I’ve Got a Scratch in My Timber Floor — What Should I Do?

Care and Maintenance

It happens. Maybe it was a chair leg, a dropped utensil, or a rogue pebble underfoot — and now there’s a scratch in your beautiful timber floor. The good news? Most scratches can be fixed quickly and easily, especially if you know what type of floor you have and how deep the damage goes.

Here’s a simple guide to help you assess and repair scratches, whether you’ve got a floating floor or a direct stick installation.

Step 1: What Kind of Scratch Are We Talking About?

Before you reach for a repair product, take a closer look:

  • Fine surface scratches: These are light, often white-looking marks in the coating not deep enough to reach the timber itself.
  • Deeper scratches: These cut through the coating and expose the timber underneath.
  • Damaged planks: If the scratch is severe or part of a larger issue, replacement might be the best option.

Step 2: Choose the Right Fix

For fine surface scratches:Try a Tibet Almond Stick. It’s a simple, wipe-on solution that helps blend light scratches into the coating. Just be cautious with lighter-coloured timbers — if the scratch is deeper than it looks, the oil from the stick can soak into the timber and leave a darker stain. Apply sparingly and wipe off any excess immediately.

For deeper scratches:Use a Timbermate wax stick. These come in a range of colours and are designed to fill and disguise deeper marks. Simply rub the wax into the scratch, buff gently, and admire your handiwork. They’re available at most hardware stores and easy to use.

For direct stick floors:If the scratch is part of a larger issue or if the plank is damaged beyond repair one of the biggest advantages of direct stick flooring is that individual boards can be cut out and replaced. It’s a more involved fix, but it means you don’t have to replace the whole floor.

Step 3: Prevention Tips

  • Use felt pads under furniture legs
  • Keep grit and debris off the floor with regular sweeping or vacuuming
  • Avoid dragging heavy items across the surface
  • Use rugs in high-traffic areas just make sure they’re breathable and non-staining

Scratches happen but they don’t have to ruin your floor. With the right tools and a little care, most marks can be repaired or disguised without fuss. And if you’re unsure, reach out to the team at Sunstar Timber Flooring. We’re always happy to help you keep your floor looking its best.

info@sunstarflooring.com.au

Care Line: 1300 081 999