How to Repair Wood Floor - without Refinishing

[@katelynnphillips312]

This is fantastic. I have 100 year old wood floors and they're in desperate need for repair. They're my pride and joy. I look forward to repairing them and bringing them back to life.

[@Average_Josh]

7 years later and your video is still helping people like me. Thanks for the informative video!

[@rbr266h]

You are welcome! Glad it helped

[@leavethemkidsalone860]

@@rbr266h you should put links to the products you used to earn some $ in commission.

[@jonathangarza6492]

This is exactly the video I have been looking for for months! So glad I finally found it. The idea of refinishing an entire room to fix a 1/4" crack is absurd and I'm so thankful you shared your experience!

[@harsieseutasu758]

I have a bunch of these slivers in my 1901 floors and zero flooring guys would touch them. Now I have hope I can fix this myself and put a few more layers of poly down

[@holdurhorse9149]

Sometimes old hard wood floors nails are loose in place, walking over them, the jointed wood moves and push against each other, along with it popping out the fillers.

[@andrewwhite8762]

Wish I had of found it yesterday before I made a mess.

[@fansmith9833]

This worked great for my 1924 redwood floor, its two years later and the patches are still intact, with no loosening or detachment. I'm watching again because I have more areas I didn't get to last time. Thanks!

[@rbr266h]

Glad it helped!

[@SuperILoveWater]

Totally trying this on the weekend. I was not able to find anyone to work on a small job like this. Thank you soooo much!!!!

[@ms22401gal]

How did it go?

[@SuperILoveWater]

@@ms22401gal I repaired the front porch! I got a lot more confidence the more I patched!

[@SuperILoveWater]

@@ms22401gal 100 more to go… lol

[@ms22401gal]

@@SuperILoveWater Thanks! And, good luck!🍀👍

[@SuperILoveWater]

@@ms22401gal thanks! I may need that luck. I took a little break and am doing lead abatement now. Old house repairs never end!

[@concernedcitizen8066]

At last! I found the vid to fix bigger gaps, everything else is on newer floor. Thanks for this.

[@electricroundup8300]

This video shows a craftsman, not someone following manufacturers kit instructions......Great Job Russ

[@apostatepostbox2821]

It's 2022 and this is still the best video I've found on this that I can actually DO! Thank you!

[@rbr266h]

You are welcome! Glad you found it helpful.

[@jrandjanet]

Thank you. We just bought a remodeled farm house that was built in 1850 and the 2nd floor has the original flooring from 165 years ago. It is the wider planking and although the previous owner refinished all the hardwood in the house, I notice some gouge spots that need repaired. The downstairs is thinner planking, so I am assuming those floors were added or replaced sometime in the early 1900's. I am assuming there was just more traffic on the main floor than in the upstairs bedrooms. We are surrounded by cornfields, so I doubt they had much time to be up there which is why those were even salvageable. I have never had hardwood floors before, so this video was extremely helpful.

[@RNicolasRuvalcaba]

That type of traditional water based filler is designed to fill small credit card sized gaps, because this type of filler dries very brittle this much filler will likely crack and come loose as the floor flexes. Here's a tip when using larger amounts of filler, simply add a little bit of white glue to your filler mixture to help it bond, it will also give it a little elasticity so it will move as the floor moves. I do this when I trowel fill an entire floor when I'm sanding & finishing.

[@hamidabdanan7795]

Thank you. What do you recommend for deep scratches. I moves some furniture and I see scratches but did not look any color. The floor is about 9-10 years old.

[@mirandacunningham7023]

housewife here.....whats white glue, elmers? it looks like this is exactly what has happened here what is coming up is not wood. I think its filler from a previous repair before we owned the house.

[@SiMo.20247]

Miranda Cunningham PVA glue

[@mirandacunningham7023]

@@SiMo.20247 I'm reading wood glue is a yellow pva but it's waterproof. Would this work better or do I definitely want to use Elmer's white school glue?

[@mariofilho8880]

hey, can I do this even if the floor is a little loose?

