Scratches and nail holes are unavoidable when it comes to hardwood floors, so it’s only apt to choose a durable wood filler. If you apply the wrong filler, you expose your flooring to further damage and moisture.
In this article, our woodworkers will share their picks for the best wood fillers for hardwood floors and provide a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
Reviews of the Top Wood Fillers for Hardwood Floors
1. Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler
The Minwax 4285300 Stainable Wood Filler is a two-component product that can be used to fix rotten or decayed wood. Since it’s constructed from wood fibers, the finished product looks like stained wood and can be painted, sanded, and stained like regular wood once it’s dry.
It helps fill holes left behind after installing new door frames or drywall. The ease with which you can fill in floor gaps with this pliable wood filler will astound you.
This Minwax wood filler is slightly smoother than regular putty, so you can mold it yourself rather than using a putty knife.
What We Like
- Best stainable wood filler
- It can hold out against rain and sun
- For indoor and outdoor furnishings
- You can paint and sand over it
- Looks like real wood fibers
What We Don't Like
- It can shrink a bit when dry
- No larger tubs available
2. Abatron WoodEpox Kit
This WoodEpox resin is a high-strength adhesive that can bond to wood, concrete, and other porous surfaces and is resistant to water, chemicals, and UV rays. The hardener is a catalyst that, when mixed with the resin, triggers a chemical reaction that causes the epoxy to harden and cure.
Wood floors with large cracks or other structural difficulties are best repaired with a more robust wood filler, such as this Abatron WoodExpox Kit.
It doesn’t sag, is easy to install, and will form a strong, long-lasting bond with the present wood. It retains its original shape and size and never breaks or chips. It has a fantastic twenty-minute operational time.
What We Like
- For larger projects
- Easy application
- Heavy-duty wood filler
- Suitable for rotted wood
What We Don't Like
- It may contain Volatile Organic Compounds
- A bit expensive
3. COCONIX Wood Restore PRO
Coconix floor and furniture repair kit is an easy-to-use filler for repairing holes, cracks, chips, knot covers, and even screws. It’s also great for erasing scratches and touching up blemishes on floors.
It contains no glue, wood flour cement, paint, wax, or anything similar, making it the most excellent wood repair product. Also, it does a fantastic job of fixing maple, oak, mahogany, light, painted, natural surfaces, and various other surfaces, such as a deck, colored shelves, molded surfaces, baseboards, edging, laminate, and tables.
The Coconix Wood Restore Pro package’s instructions are straightforward and will help even novices achieve professional results.
What We Like
- Right wood filler for small nail holes
- Easy to use
- More affordable than most wood fillers
- Good wood filler with 10 base colors
What We Don't Like
- Takes time to mix and match colors
- For smaller projects
4. Timbermate Wood Filler
The Timbermate Wood Filler is unlike any other wood putty or grain filler for hardwood floors on the market because it is water-based, dries quickly, and takes stains exceptionally well. It can be stored and used for future woodwork repairs.
Its user-friendliness makes it suitable for even the most inexperienced of users. Cleaning it only requires soap and water. It firmly holds wood and doesn’t dry out or fracture.
The quality of its consistency is superb. Because it is grain-free and adaptable, it works great for patching damaged hardwood floors and plywood, filling nail holes, and repairing cracks.
What We Like
- Easy to use
- Sandable and quick drying
- Provides a smooth finish
- Water-based wood fillers
- Can resemble real wood fiber
What We Don't Like
- It’s not odorless
- It can change hue when stained
5. Elmer's E855 Carpenter's Wood Filler
Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Filler (E855) for hardwood floors is also designed to repair holes, gouges, and other imperfections in wood surfaces. It is a water-based filler that can be sanded, stained, painted, or drilled once it has dried, making it a versatile option for a wide range of woodworking projects.
This pre-mixed filler comes in a tube and is easy to apply using a putty knife or similar tool. It has a creamy texture that allows it to be spread evenly and smoothly over the damaged area.
One of the advantages of Elmer’s Carpenter Wood Filler E855 is that it is easy to clean up with soap and water.
What We Like
- Solvent-free wood filler
- Ideal for a red oak board or floor
- Provides a smooth finish
- Easy cleanup
- Accepts wood stains
What We Don't Like
- Dries if stored incorrectly
- For small nail holes or cracks
6. DAP 00585 Latex
The DAP 00585, a solvent-based wood filler, is a versatile wood filler used to repair and restore surfaces.
