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Refinishing a wooden floor is one type of repair. For example, pros often refinish hardwood floors to repair scratches. They'll remove the top layer with a sander and put a new layer of stain and sealant on it. For wooden floor issues, such as water damage, cupping, or unevenness, you're likely looking at a different repair method, like sanding, applying wood filler, or leveling the floor.

How you repair damaged wood floors will depend on the cause of the damage. Typically, damaged wood floors are either refinished or replaced, depending on the extent of the specific issue and the recommendation of a local hardwood floor installer. Common ways to repair hardwood floors include sanding, refinishing, or completely replacing the damaged wood floors.

Consult a wood flooring professional to determine if you need to replace your floors. A pro can tell you if you can refinish what you have or if you need to replace it. While hardwood floors can be expensive, they can last for generations with proper maintenance. So you may opt to repair rather than completely replace your wooden floors.

The best way to protect your hardwood floors from water damage is to keep water away from them. Remember that prevention is better than action. You can proactively keep moisture away from your floors by inspecting your pipes annually and monitoring the humidity levels in your home. In addition, consider using rugs to protect your wooden floors and clean up spills as soon as they happen.

Most engineered hardwood floors have a wear layer, which means you can sand it down once or twice. Otherwise, repairs mean replacement, with engineered wood floors costing around $2,000 to $7,000. Consult a professional specializing in engineered wood to determine if your flooring should be repaired or replaced.

Yes, you can fix hardwood floor gouges using a high-quality wood filler. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the damaged area and removing any debris. Then, fill the gouge with matching wood filler, smooth it with a putty knife, and let it cure completely. Once dry, lightly sand the area and apply a finish that blends with the surrounding wood.