As anyone who has ever watched a Boston Celtics' home basketball game can attest, the patterns of parquet floors can be eye-catching. Parquet floors are thin and hold up well against damage; but like any hardwood floor, they require maintenance. Another benefit: Their scratches can be relatively easy to repair. The method used to repair parquet flooring largely hinges on the severity of the scratch.
Draw over the scratch with a touch-up marker (or stick) made of wax. These markers can be found at home improvement and flooring stores.
Scrape away any excess colouring from the floor with a putty knife.
Buff (or smooth out) the area of the scratch with a cloth.
Mark off the scratched area with masking tape.
Remove the finish from the scratched area with fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe away any dust or grit with a brush.
Re-stain the floor with a stain that matches the colour of your parquet floor.
Apply a new finish and buff the floor. The finish used on parquet floors varies. Older parquet floors often have a varnish or shellac finish. Newer parquet floors are usually finished with polyurethane.
Tip
Products are available that are similar to the markers but instead cover the scratch with wood stain. As is the case with the markers, it's a good idea to test the colour on a spare piece of parquet flooring to see if it matches up with your floor. You can also take a spare piece to a flooring store and ask them to match up the colours there.
Warning
A piece of parquet flooring that has been severely damaged or scratched may have to be replaced.