Hardwood flooring makes a beautiful addition to any home. Even with the best care and maintenance, splinters may occasionally pop up in the wood. Wood splinters can be caused by objects dropped on the floor or by slid furniture. Regardless of how a splinter formed, it is important to fix it at first sight. Leaving the splinter in the wood may cause a more serious problem down the road. Repairing a splinter in a wood floor is a cost-effective alternative to replacing the entire board.
Video of the Day
Things You'll Need
Rag
Sandpaper
Utility Knife
Heavy Object
Wood Glue
Wax Paper
Water
Fixing A Partly Removed Splinter
Step 1
Pry up the part of the splinter that has become detached from the grain. Use the pointy blade on a utility knife to carefully lift up the splinter.
Video of the Day
Step 2
Apply a moderate coating of wood glue to the underside of the splinter. Press down on the splinter so that it is back in place on the wood.
Step 3
Dampen a rag slightly with water. Wipe down the area around the splinter to remove excess glue. Avoid soaking the rag or applying too much water. The wood glue is water-based and will not work properly if wet.
Step 4
Lay a piece of wax paper over the splintered portion of the wood. Place a heavy object, such as a large book or potted plant, onto the wax paper.
Step 5
Allow the wax paper and heavy object to sit on the splintered area overnight. Remove the wax paper the next day.
Step 6
Sand the area lightly with sandpaper.
Fixing A Completely Removed Splinter
Step 1
Set aside the splinter if it has completely detached from the flooring.
Step 2
Clean out the area on the floor where the splinter was located. Scrub with an old toothbrush to remove dirt from the space.
Step 3
Apply a moderate amount of glue to the back of the splinter, as well as into the space on the floor where the splinter separated from.
Step 4
Put the splinter back into place. Use a slightly damp rag to wipe down the area of any excess glue.
Step 5
Cover the area with wax paper and a heavy object. Allow the wax paper and heavy object to sit overnight.
Step 6
Lightly sand the area the next day.