It is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications and can be used on various wood surfaces, including furniture, doors, windows, trim, and siding. It can also fill gaps, cracks, and holes in wood surfaces.
This latex-based wood floor filler dries to a smooth, paintable finish and is accessible to sand and shape. It comes in a squeeze tube for easy application and is ready to use straight out of the tube. You can clean it with water, making it a convenient and easy-to-use product.
What We Like
- Solvent-based wood fillers
- Contains real wood fibers
- No strong odor
- Resembles real wood if dry
- Suitable for any wood species
What We Don't Like
- Challenging to match with painted wood
- It might contain toxic ingredients
7. FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler
If you’re looking for latex-based fillers, the FamoWood 40022126 is among the best options for both indoor and outdoor use. It dries in about fifteen minutes, so you can finish your project faster.
It doesn’t contain harmful solvents, and it comes in different colors. The wood floors can be stained or painted to blend in with the rest of your room. You can use it on any sort of wood, and it’s equally as paintable as real wood.
It’s the best wood filler for hardwood floors when it comes to filling large gaps or replacing large chunks of missing wood. Apply this in thin layers and let it dry in between coats.
What We Like
- Paintable to look like an actual wood
- Safe wood repair solution
- No harmful chemicals
- Suitable for water-based wood stains
What We Don't Like
- Thick consistency
- Not entirely odorless
Wood Fillers for Hardwood Floors Buyer’s Guide
Color
Unlike a traditional wood filler, there is a wide range of colored wood fillers to choose from. Choose the best wood filler that is the same color or can be stained to match the adjoining wood.
If you want it to go unnoticed, don’t buy a color that stands out a little if you want it to go unnoticed.
Stainability
The stainability of a wood filler is the most crucial factor to consider when fixing hardwood floors.
You can choose the best wood filler that is already the color of your floors or a stainable wood filler that can be painted or stained to resemble the existing wood grain.
However, the most effective wood filler will look just like the rest of your floors.
Gypsum-Based
Wood fillers made from gypsum [1] can be stained to match the surrounding flooring or wall. Gypsum dust is the main ingredient in this filler, and it should be mixed with water to make a paste.
After the filler dries, it can no longer be molded. Instead, it’s more like the consistency of rock or hardwood.
A gypsum-based filler may not be suitable for use in damp environments due to its susceptibility to decay when exposed to water.
Epoxy-Based
Epoxy wood floor fillers are among the most long-lasting and flexible, so you can use them indoors or out. Combine the two components as the manufacturer directs for the best filler consistency and adhesion.
You can apply the wood epoxy to the damaged area once correctly mixed.
The best epoxy-based wood fillers are ideal for outdoor applications due to their flexibility in responding to changes in temperature.
Latex-Based
Latex-based alternatives are preferable to epoxies for outdoor use because they require less prep work. They’re water-resistant and dry in about an hour.
Filling holes, repairing gouges, restoring rotten wood, and mending outdoor furniture are all easy tasks that can be made more accessible with a latex wood floor filler.
Type of Wood Filler
Cellulose-based wood fillers, gypsum-based, and wood fibers are examples of water-based fillers. They smell somewhat and are easily damaged by water, making them perfect for indoor use.
They dry rapidly, and a soapy solution is needed to clean them. Yet, the vinyl and epoxy compound used in solvent-based fillers makes it a superior choice. They have stronger scents.
However, they adhere securely and can also withstand the elements, so they’re great for outdoor tasks. It may take some time for them to cure and set, and they can be challenging to clean up after.
Time to Dry and Cure
The drying and curing time of wood fillers for hardwood floors can vary depending on several factors, including the type of filler used, the depth and width of the repair, and the environmental conditions.
The curing time refers to the time it takes for the filler to cure and harden fully. This time can vary depending on the type of filler and the environmental conditions.
Generally, allowing the filler to dry and cure for at least 24 hours before sanding or staining is best. Following the manufacturer’s instructions for application, drying, and curing times is essential to ensure the best results.
Durability
You should also consider the lifetime and durability of the wood filler. Because of the constant foot traffic, flooring must be durable.
