How Do Splinters in Hardwood Floors Look?

Small Splinters

• Small splinters may be barely detectable with the eye, but if you or your family members encounter one on the floor in bare feet, it's immediately evident. The splinter may also snag hosiery or socks, indicating the wood fibers are lifted in the area. Use a bright flashlight to inspect the floors for tiny slivers of wood that stand straight up or are angled. This type of splinter is often due to water damage, age or using a mop that's too wet. The moisture causes the wood to expand, making it susceptible to splinters. Small splinters are often evident in corners or along the edges of the hardwood.

Large Splinters

• A small gap in the wood or the presence of a shard in another area of your home is often the first sign of damage to hardwood surfaces. The shard of wood may still be attached to the floor or be discovered during regular cleaning with a broom or mop. Turn on all the lights in the room, open the drapes or inspect the entire floor with a flashlight to discover where the shard came from. Look first in areas where you scooted furniture or other heavy objects across the floor, as these can cause large splinters.

Other Indications

• Clean your floors when the room is brightly lit to help you identify splits, cracks or gaps in the hardwood floor. You'll need to repair these areas before a bare foot or one of your pet's paws suffers injury from the sharp pieces. Repair the area immediately to prevent further damage.

Repairing Hardwood Floor Splinters

• If you discover a shard of wood, fill the gap with wood glue and place the shard back into the spot. Wipe away excess glue with a damp cloth. Do the same with any small splinters still attached to the flooring. Fill any gaps, splits or crack with wood putty. Wipe away the excess according to the directions on the label. Allow the area to dry completely before walking on the floor. Hammering narrow nails in a gap is also an effective way to close up the space in the hardwood, reports the website Service Magic. Position the nails at an angle before using the hammer to close the space.