Nowadays, hardwood is very often used for house flooring as it is durable and requires low maintenance. However, even though these floors are considered among the best, every floor will wear over time.
If the damage on the floor is minor, like scratches or narrow cracks, the wood filler is the best solution. Using a wood filler is very easy and it can be applied to any wood floor.
As deciding on a specific wood filler may be difficult, here we present some of the best wood fillers on the market.
Page Contents
Our Top Reviewed Wood Fillers
1. Minwax Stainable Wood Filler – Best Wood Filler for Hardwood Floors
Whether you need to apply a filler indoor or outdoor, the Minwax can do it both since it is highly resistant to any external conditions.
This product is among the best for the nail holes and cracks that occur from time to time.
Also, it is very flexible since it can be used for oil and water-based wood stains.
Although some fillers can take a long time to dry, this filler dries very fast, which most users prefer.
Compared to the more expensive products on the market, it offers almost equal value in quality and efficiency.
Cleaning the filler is quite easy since it is water-based. It is also shrink-resistant, so it can be applied exactly to the size of the damaged surface. That said, this filler is very durable and works fine as a long-term solution for hardwood floors.
2. FamoWood Latex Wood Filler – Pint, Natural
Some wood fillers might be a little complicated to apply. Still, the FamoWood Latex is simple to use, dries fast, and comes at a reasonable price.
This filler is perfect for filling holes and cracks inside the hardwood floor with the thick covering material. Also, it is water-based, so it is not harmful to the surroundings and it can be painted or sanded, which is why many customers decide to get it.
Aside from being suitable for indoor and outdoor usage, it offers a premium look since it is similar to real wood.
After applying this filler, it takes only about 15-20 minutes to completely dry, exceeding most wood fillers on the market.
Overall this is a great product for covering almost every damage that might occur on the hardwood floor.
3. Goodfilla Wood & Grain Filler
For users, that prefer a premium product, this highly rated wood filler is definitely one of the best products on the market.
Compared to most fillers, the Goodfilla offers high versatility. It can be used as grain filler, knot filler and more. In addition, this product is very efficient when used on hardwood floors or furniture.
Since it is crack-resistant and shrink resistant, applying this filler is a long-term solution for any damage on the hardwood floor. Also, this filler is water-based and it is environment friendly, which is nice for everyday use.
Although this filler is sandable and paintable, most users claim that maintenance can be difficult in some cases.
4. Elmer’s E855 Carpenters Wood Filler
The Elmer’s E855 stands out as one of the best low-budget fillers on the market.
Well-known for high performance, it is perfect for indoor usage as there are better options for outdoor use. This filler is easy to apply and it fills any holes or narrow cracks without mistake.
Cleaning and maintaining won’t cause any damage to the hardwood since this is a water-based product.
Depending on the usage, it takes about 12 to 14 hours to completely dry, which is fine. Still, it is not the best since many more efficient products are available. On the other hand, the shrink and crank resistance is very high and it is also a sandable and paintable substance.
Overall, this product is affordable, easy to apply, easy to maintain, and among the best indoor hardwood fillers.
5. DAP 00585 Latex Plastic Wood Filler
The DAP 00585 has no equal when it comes to the repair performance for a very low price.
When properly applied to the damaged surface, it hardens a lot stronger than most fillers on the market. Therefore, even though this filler can be used for any repair, it works best for smaller cracks or scratches.
This product provides a highly realistic look of real wood since the multiple wood fibers are integrated within this substance.
The strong hardening makes this filler very resistant to damage, so it is suitable for painting, sanding or drilling.
As this filler is versatile, it can be used for many other purposes, not just for hardwood floors.
Even though it offers an amazing value, applying this filler might prove difficult. Hence, it is something to consider before buying.
6. Coconix Floor and Furniture Repair Kit
Some users prefer to have an all-around repair kit that is versatile and can repair almost any damage. In that case, the Ccconix repair kit is the perfect option.
This kit works amazingly for hardwood floors and furniture, whether you have to deal with holes, cracks or scratches.
It features very powerful repair compounds and performs great on any wood surface, be that surface natural or painted.
Also, this product comes with a color-matching repair compound that blends in perfectly.
Although this is a very versatile kit, it is not recommended for deep repairs.
7. PC-Woody Wood Repair Two-Part Epoxy Paste
Well-known for durability and performance, this product can be used both for indoor or outdoor repairs since it performs great in any environment.
Aside from being shrink and crank-resistant, this wood filler is also resistant to sunlight. As a result, it is almost impossible to get damaged after applied properly.
This filler can be painted, stained and machined and it allows minor adjustments within the 30 minutes work time.
