how to fix scratches in engineered hardwood floors

Daniel Parker

3 min read

·

07-02-2025

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Maintaining the beauty of your engineered hardwood floors is essential. Scratches, unfortunately, are a common occurrence. This comprehensive guide will show you how to repair minor to moderate scratches, restoring your floors to their former glory. We'll cover various techniques and products, ensuring you have the tools to tackle any scratch effectively.

Assessing the Damage: Types of Scratches

Before diving into repairs, understanding the severity of the scratch is crucial. The approach varies based on the scratch's depth and severity.

Minor Scratches (Surface Scratches):

These are superficial scratches affecting only the finish. They're usually light and barely noticeable.

Moderate Scratches (Deeper Scratches):

These penetrate the top layer of wood, but not the deeper layers. They are more visible and require more involved repair.

Severe Scratches (Deep Scratches):

These scratches go deep into the wood, potentially exposing the core. They often require professional repair or replacement of the damaged board.

Supplies You'll Need

Gather these supplies before you begin. The specific items you need may vary based on the severity of the scratches.

• Wood filler: Choose a color that closely matches your floor. Available in sticks, tubes, or putty.
• Fine-grit sandpaper (150-220 grit): For smoothing out the filler.
• Tack cloth: For removing dust after sanding.
• Soft cloths: For cleaning and applying the finish.
• Touch-up pen or marker: Color-matched to your floor.
• Polyurethane finish: Matches your floor's existing finish (water-based or oil-based). Apply sparingly!
• Putty knife or small spatula: For applying wood filler.
• Pencil: To trace the scratch outline (optional).

How to Repair Minor Scratches

For minor scratches, a simple touch-up is often sufficient.

1. Clean the Area: Thoroughly clean the scratched area with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Allow it to dry completely.
2. Apply Touch-up Pen/Marker: Carefully apply the touch-up pen or marker, following the grain of the wood. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat.
3. Buff (Optional): After the touch-up dries, gently buff the area with a soft cloth to blend the repair.

How to Repair Moderate Scratches

Moderate scratches require a bit more effort and the use of wood filler.

1. Clean the Area: As before, clean the area thoroughly.
2. Apply Wood Filler: Using a putty knife or spatula, apply the wood filler, slightly overfilling the scratch. Work it into the scratch, ensuring it's level with the surrounding floor.
3. Let it Dry: Allow the wood filler to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. This may take several hours.
4. Sand Smoothly: Once dry, use fine-grit sandpaper to gently sand the filler flush with the surrounding floor. Sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid creating more scratches.
5. Clean the Area: Use a tack cloth to remove all dust.
6. Apply Touch-up and Finish (Optional): Apply a color-matched touch-up pen or marker. Then, consider a light coat of polyurethane for added protection.

How to Repair Deep Scratches: When to Call a Professional

Deep scratches that penetrate beyond the surface layer often need professional attention. Attempting to repair these scratches yourself may worsen the damage. A professional can assess the damage and determine the best course of action, which may include replacing the damaged board.

Preventative Measures: Protecting Your Engineered Hardwood Floors

Prevention is always better than cure! Here are some tips to minimize scratches:

• Use Area Rugs: Place rugs in high-traffic areas to reduce wear and tear.
• Felt Pads: Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratching.
• Shoe Removal: Encourage guests to remove their shoes to prevent dirt and grit from scratching the floor.
• Regular Cleaning: Regular sweeping or vacuuming removes debris that can cause scratching.
• Use Protective Mats: Use mats in entryways to trap dirt and grit.

Conclusion

Knowing how to fix scratches in your engineered hardwood floors empowers you to maintain their beauty and value. From minor touch-ups to moderate repairs, these techniques can significantly improve the appearance of your flooring. Remember, for severe scratches, professional help is often the best solution. By following these steps and taking preventative measures, you can enjoy your beautiful hardwood floors for years to come.