How to Repair Water Damage on Hardwood Floors

Water damage can be your worst nightmare, especially when it affects your beautiful hardwood floors. Whether it’s from a leaky pipe, a spilled glass of water, or a flood, water can quickly seep into the wood and cause significant damage. But don’t despair; you can learn how to repair water damage on hardwood floors.

In this article, we’ll begin by guiding you through the process of assessing the extent of the water damage. Then, we’ll cover drying out the affected area and repairing any damaged boards.

We’ll also share some tips on how to prevent future water damage and maintain the longevity of your hardwood floors. So, if you’re ready to learn, grab your tools, and let’s get started!

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Paradise On Earth

Can Water Damaged Hardwood Floors Be Repaired?

Water damage on hardwood floors can stem from various sources. Identifying the cause is crucial for understanding the damage’s scope. 

Superficial damage only affects the surface and is simpler to address. On the other hand, structural damage delves deeper into the wood, leading to issues like warping or buckling.

The possibility of repair hinges on factors such as the damage’s extent, the type of wood, and the floor’s age. Superficial damage typically involves drying the affected area and refinishing the surface. However, extensive or structural damage may necessitate replacement.

There are common misconceptions surrounding water-damaged hardwood floors, such as the belief that they’re beyond salvage or that repairs are prohibitively expensive. However, many instances of water damage are repairable, often proving more cost-effective than total replacement.

Assessing the Extent of Water Damage

Begin by locating the source of water, such as a leaky pipe, spill, or flood, and take immediate action to stop it to prevent additional harm. Next, carefully examine the impacted area for any visible signs of damage, both superficial, like water stains and minor warping, and structural, like severe warping, cupping, or buckling. 

Furthermore, utilize a moisture meter to assess the moisture level in the affected region. Compare it with an unaffected area to understand the magnitude of the damage. 

We advise you to thoroughly document the damage by taking photos and measurements of the affected area. This documentation will assist in planning repairs, estimating costs, and potentially filing insurance claims.

Tools and Materials Needed

You’ll need the following equipment:

• Moisture meter
• Shop vacuum
• Fans
• Dehumidifiers
• Sanding equipment (belt sander, orbital sander, sandpaper)
• Replacement floorboards
• Wood stain
• Wood finish
• Pry bar
• Hammer
• Nails or staples
• Wood filler

For protection and cleanup

Before you begin any protection or cleanup tasks, gathering the necessary equipment is also essential. You’ll need the following:

• Gloves 
• A dust mask 
• Safety goggles 
• A putty knife 
• Rags or disposable towels

So, wear gloves, a dust mask, and safety goggles to protect yourself from splinters, dust, fumes, and chemicals. Have wood filler, a putty knife, and rags or disposable towels on hand for filling gaps and cleaning up during the repair process.

How to Repair Water Damage on Hardwood Floors

To repair water-damaged hardwood floors, start by soaking up excess water and using fans and dehumidifiers to dry the area. Smooth any warped spots with sandpaper and clean the wood with a safe disinfectant. 

Next, fill any holes with wood filler and sand them until smooth. Match the stain to your floor and apply it evenly. Then, finish off with a protective coat. 

In cases of severe damage, you might need to replace some planks. We suggest you wait until the floor is fully dry before beginning repairs to avoid worsening the damage.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: wabeno

Minor water damage

The first step in repairing minor water damage is to dry the affected area thoroughly. Use fans and dehumidifiers to circulate air and remove moisture from the wood. 

The process may take several days, depending on the extent of the damage. Be patient and ensure the area is completely dry before proceeding with repairs.

Sanding and refinishing

To fix minor water damage like stains or discoloration on your floor, start by sanding the affected area. You can use either a belt sander or an orbital sander for this task. 

Begin with coarse-grit sandpaper to remove the damaged layer of wood. Then, gradually switch to finer grits until the surface feels smooth. 

If you want to change the color of the wood, apply wood stain before finishing. Finally, add a clear protective coat to match the rest of the floor and keep it looking good.

Filling minor gaps and cracks

If minor water damage has caused small gaps or cracks in the hardwood, use wood filler to repair them. Choose a filler that matches the color of your floor or one that can be stained to match. Apply the filler with a putty knife, filling the gaps and cracks.

Allow the filler to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then sand the filled areas smooth and level with the surrounding floor. Ultimately, apply stain and finish to blend the repaired areas with the rest of the floor.

Major water damage

In cases of severe water damage, the subflooring beneath the hardwood may also be affected. The subflooring must be replaced before repairing the hardwood if it is warped, rotted, or otherwise compromised.

So, you should remove the damaged hardwood and subflooring and inspect the joists for damage or rot. Then, replace the subflooring with new moisture-resistant material, such as exterior-grade plywood, ensuring a stable and level base for the new hardwood.

Replacing severely damaged boards

When hardwood boards are severely warped, cupped, or rotted because of water damage, they need replacing. To do this, carefully remove the damaged boards using a pry bar and hammer, being cautious not to harm the surrounding ones.

Next, measure and cut new boards to fit the space precisely, ensuring they match the existing floor’s thickness, width, and wood type. Then, install the new boards using nails or staples and fill any gaps with wood filler. Lastly, sand the repaired area until it’s smooth and apply stain and finish to match the rest of the floor.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Levent Konuk

Seeking professional assistance

If your floor has extensive water damage or needs complex repairs, consider hiring a professional flooring contractor. Getting expert advice is wise, especially if the damage covers a large area or if you’re not confident in your repair skills.

Professionals can evaluate the damage thoroughly and suggest the right repair techniques. They’ll make sure the repairs are done safely and efficiently. Additionally, they can assist in matching stain and finish colors for a smooth, cohesive repair job.

Conclusion

Mastering how to repair water damage on hardwood floors is an invaluable skill that can save you time and money. We illuminated the straightforward steps that will allow you to restore your hardwood flooring to its former glory.

Each step is crucial for a successful repair, from drying out the affected area to sanding, cleaning, and applying the final touches with stain and finish. Remember, minor damages can be easily tackled.

However, significant issues may require plank replacement. Now, you may feel more confident in addressing water damage and preserving the beauty of your hardwood floors.