Life with pets and small children can make it tough to keep timber floors pristine. Your floor’s natural beauty can take a hit from furniture accidents and regular foot traffic that leave behind ugly gouges.
Beautiful timber floors add value to your home, but you need to keep them in good shape. The good news? Quicksand Flooring specialises in restoring timber floors across Melbourne. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how timber floor scratches are assessed and professionally repaired, and why it’s best to call in an expert to bring your floor back to life.
Why you can not ‘spot’ repair scratches:
We often get asked if we can only repair a small section of the floor that has been scratched. Unfortunately, it is impossible to complete this task without being left with a completely different coloured area. This is because all timber floors naturally change colour over time due to various factors like sun exposure, damage etc. When only repairing a small area by sanding out the scratches and re-coating, you will be left with an eyesore patch job! The only way to completely get rid of the scratches and to make the repair blend in seamlessly is to restore the ENTIRE timber floor.
Step 1: Floor Inspection and Preparation
Every job starts with a clear picture of what we’re working with. We assess the condition of the timber, identify whether scratches are surface-level or cut deep into the wood, and determine the best course of action.
Step 2: Sanding with Industrial Equipment
Our restoration work starts with industrial-grade sanding equipment. We use what we call “THE BIG MACHINE” on your scuffed up timber floors. This powerful drum sander strips away the damaged surface layer and removes deep scratches. “THE EDGER” helps us reach those tricky spots near walls and corners.
You need several sanding stages to get the best results. We work our way through different grits of sandpaper, starting with coarse paper to remove deep scratches and surface damage. Then we work progressively through finer grades to smooth the surface and prepare it for refinishing. This method removes even the toughest scratches.
Step 3: Filling Gaps Between Boards
After sanding, we examine the floor for small gaps (1-2mm) between timber boards. These can develop over time as timber expands and contracts. Berger-Seidle Pafuki is a professional-grade gap filler (and one of the best products for the job) that we love to use for this job. We mix with fine sanding dust from your own floor to deliver an impressive, natural finish that blends perfectly with the timber.
Once the filler dries, we buff away any excess to ensure a smooth, uniform surface before coating.
For larger gaps (3-15mm) we would use a more flexible filler like Berger-Seidle Pak Stop.
Step 4: Priming and Coating for Long-Term Protection
The next step is to apply a primer to condition the timber and help the topcoat bond properly. We typically use Berger-Seidle FlexPrimer followed by a second coat with SmartHome, depending on the floor’s needs and environmental conditions.
The final stage is to apply a durable, two component, water-based polyurethane coating, usually Berger-Seidle CeramicStar in a satin or ultra matt finish. This high-grade finish is extremely hard-wearing and helps protect the restored floor against future scratches, spills, and wear. We use a 3-coat system for lasting coverage with light buffing before applying the final coat to ensure a flawless finish.
See the Process in Action
Curious what this looks like in real life? Watch our video on restoring a double herringbone Tasmanian Oak parquet floor. The results speak for themselves.
Why Choose Quicksand Flooring?
Our team of timber flooring restoration professionals use only premium products, proven sanding techniques, and precision application methods to deliver exceptional results on every project.
If you’re a homeowner dealing with wear and tear or a commercial property owner preparing for tenants, we’ll restore your timber floors to a high-end, durable finish that enhances the look and value of your space.
Book Your Timber Floor Assessment
Talk to the experts at Quicksand Flooring. We offer full-service timber floor restoration across Melbourne and specialise in full resanding and refinishing.
Contact us online today for a free estimate or call us on 0451 326 307 and bring your scratched timber floors back to life.
With over 25 years of experience, Clinton Tracy is a Melbourne timber flooring expert dedicated to delivering exceptional results. He and his team constantly test new products and finishes to ensure the highest quality.
Clint’s commitment to excellence includes traveling to Europe to stay updated with the latest industry trends and best practices, ensuring every project meets the highest standards.