About Mark Chaz

Mark Chaz has been working in the flooring industry for almost 20 years. Starting as an installer, Mark gained experience in the family business – sanding, polishing and installing floors for over a decade. When he noticed a shortage of businesses in the industry offering a full service with integrity, he set the wheels in motion to start his own company, and Kustom Timber was born.

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Scratches on your beautiful wood floors can be frustrating, but they’re not the end of the world. Wondering how do you get scratches out of wood floors? Whether it’s from pets, furniture, or everyday foot traffic, wood flooring is prone to wear and tear.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to restore your floors to their former glory.

In this guide, we’ll cover simple DIY fixes for minor scratches as well as professional solutions for more significant damage, so your floors can look brand new again.

DIY methods for fixing scratches in wood floors

If you’ve realised that you have some scratches on your wooden floorboards, there’s no need to panic. Whether the scratches are light and superficial or deep and more stubborn, here’s how to fix them.

For light or superficial scratches

1. Start with a gentle clean

Before addressing any scratches, start by cleaning the surface. Dirt and debris can make scratches worse and interfere with your repairs.

Use a soft mop or vacuum with a non-abrasive attachment to clean the area thoroughly. A clean surface will ensure that any treatments you apply work more effectively.

2. The walnut trick

For light, superficial scratches, walnuts can work wonders.

Simply rub the inside of a walnut directly into the floor scratch using circular motions. The natural oils in the walnut help fill and slightly tint the scratch to blend with the wood. Let the oils sit for a few minutes, then buff the area with a soft cloth to restore the finish.

Using walnuts to remove wooden floor scratches

3. Beeswax for shallow scratches

Similar to the walnut, beeswax is great for small scratches that don’t penetrate deeply.

Rub a beeswax stick or balm over the scratch, allowing the wax to fill in the gap. After, buff the area with a soft cloth to blend the wax and bring back the shine. This also adds a layer of protection to your floors.

Using sandpaper to remove deep scratches from wooden floors

2. Touch up with wood stain

If the scratch is more noticeable but not too deep, wood stain can help disguise/cover it up. Choose a stain that matches your floor’s colour and apply it carefully with a small brush or q-tip.

Wipe away any excess stain, and let it dry completely before applying a protective finish. Testing the stain on a hidden area first is always a good idea to ensure a perfect match.

For deeper scratches

Wood putty

If the scratch goes beyond the surface and into the wood itself, wood putty is your best bet.

Choose a putty that closely matches your floor’s colour. Apply the putty to the scratch with a putty knife, filling it completely. Once the putty has dried, gently sand the area smooth with fine-grain sandpaper.

Follow up with a coat of matching wood stain if necessary and seal the area with a protective finish.

Using wood putty for scratches on wood floors

Pro tip: Always finish with a protective coat

No matter which method you use to fix your wood floors, it’s important to finish the repair with a protective coat of polyurethane, wax, or oil. This seals the area, adds shine, and protects your floors from future damage.

Professional solutions for deep scratches

When DIY methods aren’t enough to fix deep scratches in your wood floors, it’s time to call in the professionals. Deep gouges that go beyond the surface and penetrate into the wood can be tricky to repair on your own. Here’s how professional care can help restore your floors to their former glory:

1. Professional sanding and refinishing

For deep scratches that run across large areas or multiple floorboards, professional floor sanding and polishing may be required.

During this process, the entire surface of the floor is sanded down to a smooth, even finish, removing the deep scratches and imperfections.

After sanding, a new coat of stain and protective finish is applied to give your floors a fresh, uniform look. This method is especially effective for solid timber floors, though it can also be done on engineered wood floors—just ensure the veneer layer is thick enough to handle the sanding.

professional sanding and polishing for wooden floors

2. Wood floor repair services

In cases where the scratches are too deep or widespread for sanding alone, wood floor repair services may be necessary.

Professionals can replace individual planks or sections of the flooring that are too damaged to repair. This is a more targeted solution for localised damage and ensures that your floors maintain their structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.

3. Deep cleaning and buffing

Sometimes, deep scratches can be softened and minimised through a professional deep cleaning and buffing process. Using specialised equipment and products, professionals can remove dirt, grime, and surface damage that accentuates deeper scratches.

While this won’t completely remove gouges, it can reduce their visibility and improve the overall appearance of your floors.

4. Custom staining and finishing

For floors with severe scratches or discolouration, custom staining and finishing by a professional can make a world of difference. After sanding or repairing the damaged areas, the entire floor can be stained and finished to create a consistent look that matches the original tone of the wood. Professionals will ensure a seamless blend, preventing noticeable colour differences across the floor.

How to prevent scratches in the future

Preventing scratches on your wood floors is easier when you take the right precautions. Here are some simple steps to protect your floors and keep them looking brand new:

Place rugs or runners in areas with heavy foot traffic
Attach felt pads to the bottom of furniture legs
Keep your pets’ nails trimmed to avoid scratches from their claws
Avoid wearing high heels indoors
Sweep and mop regularly
Always lift furniture, rather than dragging

Why maintenance is key to longevity

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your wood floors looking beautiful and extending their lifespan. Here’s why ongoing care is so important:

Protects against wear and tear: Routine cleaning, buffing, and refinishing help guard your floors against scratches, dents, and other damage caused by daily use.
Maintains floor finish: Proper care ensures the finish on your wood floors remains intact, preserving their shine and protecting the wood underneath from moisture and dirt.
Prevents major repairs: Regular upkeep catches small issues, like scratches or fading, before they turn into major problems requiring costly repairs or replacements.
Extends floor lifespan: With consistent maintenance, your floors can last for decades. This not only saves money in the long run but also keeps your home looking stunning.

We want your floors to last a lifetime, so the correct maintenance and care of your floors is key.

Fix your scratches once and for all

Scratches on wood floors can be a real eyesore, but with the right techniques, you can make your floors look brand new again.

At Kustom Timber, we offer extensive timber floor maintenance packages to help you keep your wood floors in pristine condition. Whether it’s professional cleaning, nourishing treatments, sanding, polishing, or refinishing, we’ve got you covered.

Get in touch with the friendly team at Kustom Timber today and let’s bring your floors back to life.