Flooring & Tiling · Floors
Buff Light Scratches from a Timber Floor
Repair summary
Surface scratches that haven't gone through the finish can be hidden with a matching wax stick rubbed along the grain, buffed with a soft cloth, then sealed with a thin coat of timber floor polish.
Likely issue
Surface scratches in the floor finish
DIY difficulty
2/5
Estimated DIY cost
$25–$45
Estimated tradie cost
$400–$900 (sand & seal min)
Tools required
- Soft cloth
- Microfibre mop
Materials required
Step-by-step instructions
- Clean the area with a damp cloth and let it fully dry.
- Surface scratches that haven't gone through the finish can be hidden with a matching wax stick rubbed along the grain, buffed with a soft cloth, then sealed with a thin coat of timber floor polish.
Safety warnings
Deep gouges that have broken through the finish into the timber need a professional sand-and-reseal — patching a single board rarely blends.
When to call a tradie
Call a licensed tradie if the work is outside the scope of this guide, involves regulated trades (electrical, gas, structural, waterproofing), or if you discover hidden damage. A professional will typically charge $400–$900 (sand & seal min).
Get Quotes
