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How To Repair Your Water Damaged Wood Floors

September 20, 2019

Your wood floor has water damage. What can you do? First you can try letting it dry out. However, to really dry out this really can be a lengthy process—almost a year according to some experts. Do you want to wait a year to repair your water damaged wood floors? Probably not, so here’s how to make that repair.

The Steps

First, get the floor dry. Use towels, fans, heat and dehumidifiers. Even a hair dryer can be helpful if the spot’s small enough. Use anything, but get the floor dry. If you have the ability to get to the wood floors from under them, do it, you never know where water is going to get so take a look, if you see some moisture there, dry underneath.

Next, figure out how bad it is really. If the floor is cupping, then you can repair your water damaged wood floor. If it is lifting up, detaching from the subfloor and separating, you should replace the damaged area of wood flooring. Either way you’re going to need to sand. If it’s a large area to repair of the wood flooring you might want to get a drum sander, highly recommended cause using a belt sander over a larger area is brutal on your back. In any case you are going to need to sand the wood down to bare wood, that’s so you don’t see the stain any longer. If your stain is in a corner or a hard to reach area, we hate to tell you this but in that spot you will just have to use a hand scraper and sandpaper till you get the wood down to its bare surface. Once the finish is completely removed you’ll be working with a wood floor free of water damage and looking like it was when it first went down.

When the sanding is complete you will need to clean up. Sweep the floor to get all the dust and debris up. Use a tack rag treated with paint thinner or mineral spirits to remove the fine dust. Don’t use water; remember, that’s what started this mess to begin with. If you find any holes or scratches us a putty knife and some wood putty to fill those holes, then smooth them out. Let the putty dry for a good amount of time, I’d recommend at least 45 minutes. Then, if you need to, sand it again.

What To Do After You’ve Stripped The Damage

Now you’ve got the floor down to bare wood, it looks great but it needs some color. Time for some wood stain. If you’re only repairing a small portion of the floor, use the same stain and finish you have previously to match the prior work. Be careful here cause if you’re not sure about the color you can end up with a mismatched floor. If you have to redo the entire room, well the worlds your oyster—you can choose any color you want.

After staining, you get a choice. Stick with the stain on the floor or if you want the high polished look, add polyurethane or urethane. This will bring your floor that high shine. Keep in mind that between coats you will need to do a light sanding of the floor, and I mean a light sanding.

That’s how you fix a water damaged wood floor. It’s not horrible, it can take some time depending on the size of the area you need to repair but you can do it. If the job sounds too big, or you don’t have the time for all of that, be sure to call us. We’re experienced with repairing water damaged wood floors and we’ll be at your service no matter when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions


Most home insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage from burst pipes. Check your policy details for specific coverage.

Yes, a broken water heater can lead to a high electric bill. If it's not heating water efficiently, a broken water heater may consume more energy and increase your utility bill.

Yes, if you have a broken water heater, it can potentially lead to carbon monoxide leaks. If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, call us for an emergency response.

How can carbon monoxide come from a water heater?

While minor leaks can be fixed with DIY methods, it's advisable to consult a professional restoration company, like Accutech Restoration & Remodeling, for significant damage to ensure proper repair and prevent future issues.

Yes, mold can grow under tiles if there is constant moisture or water damage.

Yes, water can seep through grout lines if they are cracked or improperly sealed. You may contact us for help with water leaks and bathroom floor water damage.

Yes, we can remove mold from carpets affected by water damage. We use specialized cleaning techniques to prevent health risks.

Homeowners' insurance typically covers water damage caused by a water heater leak or broken water heater, but it may not cover the cost of repairing or replacing the heater itself. You may contact us for help navigating your insurance claim.

We recommend clearing the area around the damaged drywall to give our technicians easy access.

Preventing flood damage involves proactive measures such as maintaining gutters, ensuring proper drainage around your property, and considering flood-resistant building materials. Accutech Restoration & Remodeling offers tips and resources to help you safeguard your home against future flooding incidents.

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