How to repair damage to timber floor?

[usrreddy972]

Hi, Is it possible to repair this damage on the wooden floor. If yes, please let me know how to go about fixing it.

[JacobZ]

Hi @usrreddy972,

Thank you for your question about repairing your wooden floor.

Are you aware of what caused this damage? It is a very strange wear pattern on timber, and I can't say I've seen wear like this before.

It looks like there is a coloured film that is lifting where I have circled below.

Are you sure that it is real timber? If you tap it with your knuckles, does it sound like timber? It looks like it could be a timber look vinyl or laminate.

I'd like to be sure of what we are dealing with before I offer specific advice as if it is not real timber, the approach you would take, which is sanding it back then oiling it, would likely damage it further.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[usrreddy972]

Hi Jacob, thanks for your reply. It says timber on approved plans and does feel like timber too. The property was tenanted so I am not 100% sure what happened but this is what I know. The first tenant had stuck pet anti slip adhesive tape and the main damage was caused when the second tenant took it out i.e. broad shorter patch which is lighter in colour marked 1 in the image below. After the third tenant left we noticed that the damage had spread to the next timber strip in the landing area  i.e. long thin patch which is darker in colour marked 2 in the image below. It also appears that the staircase areas blinds were left open through these years of tenancy causing fading and discolouration of the staircase floor. We also noticed similar damage and discolouration of the floor near the sliding door opening to the backyard. All three tenants had pets and may have also contributed to the damage and we do notice that the entire floor area has lost its shine and is filled with scratches. For now we would atleast like to repair this staircase landing area.

  

[JacobZ]

Hi @usrreddy972,

Yes, it's definitely timber, it's just an odd wear pattern but the anti-slip tape would explain it.

You can carry out a repair, as I mentioned above, by sanding back the worn sections using an Orbital Sander with 80 grit sandpaper to remove the varnish, then 120 grit to smooth and prepare for coating.

Perfectly colour-matching the existing finish won't be easy, so you should apply a test section of whatever product you choose before committing to it fully. Sikkens Cetol HLSe Pine Timber Finish looks like it is pretty close.

Check out How To Sand Timber Floors and How To Seal Timber Floors for some further guidance.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob