Wood floors are a common and beautiful addition to any modern or old home! However, wood can naturally break down or become worn and tired over time. If you're having problems with your hardwood floors and aren't sure how to fix them, read on for some tips from the professionals on how to repair hardwood floors at home DIY style!
Types of wooden floors
First, let's discuss the different types of hardwood floors found in homes today. The experts at Wood floor cleaner say hardwood floors can be timeless classic additions to any home. But which one is best for you? Below are some of the most common:
- Floorboards – a timeless classic. Cut from individual pieces of soft or hardwood trees and place them directly on beams in the ground. Planks are usually stained or treated to protect the wood and extend its life. This also means you can use a cleaner without damaging the wood. Some planks are made from reclaimed wood for a vintage look that is often very nice but more expensive.
- Laminate – the modern alternative. Laminate floors are made of compressed wood that can be nested. The wood is then treated and wrapped in laminate or a protective overlay with a wood image printed on it. This has the advantage that there are many more styles that can be made very cheaply. It's also easy to clean, but it's very easy to scratch.
- Wood-based panel – the laminate upgrade! Wood-based material floors consist of several pieces of solid wood layered on top of each other with a real wood finish – in contrast to laminate-printed wood images. This makes it stronger, more realistic, and undoubtedly looks better. It also has more advantages as it is a proper wood panel that is easier to handle than laminate, sanded and swapped out. But it definitely comes at a higher price!
Damage to wooden floors
As mentioned earlier, the problem with certain wood floors is that they can be easily worn, stained, or otherwise damaged. Over time, movement of furniture, shoes, pets, and spilled children can scratch and stain wood. Below are the most common types of damage to wooden floors and the best ways to quickly fix it yourself.
Stains and spills
Some wood floors will stain while others are easy to wipe clean. Most problems occur when you fail to realize that a spill has occurred. If liquid has penetrated your wooden floor for a long period of time, the wood can swell and warp, especially if the liquid is particularly acidic such as a soft drink or wine.
If the area is still damp, simply clean it with paper towels and then use a standard floor cleaner to remove odors. However, if the liquid had time soak in the forestthe task is a little more difficult. Let the area dry completely and assess the stain or damage. If there is a permanent stain, you will need to sand the top layer of wood first (if the stain goes deeper you may need to replace it!). After you've sanded off the top layer, it's time to bleach the stain. Paint the wood with the desired stain color. Then paint and treat so that the finish is retained!
Spilled paint
Paint soiling can occur when doing DIY or when painting with the family in your free time! Tackling paint patches can be tricky. If the paint is water based, you're in luck. Just dampen a cloth or towel with water and some simple soap. A few light rubs on the area should dissolve and lift the color quickly and easily. If the paint isn't water based, you may find it harder. Try mixing a simple paint remover and applying a very small amount with a scraper to gently remove the paint stains.
Chips or splits
The biggest problem would be an actual chip or split on a wooden floor. It's still repairable, but it takes more steps. First you need to get spare wood, suitably or otherwise. After that you need to cut those out damaged part and cut the spare wood to the same size. At this point, you need to treat the new piece of wood with a suitable stain or varnish. Once that's dry, you can stick, screw, or glue it into the gap. If done slowly and deliberately, you can keep it neat and tidy!
There we have it, the three most common floors and the three most common damage to the floor. Hopefully you never have to use this guide, but if you do you should be fully equipped to care for and maintain damaged floors in your home. Good luck keeping your hardwood floors in tip-top shape!
