Hardwood floors are one of the most beautiful and durable features in a home — but they’re not immune to wear and tear. Over time, even the best-maintained floors can show signs of damage: scratches from pets or furniture, dents from dropped objects, discolouration from sunlight or water, and more.
How to fix common hardwood floor problems.
At Toronto Restoration Services, we specialise in restoring damaged floors across Toronto, Vaughan, and Richmond Hill. In this post, we’ll walk you through some of the most common hardwood floor issues we see — and how we fix them.
1. Surface Scratches and Scuffs
Problem: Minor scratches from shoes, furniture legs, or pets are extremely common, especially in high-traffic areas.
Our Fix: If the damage is only on the surface, a buff and recoat is often enough to refresh the finish. For deeper scratches, we can sand the floor and refinish it entirely. We also offer spot touch-ups for smaller areas when full refinishing isn’t necessary.
2. Dents and Gouges
Problem: Dropping heavy items or moving furniture without protection can leave dents or gouges in your wood flooring.
Our Fix: We start by assessing the depth of the damage. For small dents, steam treatments and sanding may be enough. For deeper gouges, we use filler materials and custom colour-matching techniques to restore the surface. In rare cases, individual boards may be replaced.
3. Water Damage and Staining
Problem: Spills, pet accidents, plant pots, or leaks can cause dark stains, warping, or even mould.
Our Fix: First, we inspect for hidden moisture. If caught early, water stains can be sanded out and refinished. For deeper damage or cupping, we’ll replace affected boards and ensure the subfloor is fully dried before any refinishing work begins. Learn more in our full guide: How to Fix Water Damaged Hardwood Floors
4. Discolouration and Fading
Problem: Over time, sunlight exposure or uneven wear can cause hardwood to fade, turn grey, or become patchy.
Our Fix: A full sanding and custom stain application can bring uniformity back to your floors. We’ll test several stain options on-site to help you choose the right tone — whether you want to match the original colour or go for a more modern look.
5. Cupping and Warping
Problem: Cupped or warped boards can happen when moisture enters the wood unevenly — often due to humidity changes, spills, or poor installation.
Our Fix: In many cases, cupping can be corrected with time and proper drying. For persistent warping, we sand the boards flat or replace the affected sections. Once the boards are level, we refinish the entire area to ensure a seamless look.
6. Finish Peeling or Wearing Off
Problem: When the protective finish begins to peel, flake, or wear away, your floors are more vulnerable to damage.
Our Fix: We’ll assess whether a buff and recoat can restore the surface or if a full sand-and-refinish is required. Either way, we use low-VOC, water-based finishes that cure quickly and provide long-lasting protection — perfect for families and pet owners.
Don’t Replace – Restore
In many cases, homeowners think they need to replace their floors when refinishing or minor repairs will do the trick. At Toronto Restoration Services, we’re committed to saving your existing hardwood wherever possible — saving you time, money, and mess.
Our team works across Toronto, Vaughan, and Richmond Hill, providing free on-site assessments and honest recommendations.
Book a Floor Repair Consultation
Got damage? We can fix it. Whether it’s scratches, dents, discolouration, or cupping — Toronto RS has a solution. Contact us today to schedule a quote in Toronto, Vaughan, or Richmond Hill, and let us show you what’s possible with professional hardwood floor repair.
