfiller will fix just about anything that ails a hardwood floor. But in the world of hardwood flooring, woodfiller is designed to camouflage small holes and chips in the floor, and that's it.

How do you fix deep gouges in wood?

Fill deep cracks and gouges with wood filler or water putty; leave the filler slightly high to allow for shrinkage as it dries. When the patch is dry, sand it smooth. Cracks and gouges are a common problem on wood furniture, especially if the piece is old or is excessively used.

How to fix a chunk out of a wood floor?

How To Fix A Chipped Edge On Wood Flooring
  1. Tools needed: Hard wax that matches your floor. ...
  2. Step 1: Warm up the iron and pick your wax. ...
  3. Step 2: Melt wax into the chipped area. ...
  4. Step 3: Scrape off excess wax and recreate bevel. ...
  5. Step 4: Blend in repair. ...
  6. Use These Steps To Fix Other Blemishes.

How can I repair my hardwood floors myself?

  1. Prep the Room. Remove all furniture, window treatments and rugs. ...
  2. Patch and Repair. Check the floor for larger holes or cracks and repair using wood filler and a spackle knife. ...
  3. Sand the Floor. ...
  4. Buff the Floor. ...
  5. Prep for Sealer or Stain. ...
  6. Apply Stain (Optional) ...
  7. Seal the Floor.

Can you replace individual pieces of hardwood floor?

Thankfully, you don't need to replace the whole floor. This helpful guide will take you through the steps you need to take when replacing floorboards and hardwood floor planks.

Why does my hardwood floor make a cracking sound when I walk?

The most likely issue for a new floor that's noisy is that it needs time to settle. It can take time for the wood to properly acclimate to the new environment and get used to the way that environment will make it move, even sealed wood will have minor changes in size depending on the environment it's exposed to.

Can hardwood floors be salvaged?

Almost all old floors can be salvaged and refinished by skilled contractors.

What is the life expectancy of hardwood floors?

Solid hardwood flooring lasts 30 to 100 years (or more), while engineered hardwood flooring can last at least 20 to 30 years. Your floor's life span depends on the type of wood, the quality of the product, how it was installed, where it is located, and whether it receives regular maintenance.

How do you fix a large gouge in a wood floor?

Use Wood Putty: For deep gouges, wood putty is your best bet. It's available in various shades to match your floor color. Apply it with a putty knife, ensuring it's packed well into the gouge.

What is the best wood filler for large gouges?

Our recommendation for the best wood filler is the Toupret Extrem Wood Filler, also from Toupret's filler range, as it provides a comprehensive repair system for interior and exterior wood, plus it is designed to repair both large and small gaps, cracks and holes.

How do you fix deep cuts in hardwood floors?

Major Scratches On Wood Floors
  1. Lightly moisten your scouring pad with mineral spirits. Once your pad is moist, gently rub over the scratched area.
  2. Wipe clean. Wipe off any excess with a clean cloth and allow to dry.
  3. If it is a deep scratch, apply a wood putty. ...
  4. Sand smooth. ...
  5. Apply a fresh coat of polyurethane.

What is the best filler for hardwood floors?

We recommend Bona Pacific Filler, Woodwise Full Trowel, and Loba EasyFill.
  • When filling hardwood floors, choose a hardwood filler, as these provide deep penetration of the scratch/gap and a smooth finish. ...
  • This type of filler can be used on water and solvent-based stains or finishes.

How to restore hardwood floors without sanding?

To refinish old wood floors without sanding, use a no-sand refinishing product, such as a liquid sander or refinisher, which helps to clean and etch the surface. First, clean the floor thoroughly to remove dust and dirt. Apply the refinishing product with a mop or cloth, working in small sections, and allow it to dry.

How do you cover damaged hardwood floors?

To cover an ugly or damaged wood floor, consider options like large area rugs, vinyl planks, or laminate flooring. If you want a permanent solution, you could refinish the floor by sanding and re-staining it.

How much does it cost to install 1000 square feet of hardwood floors?

Installing hardwood floors in a 1000 sq ft area typically costs between $7,000 and $25,000, with most homeowners paying an average of $16,000.

Is it worth redoing hardwood floors?

In short and without a doubt, yes. Aside from the personal satisfaction of taking pride in your hardwood floors, you may find that the value of your home has increased as a result of your decision to refinish your floors.

Can you replace one piece of hardwood floor?

Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you. Your beloved hardwood floor's aesthetic can be easily upended by a rogue board with water damage, cracks, or grooves. But try not to fret—you can replace individual wood planks on your own without having to replace the entire floor.

Previous article
How do you keep your house warm during a power outage?
Next article
Why does my oven smell after changing element?