Cork flooring is a popular flooring type among homeowners due to its durability, eco-friendliness, and soft cushioning. Although cork flooring is highly durable, it may get damaged over time, especially in high-traffic areas. In this article, you will read more about how to repair dents and scratches that may happen on the cork flooring to restore its original look.
Understanding cork flooring and its susceptibility to damage
Cork flooring is made of the bark of cork oak trees and besides the beauty it adds to any space, it has shock absorption and noise reduction features which are the result of the cushioning texture of this flooring. While cork flooring creates a soft cushioning underfoot, it can get damaged like scratches or dents when moving furniture or by your pet’s paws. Therefore, understanding the type of damage that happens to the floor can help you find the best repair method.
How to identify and assess cork floor damage
Before you begin repairing your cork floor, it is necessary to identify the type of damage to find the best solution. Here are some tips to help you better determine the level of damage to the cork floor:
- Surface scratches: These are some shallow marks that only affect the surface of the protective finish of the cork floor.
- Deep scratches: These are deep damages that penetrate the sealant and can cause the cork material to become exposed.
- Dents: These are compressions that are caused by heavy objects or high pressure on one spot.
- Chipped or broken sections: These are serious damages that may need more specific repairs or even replacements.
How to repair minor scratches on cork floors
Repairing light and minor scratches on the cork floors can be easily done in a few steps that are provided below:
- Clean the affected area: Before starting any repair, you need to clean the surface completely using a soft cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner. Wait until the area gets dried.
- Apply a touch-up marker or wax stick: Use a colour-matched touch-up marker or a wax stick to fill in the scratches. Then blend it until an even surface.
- Seal with a protective finish: apply a thin layer of cork sealant to restore its look and prevent further damage.
💡 Regular cork flooring maintenance, such as sweeping and using furniture pads, can help prevent scratches in the future.
Fixing deep scratches and dents on cork flooring
If scratches are deeper or some dents on the cork floor surface cannot be repaired using light-scratches repair steps, you use the instructions below to repair the affected area.
- Clean and sand the area lightly: Clean the affected cork floor area, then sand it lightly to remove rough edges. Then clean again the dust created after sanding the surface.
- Fill with a cork-compatible filler: Use a colour-matched wood filler to fill the scratches or dents and smooth it out.
- Allow it to dry and sand again: Let the wood filler do its job and after the dents or scratches that have been recently filled, get dried. Then sand the surface again to create a smooth and even cork floor surface.
- Apply sealant or polyurethane finish: Use a polyurethane finish or cork-friendly sealant to protect the surface from future damage.
⚠️ However, it is necessary to mention that it is always better to first consult a flooring professional in your area to make sure about the procedure or even use their help for a better result.
Replacing damaged cork floor tiles or planks
There are also situations in which the damages cannot be repaired and a flooring replacement is needed. Here are the steps for replacing new cork floor tile or plank:
- Find the cork flooring installation type: If it was installed using a floating method or glue-down method, you need to find out which method has been used. Cork flooring that is installed using a floating method is easier to replace.
- Remove damaged section: Use a utility knife to cut and remove damaged tile or carefully separate the plank.
- Install new cork tile or plank: Place the new replacement piece correctly using adhesive for glued tiles or snapping it into place for floating floors.
- Seal and blend the surface: For higher protection and a seamless look of the cork floor, apply the cork floor sealant on the recently replaced cork floor tile or plank.
Preventative maintenance to avoid future cork floor damage
To avoid damage to your cork flooring and keep it in excellent condition, you need to follow some instructions that help you keep the cork flooring for years without any repair or replacement. Here are some tips:
- Use furniture pads: It is really important to use furniture pads to prevent scratches and dents from happening.
- Maintain regular cleaning: Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and dust.
- Control indoor humidity levels: Humidity levels can affect the cork flooring, so it is important to keep the indoor humidity between 40-60% to prevent it from warping.
- Use rugs or mats: It is a good idea to use rugs, mats, or tiny carpets on your cork floor in high-traffic areas that are more prone to damage.
Conclusion
Cork flooring is a durable, sustainable, and stylish flooring type, but it requires regular maintenance to remain damage-free. Whether there are light scratches or dents and deep damages, you can use the right technique based on the floor condition to repair or replace it, ensuring a long lifetime. If you are not experienced or prefer professional work, asking for help from professional flooring service providers would be a great choice for you. MA Flooring in Melbourne is a trusted flooring provider that offers the highest quality products and installation services. For more information and a free consultation, you can contact us.