Engineered hardwood flooring is a timeless and durable choice, delivering the beauty of natural wood with enhanced stability. But no matter how tough the surface, scratches and scuffs are bound to happen—especially in busy households, high-traffic commercial spaces, or homes with pets and kids.
If you’re staring down an annoying scratch or two on your beautiful floors, don’t panic. At Northern Colorado Carpets, we’ve helped homeowners and businesses from Cheyenne to Denver and Estes Park to Greeley repair and restore their hardwood surfaces. Whether it’s a light blemish or something a bit deeper, we’ll walk you through how to fix the damage and how to keep your engineered wood floors looking their best.
In this post, we’ll cover:
- The difference between minor and deep scratches
- What DIY fixes you can try (and when to call in the pros)
- Maintenance tips to prevent future damage
- And most importantly—why you don’t need to redo your entire floor remodel
TL;DR – Engineered Hardwood Scratches Are Fixable
- Most hardwood flooring scratches can be repaired with kits or touch-up markers.
- Deeper damage might require filler or professional refinishing.
- Keep your floors looking great with proper care and maintenance.
- A trusted flooring contractor can help you assess the damage and decide next steps.
It’s All Good, Accidents Happen
So, your engineered hardwood floor has a scratch. Maybe it’s from moving furniture, dropped keys, or just everyday foot traffic. The good news? Engineered wood is made to last—and most damage is fixable.
Engineered hardwood is constructed from multiple layers of wood topped with a real wood veneer. The thickness of that top veneer determines how much repair is possible, especially for deeper scratches.
Whether you’re in the middle of a floor remodel or have had your floors for years, a scratch doesn’t mean you need to start over. Sometimes, a little touch-up is all it takes to bring your floor back to life.
Fixing Minor Scratches
Small scratches are common and usually cosmetic. Here are a few simple methods to fix them yourself:
1. Hardwood Touch-Up Markers or Wax Sticks
These color-matched tools are designed specifically for light surface scratches.
- Clean the area with a soft cloth and hardwood-friendly cleaner.
- Use the marker or wax stick to fill in the scratch.
- Buff gently with a soft cloth to blend it in.
2. Walnut Method (Yes, Really!)
Rubbing a walnut (the meat of the nut, not the shell) over a small scratch can sometimes mask the damage. The natural oils in the walnut help blend the scratch into the surrounding wood.
3. DIY Scratch Repair Kits
Found at most hardware stores, these kits contain everything you need to treat minor damage, including filler, blending pens, and buffers.
Pro Tip: Always test the color match in an inconspicuous spot before applying to visible areas.
Fixing Deeper Scratches
If the damage is more than skin-deep, it may take a bit more effort to repair. Deep scratches can expose the core layer beneath the veneer, making DIY solutions less effective.
What to Try:
- Wood Filler: For gouges or deep scratches, wood filler can be applied, dried, sanded smooth, and color matched.
- Sanding & Refinishing: Some engineered floors with thicker top layers (at least 2mm) can be lightly sanded and refinished once or twice.
- Professional Repairs: If you’re unsure about the thickness of your floor’s veneer—or if the scratch is extensive—contact a trusted flooring contractor for an expert opinion.
At Northern Colorado Carpets, we’ve helped restore engineered hardwood floors in homes, custom builds, and even large-scale commercial spaces like CSU and the Stanley Hotel.
Engineered Hardwood Maintenance
Preventing future scratches is just as important as fixing the ones you already have. Here’s how to keep your engineered hardwood flooring in top condition:
Best Practices:
- Use Furniture Pads: Especially under heavy chairs, tables, and couches.
- Sweep or Vacuum Often: Dirt and debris can scratch the surface if left unchecked.
- Use Rugs in High-Traffic Areas: Hallways, entryways, and living rooms benefit from added protection.
- Trim Pet Nails: Keep claws filed down to avoid surface damage.
- Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Stick to pH-neutral, wood-safe solutions.
By investing just a few minutes a week into maintenance, you’ll extend the life and appearance of your hardwood floors significantly.
Don’t Let a Few Details On Your Floor Ruin Your Day
Scratches on engineered hardwood flooring are a fact of life—but they don’t have to be permanent. Whether you’re fixing a tiny blemish or need help with a more serious gouge, the team at Northern Colorado Carpets is here to help.
We’ve been repairing, installing, and maintaining hardwood floors since 1976, helping homeowners across Northern Colorado fall back in love with their spaces. Let us show you how a small fix can make a big difference.
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