Repairs

Repairs that disappear into the floor.

Not every problem needs a new floor. Most hardwood damage is a few boards, a squeaky spot or a stain in one corner. We cut out what is damaged, weave in matching material, and blend the finish so the repair does not announce itself.

Common calls: a dark pet stain by the back door, a gouge from a moved refrigerator, a squeak in the hallway, boards that split along an old radiator line, and gaps that opened up during a dry summer. Each one has a specific fix. Stains that have gone through the finish into the wood need the board replaced. Squeaks usually need the subfloor fastened. Gaps that open and close with the seasons are normal and are best left alone; gaps that stay open can be filled or the boards can be replaced.

For board replacement we match species, width and grain as closely as possible, then sand and finish the patch to blend with the surrounding floor. On older floors with a lot of patina the repair area is often refinished in a larger section so the sheen matches.

We are honest about what a spot repair can and cannot do. If a floor has widespread wear, a full sand and refinish is usually the better value than a dozen patches.

Questions

Repairs FAQ

Can a pet stain be sanded out?

Light surface stains, sometimes. A stain that has turned the wood dark or black has gone into the fibers and the board needs to be replaced. We can usually tell at the estimate.

Why does my floor squeak?

Almost always movement between the flooring, the subfloor and the joists. The fix is fastening the layers together, either from below in a crawl space or from above with concealed fasteners.

Do you repair engineered floors?

Yes. Board replacement on engineered floors takes a different approach than solid, but it is routine work.

Let’s look at the floor together.

Free in-home estimate, written quote on the spot, and honest advice about whether the work is worth doing.