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0 Hardwood floors bring a classic, elegant touch to any home, but scratches can sometimes steal the spotlight. Whether they’re from furniture, pet claws, or everyday wear and tear, those pesky marks can make your beautiful floors look less than perfect.
The good news? You don’t have to live with them! With a few simple techniques and help from a trusted flooring contractor near me, you can restore your floors to their original glory. Here’s how to handle scratches, no matter how big or small.
1. Identify the Type of Scratch
Before you jump into fixing the scratches, it’s important to figure out what kind of damage you’re dealing with.
- Surface Scratches: These are shallow marks that only affect the finish of the floor.
- Deeper Scratches: These go beyond the finish and into the wood itself.
- Gouges: These are deeper, more serious dents or chunks missing from the wood.
The solution will depend on how deep the scratch goes.
2. Quick Fixes for Surface Scratches
Surface scratches are easy to fix, and you might already have what you need at home:
- Use a Wood Floor Cleaner and Buff: Start by cleaning the area with a wood floor cleaner to remove dirt and debris. Then, use a soft cloth to buff the scratch gently. Sometimes, the scratch may disappear after cleaning and buffing alone.
- Apply a Wood Repair Marker: These markers are available at hardware stores and come in various wood tones. Just color over the scratch, wipe off the excess, and you’re good to go!
3. Tackling Deeper Scratches
When scratches go beyond the surface, you’ll need a bit more effort:
- Wood Filler or Wax Sticks: For medium-depth scratches, fill the groove with wood filler or a wax stick that matches your floor’s color. Smooth it out with a putty knife, let it dry, and buff it to blend.
- Sanding and Refinishing: For deeper scratches, sanding down the affected area and applying a new coat of finish can make a huge difference. This is where calling a professional flooring contractor near me can save you time and hassle.
4. Dealing with Gouges and Major Damage
Big scratches or gouges might require professional help:
- Replace the Damaged Board: In cases of severe damage, replacing the individual plank may be the best solution. A professional contractor can seamlessly match the new board with the rest of your floor.
- Full Refinishing: If your floors have a lot of scratches, refinishing the entire surface can give them a fresh, like-new appearance.
5. Preventing Future Scratches
Once your hardwood floors are looking great again, you’ll want to keep them that way.
- Use Furniture Pads: Stick pads on the bottom of furniture legs to prevent scuffing.
- Keep Claws Trimmed: Regularly trim your pets’ nails to reduce the chance of scratches.
- Lay Down Rugs and Mats: Use rugs in high-traffic areas or under heavy furniture to protect your floors.
Why Call a Professional?
While some scratches can be DIY-fixed, deeper ones often require a professional touch. A trusted flooring contractor near me, like D&T Hardwood Floors in Portland, ME, can assess the damage and provide the best solution for your specific floors. Whether it’s minor touch-ups or a full refinishing, we’ve got the skills and tools to make your hardwood floors look flawless again.
Let Us Restore Your Floors
Don’t let scratches keep you from loving your hardwood floors. Contact D&T Hardwood Floors today for expert advice and services that will make your floors shine. Whether you need a quick repair or a complete refinishing, we’re here to help!
