Addressing Dog Scratches on Timber Floors
Dogs can wreck havoc on timber floors, especially if they run around a lot and accidentally scratch them. If your floor is scratched, don't worry. In most cases, the damage is repairable.
Here's what to expect based on the type of damage you have:
Light scratches in the sealant
If the scratches haven't gone past the sealant, you don't need to worry about repairing the wood. You only need to add a bit of extra sealant to the floor. If you know the type of sealant on your floor, you can buy commercial scratch removal kits to match. Otherwise, you may want to work with a professional to ensure you pick a sealant that will flawlessly match your floor.
Shallow scratches in the wood
If you have shallow scratches in the wood, you may be able to refill them. To fill the groove, use wax or putty designed to be used as wood filler.
After filling the hole, buff the area gently with a fine grit sandpaper to blend the filler with the surrounding floor. Then, apply stain as needed to match. Finally, apply sealant over them, keeping in mind the tips above in regard to when to seek professional help.
Deep scratches in the wood
To repair deep scratches in your timber floor, you will usually have to work with a professional. They sand the entire floor, and they focus extra attention on the scratches to ensure they are sanded level with the rest of the floor. Then, they refinish it.
In some cases, they may be able to just sand and refinish the area with the scratches.
Severe damage
In some cases, the damage may be too severe to sand away. For example, if the floorboards are relatively thin, the scratches may extend so deeply into the wood that sanding them would potentially break the board. In these cases, you may need a professional floor layer to put some new timber boards into your floor. These professionals can often match the grain and finish of your existing floor.
Repetitive damage
If you have fixed your floor numerous times due to dog damage, you may want to take some preventative measures. Keeping your floor clear of debris reduces scratches as it prevents dirt and other debris from agitating on the floor under your dog's paws. Alternatively, add rugs to the floor, or take your dog to a groomer to have his nails clipped.
For more information on how to maintain, fix or replace your timber flooring, contact a company like Parquetry Flooring Co Pty Ltd.