[@jdcolding]

Great video! I have some experience with this, but its been years so I'm a little rusty. Your video was a great tutorial to make sure I do this right! Thanks for the help! My floors are Nearly 70 years old as well, and this is exactly what I need to do!

[@rbr266h]

Glad the video helped out!

[@DarkHorseCom]

Just the video I was looking for. Problem is, I'm disabled and really can't get down on my knees for extended periods. I have damaged floors which need fixing and this will get me started. I'm trying to locate all the right items to help complete the repair. Thank you so much for this video!

[@rbr266h]

You are welcome! Glad it helped.

[@misskim2058]

Me, too. Something that helps me is sitting on a very low stool, you can stretch your legs out and reach down, and reposition your legs as needed. One that’s just 12-15” high can be useful. I have an African stool from the Ashanti tribe. They get one at birth and it’s their stool for life. That’s their chair. It’s a great idea. Carved from one solid piece of wood. Slightly curved up on the edges. It’s great. It’s a stool and a footstool.

[@sandramolina5068]

Awesome ! I have been looking for this type of repair ! I have a newer floor that has been scratched by the kids.. And no way will have it refinished when it only has certain areas of scratching . I thought I would just have to live with it ! This will save a huge amount of time and money and will bring back my floor to new ! ! Thanks So Much !

[@betweenthe8]

Thanks for the video... I've watched at least 15 videos trying to find one that would help me repair some gouges in my newish floor from my dogs. None of them explained a genuine method (i.e. spread putty on floor).

[@rbr266h]

Glad I could help. Hope your floor repair goes well

[@lelanacroft]

Thank you so much for this video! We have an 80 year old house and there was carpet over the oak hardwoods. Lots of areas where the wood got wet and has split a little but not bad enough to remove. I will try this to see if it will work.

[@koolbehr3264]

LeLana Croft did it work

[@LA-rc7cw]

This is exactly what I needed! Old hardwood floo that has been covered by carpet over and over. The tack strips did damage I need to deal with. Thank you.

[@tonibergquist61]

Thank you for this video!!! I have an old house in need of floor repairs . My floors look just like the “before” pictures. Looking forward to having the time to do these repairs!

[@MysticalMe131]

Stil Awesome VIDEO in 2024, while you were down sanding, im on my bed watching your video. My phone turned sideway for closer view, And I caught my self blowing off the sand dust, while watching. I'm like ok Norma Jean its a video. LOLS. THIS IS JUST THE VIDEO I NEEDED! THANKS SO MUCH. 😊

[@_garebear]

You did a great video. Thanks. I finally won't ruin something when I try to fix it now. So many thanks.

[@rbr266h]

Glad it helped!

[@alive-awake]

I've used the Elmers wood repair kit for numerous things and it's great! Good video!

[@Rize_Inn]

Good tip using the tape before the putty. I found out the hard way that the excess putty does not clean up easily, especially after it dries.

[@patriciatillman5852]

Wow! I think I finally found out how to fix my 75 year old wood floor. Thank you

[@rbr266h]

Glad to help

[@kellerrobert80]

I like how you used sturdy, exterior tape, which you left in place. I wonder of a small sanding block w the 80 grit would've made leveling the patch easier? Then peel back the tape to feather with a 150 or 220 grit? The foam applicator (streaking) on the second/darker stain coat is also a great idea. Nice work.

[@lindagee-hesketh190]

Thank you. Had some damages with painters and this looks doable! What a relief!

[@MarvelDcImage]

I had a wood floor where the top part of the wood is punky and deteriorating I used a waterproof clear wood glue to strengthen the wood - applied it mixed with water as if it was polyurethane - the idea being the wood absorbs the glue and bonds it so it does not flake. It worked! I had some gaps where would was gone which I will fill in with your technique.(sand it first to get a good bond).,

[@elainenilsson5472]

That is the best repair job I have seen. Good job.

[@splash5974]

Anyone else get a craving for chocolate or vanilla ice cream? @1:48 Lol Great vid man! Thats a nice looking repair.

