How to Repair Scratches in Hardwood Floors (Simple Fixes That Work)
Hardwood floors take a beating. Shoes, pets, furniture, and everyday life all leave their mark. The good news is that most scratches can be fixed without sanding the whole floor or calling in a pro.
Whether you’re dealing with a light surface scratch or something deeper, this guide walks you through simple, practical ways to repair scratches in hardwood floors and make them look better again.
Start by Checking How Deep the Scratch Is
Before you do anything, take a close look at the scratch. The fix depends on how bad it is.
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Light scratches only affect the finish
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Medium scratches cut into the wood but not all the way through
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Deep scratches go past the finish and into the wood itself
Run your fingernail over the scratch. If it barely catches, it’s likely a surface issue. If it digs in, you’re dealing with a deeper repair.
How to Fix Light Surface Scratches
Light scratches are the easiest to handle. In many cases, you can make them disappear in minutes.
Use a Hardwood Floor Cleaner and Soft Cloth
Sometimes the “scratch” is just dirt trapped in the finish. Clean the area well and buff it dry with a microfiber cloth. You might be surprised how much that helps.
Try a Scratch Repair Pen
Wood repair pens come in different shades and are made for quick touch-ups.
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Choose a color that matches your floor
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Apply lightly along the scratch
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Wipe off excess and let it dry
These work best for small, thin scratches.
How to Repair Medium Scratches in Hardwood Floors
Medium scratches need a little more effort, but they’re still very fixable.
Use Wood Stain or Blending Pencils
Blending pencils or stain markers help hide scratches that cut into the wood.
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Clean the area
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Apply color slowly, building it up
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Buff gently with a soft cloth
The goal is to blend the scratch into the surrounding wood, not flood it with color.
Apply a Thin Coat of Finish
Once the color looks right, seal it.
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Use a small brush or cotton swab
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Apply a thin layer of polyurethane or floor finish
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Let it dry fully before walking on it
This protects the repair and evens out the shine.
How to Fix Deep Scratches and Gouges
Deep scratches take more work, but you still don’t need to refinish the whole floor.
Fill the Scratch with Wood Filler
For wide or deep damage, wood filler is your best option.
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Choose a filler that matches your floor color
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Press it into the scratch with a putty knife
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Let it dry completely
Lightly sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper until it’s smooth.
Stain and Seal the Area
After sanding:
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Apply stain to match the surrounding wood
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Let it dry
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Seal with a thin coat of finish
Take your time here. Slow, light layers look better than rushing.
When Scratches Can’t Be Fully Repaired
Some damage is too deep or spread out to fix spot by spot. If scratches cover large areas or the wood is worn down, refinishing may be the only real solution.
That said, many homeowners live with minor flaws once they’re less noticeable. Floors don’t have to be perfect to look good.
How to Prevent Future Scratches
Once you’ve repaired the damage, a few small habits can help keep your floors looking better longer.
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Use felt pads under furniture
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Trim pet nails regularly
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Sweep or vacuum often to remove grit
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Avoid dragging heavy items across the floor
These simple steps make a bigger difference than most people expect.
Final Thoughts
Scratches in hardwood floors are frustrating, but they’re also normal. The key is knowing which fix matches the problem. Light scratches often disappear with simple touch-ups, while deeper ones need filler, stain, and patience.
With the right approach, you can repair scratches in hardwood floors and extend the life of your floors without turning it into a major project.