8 Simple DIY Wood Floor Repair Tips

10 Tools You Need for DIY Wood Floor Repairs

If you're considering DIY wood floor repair, you'll need to have the right tools and materials. Here are 5 basic wood repair tools you'll likely need for flooring projects — you can find them all easily at Home Depot, Lowe's or a local hardware store:

• Wood Putty 
• Wood Filler (to fill in scratch marks)
• Flat Bar or Pry Bar (to lift out and replace any boards)
• Nail Gun (to secure new floor boards — you may need an air compressor)
• Shop Vacuum (to clean the work area and remove dust after your project)

If you're going to tackle more in-depth projects like minor sanding, staining or applying a polyurethane finish, HOMR suggests you have some woodworking experience. Here are 5 tools you'll likely use for these flooring projects:

• Air Compressor 
• Cordless Circular Saw
• Belt Sander (or Orbital Sander for better maneuverability)
• Drum Sander
• Oscillating Multi-Tool (the Dremel Multi-Max is cordless, easy to use, and under $150)

Ask Yourself These 4 Questions Before You Start

Answer these 4 questions before you decide to repair your own hardwood flooring:

1. How big is the job? Are you repairing a few boards or tearing out an entire floor? Take the square foot measurement of your repair job and ask yourself — am I really confident I can do this well?
2. Have you worked on solid hardwood flooring before? You should have some experience before becoming a “flooring DIYer” — if not with floors, then at least with some minor woodwork. 
3. What type of flooring do I have? Are you 100% sure you have wood flooring and not laminate flooring? Check out our flooring materials guide if you're unsure.
4. Are these minor scratches or deeper scratches? You can repair superficial scratches in your flooring on your own. If your wood is damaged more deeply, we recommend calling a professional.
5. How old is your existing floor? If your floor is over 50 years old, HOMR recommends asking a professional for advice on protecting older wood flooring.

8 No-Stress DIY Floor Repair Tips

Here are 8 simple DIY wood floor repair tips from our expert partners:

• Sweep or vacuum your floors daily to remove dirt and debris. This will help prevent scratches and other damage.
• Place felt pads under furniture legs to protect your floors from scratches.
• Place rugs in high-traffic areas to protect your floors from wear and tear.
• Wipe up spills immediately to prevent water damage.
• Apply a wood floor finish or sealant to protect your floors from everyday wear and tear. 
• Refinish hardwood floor surfaces with surface scratches to achieve a “brand new” look without spending a fortune. 
• Maintain consistent humidity levels in your home to prevent wood expansion and contraction.
• Avoid using steam mops on hardwood flooring, as they can cause wood to warp or crack.

7 Times to Swallow Your Pride and Call a Flooring Pro

HOMR Pro Tip: Be honest about your flooring project. If you don't feel comfortable with the work involved, don't try to be a hero — the average cost to install 200 square feet of new hardwood flooring is $4,600.

If you have extensive damage to your wood floors, it's best to call a professional. Here are 7 common problems that you should leave to a wood floor repair professional:

• Deep Scratches: Scratches can be repaired by sanding and refinishing the floor.
• Dents: Dents or gouge marks can be repaired by using wood filler or raising them up.
• Water Damage: Water damage can sometimes be repaired by drying out the floor and refinishing it. In more severe cases, the floor may need to be replaced.
• Cupping: Cupping is a condition where the wood floor curves upwards. It can be caused by moisture, uneven subfloor, or poor installation. A professional can fix cupping by sanding and refinishing the floor.
• Squeaking: Squeaking is a common problem with wood floors. It can be caused by loose boards or nails. A professional can fix squeaking by installing shims or tightening the screws.
• Wood Floor Restoration: It's rewarding to restore an old wooden floor to its former glory. A detailed restoration job requires specialty flooring services, especially if the floor involves intricate layout like parquet.
• Damaged Floor Boards: If you find a damaged board or larger damaged area in your subfloor, you must call a flooring service. Don't risk significant injury, and stay off the surrounding area until it's resolved.

When it comes to major work like flooring renovations or installs, we recommend leaving it to the professionals.