Otherwise, the wood filler for hardwood floors would lose its integrity and start cracking and peeling up from the floor over time.
You want to seek natural wood look in wood floor fillers if you care about strength and durability. This will fortify it and lengthen its useful life.
Oil-based fillers like epoxy-based fillers are another option because of their increased strength.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
The best wood filler you choose depends on the task at hand. If you’re working on an inside project, use a filler made for both indoor and outdoor use or a water-based, trowel-ready wood filler.
Use a grain filler designed for outdoor or exterior use to increase the longevity of your wooden floor. Remember that filler for outdoor projects must be resistant to elements like ultraviolet radiation, rain, snow, etc.
Steps to Fill Cracks and Gaps in Your Hardwood Flooring
Step #1: Mix Your Filler
If you’re using an epoxy-based wood filler for hardwood floors, mix it up first. The furniture repair kit can be combined with a putty knife. You can ignore this step if your filler is water-based.
Step #2: Spread it on the Surface
Spread the wood filler throughout the damaged area of your floor. Wood putty can be easily applied into the gap or crack with just your finger.
A putty knife can spread wood floor filler evenly on a hardwood floor. Depending on the size of the hole or crack, the filler can be pressed down with a finger.
Once the filler has been put in, remove the excess filler.
Step #3: Allow it to Dry
It’s essential to wait until the wood floor filler is completely dry before walking on it. The drying time of wood filler is dependent on several elements, most notably the wood filler itself.
It takes a few hours for the water-based wood filler to cure entirely. An oil-based filler may take more than 24 hours for an oil-based filler to dry completely.
Step #4: Start Sanding
After the wood filler dries, you can smooth it out so it blends in with the furnishings. Be careful not to sand too aggressively, or the wood grain on your flooring could be damaged. You should aim for a finish that is as smooth as the surrounding wood.
Is Wood Putty or Wood Filler Better for Hardwood Floors? + Key Differences
Both wood filler and wood putty can be helpful in repairing and restoring wooden surfaces, but the choice between them depends on the project’s specific needs.
Wood filler is best for repairing larger holes and gaps in the wood, such as those caused by rot, warping, or insect damage.
Unlike wood filler, wood putty is typically made from a mixture of sawdust and a binding agent, which gives it a more natural appearance that blends in well with the surrounding wood. Wood putty is best for repairing minor nicks, dents, and scratches in wood.
If you’re repairing larger areas of damage, you need the best wood fillers for hardwood floors, while for more minor repairs, wood putty is more suitable.
| Wood Putty | Wood Filler |
| Indoor and Outdoor use | Indoor use |
| Stays workable | Hardens when dry |
| Oil-based or solvent-based | Water-based |
| Best for finished wood | Suitable for unfinished wood |
FAQ
Can I walk on wood filler?
Wood filler can be walked on, but it’s essential to remember that it may be weaker than the surrounding wood. While it can help fill in gaps or holes and make a surface smoother, it’s not intended to replace or reinforce the structural integrity of the wood floors.
What else can I use to fill holes in hardwood flooring?
To fill holes in hardwood flooring, use colored wax, wood plugs, and a mixture of sawdust and glue. It’s important to note that while these solutions can work well for small to medium-sized holes, they may not be suitable for larger holes or extensive damage to the wood floors.
Can poly fill cracks on flooring?
Polyurethane is not typically used to fill damages in the flooring. While polyurethane can be used as a finish for hardwood floors, it is not recommended for repairing or filling gaps.
Consider using the best wood filler or wood putty to fill nail holes or fill gaps in hardwood flooring.
How can I make my own wood filler for hardwood flooring?
To make your wood filler for hardwood flooring, you can mix fine sawdust from the same type of wood as your hardwood floor with wood glue or wood flour cement in a 2:1 ratio. Mix them until they form a thick paste, then apply it to the cracks.
Our Top Pick For a Wood Filler for Hardwood Floors:
Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler
After a series of tests, our team chose the Minwax Stainable Wood Filler 4285300 as the best wood filler for hardwood floors. It is specially formulated to be stainable and can be tinted to match the color of the hardwood floor.
You can use it both indoors and outdoors, it dries quickly, and it is a favorite of DIYers and professionals for its ease of use and ability to blend seamlessly with other furnishings.
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