Fixing Scratches

• 1). For shallow, small scratches use steel wool to sand out; for deep scratches, use lightweight sandpaper. Do not apply a lot of pressure and follow the grain of the wood.
  
  
• 2). Use a cloth dampened in mineral spirits to clean and wipe away sanding dust..
  
  
• 3). Fill scratches with wood filler. Use a plastic putty knife to apply and create a smooth surface flush with the rest of the floor.
  
  
• 4). Allow to dry and sand away excess filler.
  
  
• 5). Reapply varnish, stain or polyurethane with a paint roller over areas where you filled scratches.
  
  

Fixing Squeaky Wood Floors

• 1). Try simple methods of fixing squeaky floors before you diagnose a more complicated problem. The squeaking may result from floor boards rubbing together, so try applying wood floor lubricants in the cracks between boards and cleaning the excess with a broom and damp cloth.
  
  
• 2). Check for nails causing noise as they rub against floor joists and boards. If nails miss the joists they will cause squeaking; use a reciprocating saw to cut exposed nail heads and replace them as necessary, being sure to hit joists.
  
  
• 3). Drive nails into hardwood floors where gaps exist between the flooring and sub-flooring. This stops squeaking and prevents warping.