While durable and resilient, hardwood flooring can experience dents and other types of damage. Fortunately, there are many effective repair methods that can restore the look of your floors. The first step is to determine the type of damage, which will then inform the repair process. Here are a few things you can do when dealing with hardwood defects. 

Buffing and Polishing

For small, shallow scratches, it may be possible to buff out the defect. In this case, the problem spot can be sanded down to remove the scratch or dent. Once the defect has been sanded out, it can then be re-coated in stain to match the rest of the flooring system. If the damage affects numerous areas of the floor, refinishing might be a good option to consider, as this process can buff out scratches across the flooring system. 

Filling in With Putty

Deeper gouges and punctures require a more extensive repair process. In this case, it's possible to fill in the hole with a special type of putty or filler. Putty is designed to match the appearance of wood, and will be concealed even further when the floor is refinished after the repair is made. Keep in mind that this method works best with small but deep gouges, since it will be easier to conceal the filler when it only occupies a small area of the flooring. 

Replacing Boards

Substantial damage to one or two wood boards often means that replacement is the best course of action. This is typically the case when damage is widespread across the board or boards, as opposed to occupying a single area. While it can be challenging to replicate the same level of finish on the new boards as the rest of the floor, a hardwood repair specialist can help ensure you get as close to a match as possible. 

When you're unhappy with the appearance of your hardwood flooring, Hardwood Rescue is poised and ready to help. These contractors perform all types of repairs throughout St. Louis, Kirkwood, Eureka, and Ladue, MO. They provide resurfacing, refinishing, and custom sanding to ensure you're fully satisfied with the appearance of your floors. They can even perform a new installation in your home. Visit the website to learn more about hardwood refinishing and resurfacing. You can also schedule a free estimate by calling (636) 532-5476 today.