Hardwood is a durable and long-lasting flooring option for any space. With that being said, hardwood floors can still be scratched and damaged over time. For tips on how to repair a scratch in your hardwood floor, continue on.

The first step to repair a scratch is to identify it. See how extensive the required repairs are and go from there. Some scratches are shallow and just need a quick touch-up, while others are deeper and require the expertise of a professional.

You can actually use household items to repair minor hardwood scratches. A steel wool pad can help you smooth out scratches and blend in the surrounding stain. Then, use a coat of poly over the repair to seal it in from moisture and prevent further scratching. For even smaller scratches, use a crayon, wood glue, wax paste, a stain pen, wood putty, or a wood floor repair kit.

Larger marks where the bare wood is exposed requires a specialist's assistance. Even if you think you know what you're doing, attempting to repair a serious scratch can actually result in increased damage. Floor damage isn't just unattractive, it can actually lower the value of your home.

Once you've repaired the scratch either on your own or with the help of a professional, you want to prevent scratches from happening again. To do so, use rugs and mats in high traffic areas. You also want to vacuum and sweep your floor often to pick up debris that has the potential to scratch your floors. You also want to take your shoes off when walking in your home. If you have a pet, use potty pads and trim your pet's nails often. For large furniture, such as sofas, tables, and chairs, use pads under the legs to avoid scratching.

Now that you know how to maintain your hardwood flooring, you're ready to shop with Tongue and Groove. Browse our website and call us at 1-800-689-9006 if you have any questions. We look forward to helping you find the perfect hardwood flooring for your space.