Lumber prices went up by 300% throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic has had industry-wide effects on construction as well, making it even more critical to keep your home in good shape.
Accidents happen though and damage to hardwood floors is common.
But don't worry, if your floors have scratches or other damage, there are many ways you can repair hardwood floors yourself.
Here are some ways you can fix your damaged hardwood floors.
Scratches
If you've got pets or kids, chances are you've got hardwood floor scratches too. Luckily this is one of the easier types of damage that you can repair on your own.
Light scratches can sometimes be repaired using coconut oil or a walnut. You can lightly rub the oil or nut over the surface of the scratch and then gently buff it out afterward. This technique is an eco-friendly substitute for commercial products.
If the scratches on your floor are a little deeper, you may need to sand the area with a fine-grit sandpaper. Stick to only the area near the scratch and be sure to sand in the direction of the woodgrain. Finally, apply a matching stain to the floor.
Gouges and Dents
If someone has dropped a heavy item on your hardwood floor, you may have ended up with a larger dent. Luckily there are a few floor repair methods for this issue as well.
Smaller dents in the floor that haven't broken the wood fibre can sometimes be repaired with steam. Placing a small piece of wet cloth over the dent and adding heat with an iron may help the crushed area plump back up.
A gouge that breaks the wood fibre is a bit trickier to resolve. You may need to obtain a wood filler to repair this section of the floor. Larger gouges are best handled by the pros, however.
With larger gouges, a professional may need to replace hardwood floor sections to have your floor looking new again.
Water Damage
Smaller water stains are another type of damage that may be repaired using an ironing technique. Try placing a piece of cloth over the stain and gently ironing it. Occasionally check the progress to see if the stain is being lifted.
Larger water damage areas will probably require sanding and bleaching. After these steps, the area will need to be covered with a wood stain.
If you've got large areas of water damage, it may be best to call in the pros to repair the floor. A professional can evaluate whether sanding can fix the issue or if replacement is necessary.
Repairing or Replacing Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are a classic touch to a home that will not go out of style. With the right care, they can last a lifetime and increase your home's value. There are many options to choose from and they are a worthy investment.
Contact us to learn more about our flooring options. We'll have you living in your dream home in no time!