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Photo: Vostok/Getty ImagesClassic and adaptable, hardwood floors are an ideal option for any home. However, for all the elegance they bring, this flooring choice has one downside: It’s susceptible to scratches and wear over time.
Luckily, there are ways to repair scratches on wood floors with the right techniques and products—ensuring those who walk on them are unaware of their scratched history. We reached out to experts to gather their top advice for repairing scratched wood floors, and they were eager to offer six solutions.
Coconut Oil
Ideal for: Bringing back the shine to dull wood floors
If your wood floors have lost their luster due to everyday wear, this gentle solution can help revive their original shine.
“The conditioning benefits will enhance the wood’s natural hues and leave a light, pleasant coconut fragrance,” says Rhonda Wilson, quality lead cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning. “Take a soft cloth, apply a small amount of oil, and gently rub it in small, circular motions. You'll observe the oil blending into the wood, almost as if it's ‘nourishing’ it with moisture and color.”
Allow the oil to absorb into the wood for about five minutes, then finish by buffing with a clean, dry cloth.
Touch-Up Pens
Ideal for: Small surface imperfections
Wood touch-up pens are an effective way to erase minor, shallow scratches from wooden floors. According to Maria Anderson, a cleaning expert in Atlanta, Georgia, working with Henfield Storage, these are the types of scratches that don’t go deep into the wood.
“They fill the scratch with a wax or resin that matches the color of the wood.” These pens come in a wide range of colors, allowing you to find the perfect match for most types of wood finishes. Sometimes, blending different pens can achieve a more accurate result.
“Wood floors are prone to scratches due to the material's softness. Items like furniture legs, high heels, and dropped objects are common culprits,” explains Anderson. “In addition, dirt and debris can act as abrasives, causing further damage to the surface with each step.”
Wax Sticks
Ideal for: Minor scratches
Wax sticks, similar to touch-up pens, are perfect for repairing small, superficial scratches. Anderson explains, 'These thin, pigmented wax sticks are applied directly onto the scratch to fill it.' She uses them to conceal scuffs, scratches, nicks, and color changes on wooden surfaces.
Fine Steel Wool
Ideal for: Minor to moderate scratches and scuffed areas
If you’re working with minor to moderate scratches—or even larger scratched areas—this method can be highly effective. Just be sure to use a fine grade of steel wool (0000 specifically).
It works by gently buffing out the scratches, removing the damaged top layer of the wood without going too deep,” Wilson explains. “The scratch smooths out and blends with the rest of the floor’s surface. Use a light touch and avoid pressing too hard.
After addressing the scratch, wipe it down with a damp cloth to eliminate any dust, then finish by applying a bit of wood polish or oil to restore the shine.
Wood Putty and Shellac
Best for: Deep scratches and nicks
Wood putty is a sturdier alternative to filling in a moderate or minor scratch with a wax pen. It’s a putty that dries to resemble the wood’s natural finish.
“Start by ensuring the scratch is clean and free from dirt, then use a putty knife to press the matching wood putty into the scratch, ensuring it fills the gap,” advises Steve Britchford, senior partner at Polycote. “After the putty dries, lightly sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper to make it level with the surrounding floor.”
Next, apply a shellac finish with a small brush over the repaired area to seal and protect the floor. He emphasizes that this process isn’t just about repairing the scratch; it’s crucial for maintaining the wood’s appearance and its overall durability over time.
Sanding and Refinishing
Best for: Heavy scratches and large areas of damage
For deep scratches or extensive damage across larger areas, sanding and refinishing your floors is the most effective solution.
“Sanding with fine-grit sandpaper—around 220-grit—is ideal for removing the top layer of damaged wood, exposing fresh wood beneath,” Wilson explains. “If you’re working on a large area and want to speed up the process, an orbital sander will do the job faster. Just make sure to keep it moving to avoid creating uneven patches.”
Don’t sand too deeply; only remove enough of the damaged surface. After sanding, wipe away the dust with a dry cloth. Finish with a matching stain and/or sealant to restore the color and texture of the floor. Allow it to dry completely before use.
