how to fix a scratch in a hardwood floor

Most hardwood floor scratches can be fixed in under 15 minutes with the right product — here's how to identify which type of scratch you have and the exact fix for each.

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There are three types of hardwood scratches: surface scratches (finish only), shallow wood scratches (into the wood but not deep), and deep gouges. The fix is different for each. Surface scratches buff out with floor polish. Shallow scratches fill with a color-matched wood marker or wax fill stick. Deep gouges need wood filler and a touch-up stain. Using the wrong product makes it worse — especially on pre-finished hardwood, where the factory finish doesn't match any stain color.

TOOLS USED:
→ Stanley FatMax Tape Measure 25 ft: amzn.to/3kgGJ02
→ Amazon Basics Retractable Utility Knife: amzn.to/3uD6A3T

Clean the area thoroughly before applying any product — dirt and wax residue prevent adhesion and make color matching harder. Test your product in a hidden area first (inside a closet) to confirm the color match before touching the visible scratch.

PRO TIP: For scratches that won't blend — apply a small amount of matching wood stain with a cotton swab, let dry completely, then seal with a dab of polyurethane applied with a fine artist's brush. Let each coat dry before adding the next.

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