[@gundersonflooringanddesign4064]

Great job! Now do a test area with water-based polyurethane to make sure it adheres. If so you can get the buffing machine with a brown pad, possibly add some 5-in abrasive discs and 180 grit or higher. Buff the floor, clean the floor with a vacuum and wet towel. Let it dry. If you have any light spots do your stain method again. And apply two coats of finish. The floor won't look brand new sanded and finished. But it will look great and be protected for years to come.

[@mikepec2900]

Be VERY careful which tape you use on your flooring. Many tapes will print on the inside of the roll (in tiny little lettering), that they should not be used on urethane finishes. So choose your tape carefully. I’ve seen this happen on two separate occasions and one after the tape has been down for just a couple of hours. I am unsure about the tape he used...it may very well be safe for urethane. I believe he only mentions “removing the tape carefully” and not about his selection of tape, but otherwise I do agree this is one of the better flooring repair videos. Just wish he would have gone into more detail about applying the Wipe On Poly... Also take the After photo from the same angle as the Before pic.

[@patrickchatman6185]

Mike Pec Roberts 8250 universal floor polish

[@misskim2058]

@@patrickchatman6185 Thanks, Patrick. 😊

[@jasonthirlaway7412]

Just a warning for all the wood repairs being done, Don't use the same scooper to get your portions out. You just activated the hardener by mixing the two scoopings together. Just FYI. Thanks for the video. I have a 10 in chip that came up from using blue tape on the floor. Hardwood not even engineered. Sometimes the world challenges you.

[@tonibergquist61]

Do you know where I can find this repair kit?

[@jasonthirlaway7412]

@@tonibergquist61 Lowes ,home depot, amazon, true hardware. Elmers 2 part.

[@linadamsryt2002]

This is exactly what I need to fix a big place like this. 2 questions…1) I have a situation where a 1/2 inch strip of old pine flooring has pulled away. Is it better to glue that back and repair, or just remove it and patch as you’ve shown? We’ve tried to glue it before, but finally just put a rug over it! 2) what was in the spray bottle that you used to clean the floor prior to staining? Also, what is the best way to figure out the stain to buy for best match? Thank you!

[@chunkbulkhead]

great video, I'm tackling a 50 yr old light oak floor. Thanks for the tips

[@katepoplin2825]

Any suggestions on how to repair gaps that go right through to the ground/empty space under the house? I have odd shaped knots etc that have completely gone and have no base to put filler in on top of.

[@rbr266h]

I would get a can of low expanding spray foam at Home Depot or Lowes ( in the insulation aisle ). Mask off the area around your hole, because you don't want to get the foam anywhere other than the hole. Spray a bit in the hole - work it a bit around the edges of the hole, so it grabs onto something, and just doesn't squirt into the abyss. Get the foam about a 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the surface, then use the technique in the video, and fill the hole. If you don't feel comfortable working with a spray foam, get foam backer rods - they are also at Lowes and HD, and stuff the backer rod into the hole, then fill the remainder as discussed. Good luck with the repair!

[@marekmareckz5279]

When I tuned in I thought you were making Gelato? Glad I stuck around...Good info for the diy’er

[@favorites9796]

Great video! Can you please share what you used to wipe up the floor after sanding?

[@sn2477]

Great Video. I will check out this Elmers wood repair. I have a dent in my hardwood floor. Unfortunately its perpendicular to the grain direction and its a smooth dent due to moving a mattress carelessly. Its a long 4 feet shallow smooth dent. Will this 2 part adhere to this kind of smooth shallow dent?

[@rbr266h]

Yes it will. Just prep your area well, and you will be fine

[@ValterValyun]

I currently have a wood filler in place, and my existing wood is a light color. My light stain paints are too translucent to mask the gray-ness of the filler. Any way to combat that?

[@rbr266h]

Try using a gel stain - they work much better at covering up things like filler or discoloration much better than traditional stains.

[@maureenkilby7610]

Have a 120 yo home that hallway was just refinished. One board has large gap/hole about 3/8 x9 inches in places which should have been replaced. Is there an expanding filler and then use your above technique or other recommendations?

