Always read the instruction manual before using power tools.
These relief holes make it easier to pull up damaged boards without damaging other boards around them. You should have a total of 6 holes in your damaged board.
If you don’t have a circular saw, you can rent one from a hardware store. These relief cuts will make it easier to pull out the boards. You should have 3 cuts that run down the length of the board once you’re done. Refer to the instruction manual that came with the circular saw if you’re unsure how to set the cutting depth. You can also find directions on how to set the cutting depth for your particular saw on the manufacturer’s website.
The board should lift up fairly easily once you’ve chiseled both of the short ends of the board. Be careful when using the chisel so that you don’t destroy the tongue or groove of the boards next to the one you’re trying to remove.
Remove the damaged board as cleanly as you can. Avoid tearing or ripping pieces out.
If you know the dimensions and material of your flooring, you can also purchase it online.
If you have boards that are the same size as your previous boards, cutting may not be required.
Work on one board at a time or the glue may dry before you lay the boards down.
Make sure that there is no space between the new board and old boards before moving onto the next replacement board.
Wipe the floor dry after you conduct this test. Test different sections of the floor to see if the finish has worn off on any part of the floor.
If you don’t have plastic tarps, use old sheets.
If you don’t have hardwood floor cleaner, you can also use dish soap and water.
Buffing the old finish will turn it into powder, so you’ll know which areas you’ve already gone over. Buffing the hardwood will smooth the floor and will help the polyurethane adhere to it.
Cleaning with mineral spirits will help the finish adhere to the floor.
Work in a well-ventilated area and wear a ventilation mask when working with polyurethane. Water-based polyurethane is more durable than oil-based polyurethane and initially has a milky appearance before it dries clear. Oil-based polyurethane has a yellow hue that darkens over time and dries slower than water-based polyurethane.
If you have pets, remember to lock them in a room so that they don’t walk over your newly applied finish. Use fans to quicken the drying process.
Sweep the crevices in between the floorboards with the broom to lift up any dirt or debris from within the cracks in the floor. Let the floor air dry or wipe it down with a clean rag or sponge. Sweep and mop the floor at least once a week to properly maintain it.
This natural solution will remove light scratches created by a pet or normal wear and tear.
You can purchase blending pencils and stain filler online or at hardware stores.
Wood filler is a better solution for cracks that are deeper than 1 inch (2. 5 cm) rather than superficial scratches. You can darken the wood filler with a blending pencil or stain filler once it has dried.