One important thing to avoid is mixing PC-Woddy in teaspoon size or smaller because it can result in an off-ratio mix.
Considering how well this filler performs, it is among the best products for hardwood repairs. It is more durable and effective than most products on the market.
Users who plan to do sanding must wait a couple of hours after the filler is applied to do it properly and that might be the only reason no to buy this product.
8. Abatron WoodEpox Epoxy Wood Replacement Compound
Here we have a product used by professionals since it is ideal for filling larger cracks or holes, explaining why it comes at a higher price.
Although this filler might be too expensive for most users, it certainly comes with a premium package. The package includes the dual container required for a proper mix, plastic gloves, knife, applicator bottle and the instruction guide.
It is easy to use and it is one of the best options for painting and sanding. Even though most users buy this product for hardwood, it is often used to repair any rotten wood.
This product will definitely pay out for larger repairs. Still, it would be better to get another product when it comes to the smaller scratches or cracks.
Buyer’s Guide While Buying Wood Filler for Hardwood Floors
Indoor and Outdoor
Before buying any wood filler, it is required for the user to know for what purpose it will be used. As all filler can be used indoors, many products can’t stand the environmental conditions.
Therefore, special substances are used for wood filler production for outdoor requirements and needs. In other words, the indoor-only wood filler should never be used for outdoor purposes. However, some wood fillers can handle indoor and outdoor repairs, so many customers decide to get that product.
Water Fillers vs. Solvent Fillers
Even though both of these fillers are quite sufficient for the hardwood repairs, there are some differences every user should know. Basically, picking a water-based wood filler provides a very fast drying, which is convenient for daily use.
In addition, it only takes about 15 minutes in most cases. Also, water-based fillers are easier to maintain. On the other hand, solvent-based fillers can take about an hour to dry. The cleaning is not simple since it requires acetone or turpentine.
Solvent-based fillers are pricier, but they are also more resistant, which is recommended for outdoor usage.
Color
Most fillers are available in wood color, resembling the natural wood color and providing an original look. Even if some users prefer to stain or paint the filler, they are possible with stainable and paintable products. There are many stainable and paintable products, but some are more convenient to work with, which is why it is important to do a little research.
Repair requirements
Although most fillers are really versatile and can be used for more than one purpose, there are important differences. The main difference is the indoor and outdoor repairs. Also, some fillers are more suitable for large holes or cracks, while the other products can only be used for smaller scratches.
Sometimes it is best to get an all-around repair kit that can be used for any type of damage. Overall, the best thing to do is get a high-quality product that is sufficient to properly repair the damage.
Fillers pack
Today, most fillers are available in different packages such as tubs, squeeze tubes and sticks. Squeeze tubes are most suitable for smaller cracks. They are very easy to use since it is only required to squeeze a proper amount of filler into a target area. Stick fillers also work great for everyday use, quite sufficient for most repairs and are easily appliable by hand. Larget repairs are mostly done with large tubs that are very efficient and effective for large cracks or holes.
Conclusion
The hardwood floors are known for high quality and durability. That said, after a few years, the damage will occur in some form. Since no hardwood will last forever, it should be maintained and repaired if needed. The wood fillers presented in this article are suitable for regular customers and those who prefer to use premium wood fillers.
FAQ
How long does it take for a wood filler to dry?
Drying time mostly depends on the type of filler that you are using for repairs. The drying time can take from 15 minutes up to a few hours. If you prefer to have fast-drying, you should buy a water-based wood filler. Using water-based fillers usually takes about 15-30 minutes until the fillers are completely dry. Even if you use any other filler, it shouldn’t take more than 2 or 3 hours tops.
What wood filler is best to fill the gaps in the floorboards?
Filling gaps in the floorboard should be done with a crack-resistant wood filler. If the filler cracks, it will just fall into the gaps or holes after some time. Aside from crack resistance, you also need a highly flexible filler that allows for movement of the floorboards. Therefore, the best product is the one that is resistant to environmental conditions. Using the correct product will make the sanding and painting smooth and easy after filling the gaps.
How to use a wood filler on rotted wood?
First, it is done by removing the rooted wood with any sharp tool and then the rooted area should be coated with wood hardener. With a proper tool, the damaged area is ready to be filled with multiple layers. Then the filler is shaped to match the original wood profile. After the damaged area is covered, it is recommended to smooth out the repair. Lastly, the repaired wood won’t rot and it is ready for painting.
Is there any alternative to wood filler?
Creating homemade wood filler is possible. You only need to combine any wood glue and sawdust. Although this filler will be stainable, it is very difficult to get the same color as the damaged wood. Aside from that, these fillers are versatile, paintable and long-lasting if made properly.
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