[@meanjean5193]

Great tutorial! Have questions. How could you tell if the finish was oil base or acrylic polyurthane so you use the appropriate finish?The video didnt say, but if there was damage inside the wood plank as well, would you have left it or tried to remove any of the surface wood, that is if any of your damage was termite caused?

[@rbr266h]

I really could not tell if it was a water based or oil based finish -I went with the age of the finish. If there was more damage to the plank, I would have removed any loose wood before applying the epoxy. As a side note, the repairs are over a year old, and it has held up really well.

[@zszxzjy]

I saw from other videos which use melted wax to fix which seems a bit easier. What's the benefit using the putty filler? I have a newish floor but have some chipped edges and holes due to movings, which method would you recommend?

[@rbr266h]

Wax works really well for smaller repairs and gouges. If you have larger spots, the filler is more stable, and dries harder than wax. Wax is also more difficult to color match to existing floors, as the wax comes pre colored. Using a putty makes the color matching and blending easier.

[@jeffny9]

Hey, thanks for this great video! I have an old parkay floor with spaces between the wood everywhere, and i really fear insects could be hiding in the holes/cracks... Can I use this for that? and do I have to add the white glue to the mix since I was told filler wont work since my floor "moves" thanks again!

[@rbr266h]

I would take my wood glue, mix in some sawdust and fill in those gaps.

[@jeffny9]

@@rbr266h Okay, so the Elmer's damaged wood repair, you use in this video and mix in saw dust? No adding white-pva glue as mentioned in the comments below? How much saw dust do I mix in??? thanks for the quick response!

[@Dalaila77]

thank you first time doing anything around the house and i started with the hardwood floors and this is the best video I've watched that isn't as difficult as most i watched. what products did you use please?

[@jesseburch7063]

I've filled a bunch of holes in my hardwood floor with a Minwax Stainable Wood Filler. It's sanded and dry now. But when I applied some Minwax stain, it didn't really do anything. The filler still looks pretty light, despite the stain being Ebony. Maybe I should try gel stain..? Thoughts?

[@rbr266h]

Gel stain should work very well. It has a heavier body to it, similar to paint, and you should be able to cover anything with it.

[@jesseburch7063]

@@rbr266h Thanks! I'm going to give the regular stain one more go, having sanded a little. But if that doesn't work, then it's the gel.

[@digivinylproductions7166]

If there is a board around a crack that’s loose and bows slightly when stepping on it, will this method hold it in place, or will it break off again if stepping on the board too hard?

[@rbr266h]

I would nail the loose board back down, and then try this repair. If the board is loose, it will crack the filler. A couple of nails, and you should be good. You can fill the nail holes with the same filler

[@AmenCornerRider]

Thank you for this helpful Vid. I left the stain on the epoxy filler overnight to dry and it’s still wet. Should I go ahead and apply the min wax?

[@rbr266h]

I have put on the top coat while the stain is still tacky. Gel stains, when put on heavy, take a couple of days to fully dry. It's always best to allow a full dry, but no harm will come from it if its still tacky, and you top coat with a poly urethane.

[@LuckLady1991]

The floors I want to repair is an apartment and it's already painted 2 times in 2 different colors and is fading from time. Can I just use this as a gap filler even if the floor is painted over? Or will it chip off? If I have to clean the paint off the wood floors is there a diy on how to do it in a safe way? I'm going to repaint the floors a dark chocolate brown color and gloss it over after the gaps are filled so it doesn't matter if the gaps matching the wood. Unless it would effect the floors some how?

[@c43805]

Sand and finish. Best option!

[@Kyle_almighty1]

Thank you for the video! Quick question though is that putty water proof?

[@rbr266h]

It holds up extremely well to water. About as well as the hardwood will. Had this repair down for over 7 years now, and its still holding up really well.

[@Kyle_almighty1]

@@rbr266h ok thank you for the information !

[@rishipatel3865]

Looked at a lot of videos to repair my flooring and this has amazing instructions and the finish is incredible!

[@Chibbs69]

I'm so glad you made this video! Thanks!

