Hello! Unfortunately, my seven year old pulled a piece of furniture across my engineered wood floor, and I have someone scheduled to come out to look at it. He asked me on the phone if it was truly a 'scratch' or a 'gouge', and I really don't know how to tell the difference! He asked me if there was any 'exposed' wood, which I don't see, but it also doesn't look like just a scratch, as it has wavy lines and isn't really'even' (if that makes sense!). I'm not explaining myself very well and I doubt if I took a picture that the damage would show up. I'm really wondering if this is going to come out at all or if I'm just stuck with it. We can't replace the wood because I've learned through other research that they don't make ours any longer (we've had it about seven years). Any thoughts on how I can truly tell whether or not this is a scratch or a gouge?

Rub your finger over it, if you feel an indentation, then it's a dent or gouge. If it's a dent gouge or scratch a pro with experience, with this type of repair, can usually camoflauge it pretty good, ( notice I dont say make it invisable).

AWWW! ((((((((((((((( I went and checked, and it did feel 'rough', so I guess that puts it in the category of a gouge, all the way across the floor. It isn't really an indentation, just feels 'rough'. That still qualifies it as a gouge, right??? So camouflage can be done even with a gouge??? I need some hope that something can be done )))) Thanks, Howard, for the feedback!

Without seeing it, I hate to guess. The severity of a gouge, and where it's located makes alot of difference in hiding it. If the lighting is reflecting in that area, it makes it tougher, if it's going accross the grain, that's tough. There's just different variables in being able to try hiding different damage and situations. Maybe it's just a finish scuff. Very possible it's no big deal, can't worry yourself guessing.

I was thinking it might be a finish scuff, as it really doesn't look like it got down into the actual wood. I just don't know, but I'm sooo frustrated and in fear that it won't come out. Unfortunately, it is in a very bright area, so it shows everything, AND, it is against the grain . I guess I will have to wait and see when he finally comes out, though I don't know if I can wait that long without driving myself crazy ( I take pride in my floors, and was devastated when I saw the havoc wreaked in a matter of 60 seconds by that piece of furniture ( I'm really not 'losing' it over this floor, I'm just very disappointed ((( I will post an update when my floor guy comes out and assesses it!

Sorry about the "gouge." It sounds like now would be a good time to put felt pads under all your furniture.

Good news! Actually, great news! Experts came out today and said while the SCRATCHES are long and ugly, they are primarily in the top coat and NOT in the wood. There were two small sections (smaller than a dime) that had actually gotten close to the wood, but he felt confident that with a repair job, it would all look pretty o.k. I really was concerned that it would all have to be ripped out (((((((((((((((((( Thanks for the advice, everyone. I am most definitely going to invest in some furniture pads. I am careful, but as I've witnessed, my children are not (((

Great news Do yourself a favor and invest in the heavy duty pads, not the thin felt ones, but more of a commercial carpet consistency.

Will do, Howard!!!!!!!!!! I appreciate that tip very much. I want to keep my floors looking good ))))))))))) I have hardwoods in half of my home and am about to strip the carpet and put them in the other rooms as well. I cannot wait. It will be a good time to get the pads, with the new wood coming in ))))) Thanks, everyone, for the feedback and support!