[@rbr266h]

you are welcome. hope it helps

[@kamyarilkhanipour9807]

Hi Russ, will DAP plastic wood work in this application for gouges that are about 1/4 to 1/2" wide and deep?

[@rbr266h]

Yes it will!

[@cyndiallen2097]

what else can i use since i cannot find the elmer's damaged wood repair system at home depot, lowes or amazon?

[@rbr266h]

It’s still available on Amazon. E761Q wood repair system. 21.91

[@bobbiedebro449]

Thank you really helpful just need to figure out what color stain i need

[@residentmanager3088]

Great advice on using 2 stains. For my wife, will you please make a video on how to get so vascular? Lol. 💪🏻🤙🏻

[@3232myke]

I just had new hardwood floor put in but I noticed I have what looks like a knot hole with a loose small piece of wood in the hole how do I fix it can I do it the same way in this video?

[@alexlastro]

Was searching for thisT Thanks a lot!

[@tazmo66]

Great video..how would you repair a pickled birch floor where a dog peed? I tried to sand and re apply the paint and there still appears to be a spot despite sanding and reapplying the paint a second time.! I ended up reapplying the polyurethane which also shows up terribly (not blending).. any ideas?

[@rbr266h]

Dog urine is very difficult to get out of hardwood. The steps you took is what I would do, unfortunately the urine gets soaked into the wood grain, and it goes deeper than a sanding will normally take out. I would have only added another step of treating the area with hydrogen peroxide - letting it soak into, and disrupt the stain. If that doesn't get it, then replacing the planks is the only option. ( if you have any). Sorry for the lack of advice on this one

[@solegryphon1018]

Hey thanks, I dropped a bar with weights on the floor this possibly will help

[@waynesymington3496]

but what if you cant get that product in your country? is there anything universal that would work the same?

[@NickClarkandstuff]

That epoxy looks like a scoop of forbidden ice cream

[@Mykamania]

Going to try on mine...what is the finish you wiped over when you were done?

[@rbr266h]

The best thing to use is a fast drying floor urethane. Lowes and Home Depot both carry.

[@Mykamania]

@@rbr266h thanks just learning from scratch, I subscribed. Thank you.

[@spacedonut9103]

i have large patches of wood taken out from a chair rolling over and over the same spot for 2 years but its not hard would, would i get the same result

[@rbr266h]

Yes you should. Hardwood ,softwood, or laminate, should yield the same results.

[@benwade19]

What was in the spray bottle you used to clean up after sanding?

[@artsygreens]

WOW! Good job. I'm going to try this. Thanks for sharing.

[@lnblacksc]

What did you use for graining. You said a rougher sponge or something where do I buy that?

[@rbr266h]

You can get a wood graining tool at home depot/lowes/amazon. Sold in the paint/stain dept. I use an xacto blade or razor and follow the grain pattern of the existing wood into the repair. A wet sponge ran across the repair is also useful to grain the repair

[@selenebarbosa4872]

What did you use to wipe the floor clean? Right now all I use to clean my wood floors is a little bit of white distilled vinegar in water. Very diluted vinegar so it is not corrosive just enough for mold and cleaning maintenance. I just was wondering what is best to use to clean a wood floor. I used this techniques when I cleaned homes because it was specified by the owners but I do not know if there is anything else that is better for wood flooring.

[@rbr266h]

I use a hardwood floor cleaner like Bona if the floor has very light dirt, but I like your idea better for floors that are really dirty.

[@jspin1103]

I’m wondering how just normal clear epoxy would work. Floor is fairly new. Don’t really want to bother with staining etc. Small dent about 1/3 inch. Imagine it’ll work right?

[@rbr266h]

Clear epoxy will work very well. You can even add colorant to the epoxy to give it some color, if you desire.

[@debasisbiswas2835]

very good demo where do i get the materials used for repair?

[@rbr266h]

Amazon carries Elmers Damaged Wood Epoxy Resin, and so does Home Depot.

[@incognitoxeres7858]

You did an AWESOME job. Thanks for sharing.

[@reztrotter]

When refinishing a floor, is it best to fill gaps and gouges before or after sanding the floor?

[@rbr266h]

Fill the gaps before sanding - much easier!

[@PAUL-1961.]

how will that stand up to office chair wheels and weight,i am quite heavy 300+ lbs

[@rbr266h]

The repair holds up surprisingly well. I have had it over 5 years now, and it has withstood a lot of floor abuse, and has not cracked. The office chair you are describing should handle the repair just fine.

[@joesalomone3764]

Is it really worth all that work for a little chip?

[@doobiedoo5450]

Great job matching the color.👍🏼

[@nickfanzo]

My wife spilt water on our wood floor and didn’t dry it well. Now a month later the board lifted at the edge and it moves up and down when I walk on it. I’m worried it’s going to pop up completely Any idea how to get this board down? It’s only that one board because her bottle leaked on the floor from her bag.

[@lorettajackson3202]

Will this work in a small spot bleached floor?

[@rbr266h]

Yes it will. It works on all sizes of repairs. I did this repair 8 years ago and it's still holding.

[@lorettajackson3202]

OMG thank you for your reply I bought all the stuff you mentioned didn't think you'll reply to me. Seriously thank you so much I could cry. You have saved me. @@rbr266h

[@kaleyahw6917]

Can you list the materials needed to fix the floor

[@AngeloLuis22]

How long do you mold before you apply?

[@nowthenad3286]

Doesn't the cross-contamination cause problems?

[@DogBurger9876]

what would i do if my holes are much wider, but also much more shallow. like water got on the wood, wasnt dried, and then worn for months so there is just a wide indent in the floor and every time my chair rolls over it little pieces come off

[@360training2]

You can still use this technique. It should work for your problem. This repair has lasted over 4 years now with no issues.

[@mariofilho8880]

hey, can I do this even if the floor is a little loose?

[@rbr266h]

Yes you can. The floor in the video was loose as well, and the repair was done over 6 years ago, and is still in great shape.

[@lonniep44]

WHAT IS HE CLEANING IT WITH AFTER SANDING , ? THANKS

[@rbr266h]

I use Simple Green.

[@WannaB321]

Great useful video. This will be helpful to me. I need to do the same thing.

[@lukasstrong772]

Very well done and on point

[@ssh348]

what if i use oil paint on top of drywall mud? i just have that stuff already and wouldn't need to go buy some more things.

[@kooale]

Why not use mashed potato, then coffee to stain & bacon fat for a top coat?

[@ssh348]

@@kooale coz i can't be bothered making mashed potato but i have plenty of oil paint)))

[@jamesyuan6557]

How much did all the supplies in this video cost in total?

[@rbr266h]

For everything, about $40 U.S.

[@kanchanmadan2905]

What to do if the floor is having air and makes a sound dub dub

[@francinenelson8108]

how to repair water damage on engineer wood?

[@TheNaturalebeauty]

You’re a genius!

[@Atlasmauri]

Thank you, this is helpful

[@mploco183]

Will this prevent the wood from sinking in when you step on it. Want to do this asap

[@rbr266h]

mike leon Yes it will prevent that.

[@dherbert53]

Nice job, thank you!

[@MomAsol]

great job

[@Psalms-KJV]

is that stuff flammable?

[@jameshumphrey3425]

Why...?

[@504Diva]

Great fix thank u

[@rbr266h]

You are welcome. Glad it helped!

[@nsvv2070]

Can I pay someone to do this to my wooden floors? How do I find someone?

[@Nunya_Bidnez]

awesome. help me on a new floor that i f****'d up by missing a blemish or manually dropping something on it. PLEASE.....

[@q7zjdwomfvkbj74]

mix equal parts. let dry 24hrs. sand 80 grit getting it level and feather edgee

[@andrewlinford]

I am a certified wood flooring inspector with Carolina Flooring Inspections and find this repair disturbing! Call a Pro! Trust me!!!!

[@davidwm]

Thanks, this was helpful.

[@selluck]

just perfect.

[@AlexXanderMarketing]

2 other even easier options: 1. Put a chair there 2. Area rug