Installing wooden furniture brings a fresh aesthetic to your home. However, with the inevitable wear and tear, there will come a time when these pieces of furniture develop gaps and holes.
Using the wrong wood filler can further worsen the damage in your furniture. To help you out, our team rounded up the best wood fillers for large holes and gaps with a few tips and tricks for application.
Reviews of the Top Wood Fillers for Large Holes and Gaps
1. Woodwise Powdered wood filler
The Woodwise Powdered Wood Filler is easy on the budget and ecologically sound. You can sand and paint over the surface without the worry of cracks forming on the surface.
It is also very easy to mix and does not require a complex solvent. The company of powdered wood fillers allows you to make refills to lessen packaging waste.
It has a long shelf life, so you rest assured that it will still work even if it has been in storage for a long time. You can leave Woodwise powdered wood filler in storage for one year.
What We Like
- Easy application
- Can be sanded
- Budget-friendly
- Environmentally friendly
What We Don't Like
- Availability not guaranteed outside the US or Canada
- Not stainable
2. DAP 543 Series 00543 Qt Natural Plastic Wood- X w/ Dryden
The DAP 543 wood filler is made up of real wood fibers making it easy to paint and sand on. It can also easily adhere to concrete, iron, and wood materials.
Once completely dried down, this filler is harder than the original wood resulting in a stronger and more durable wood.
It is easy to clean, easy to use, highly durable, and spreads easily. Furthermore, it is resistant to natural elements and can be used for materials found indoors and outdoors.
What We Like
- Does not shrink over time
- Has a long shelf life
- May be applied to different surfaces
- Can be sanded
What We Don't Like
- Better for indoor use
- Dries relatively fast
3. PC Products PC-Woody Repair Epoxy Paste
The PC Woody Repair Epoxy Wood Filler can be applied indoors and outdoors. It works excellently to repair missing, deteriorated, and rotting wood. This epoxy paste formula successfully resists outdoor elements such as UV light and fresh and saltwater.
During our tests, it efficiently filled out large holes. It was able to fill up the hole that formed in the rotten wood we used, and the finish was seamless.
Since the finish is tan, the paint that was applied to it coated the filler very well. With these features, this is the best wood filler for large holes and gaps if you’re tight on budget.
What We Like
- Can be applied on outdoor and indoor repairs
- Can withstand outdoor elements Good for exterior wood
- Budget friendly
What We Don't Like
- Take a longer curing time
- Requires precise proportions
4. Goodfilla Water-based Wood & Grain Filler in Walnut
The Goodfilla Water-based Filler is an excellent wood grain filler that saves you time and money. It is easy to use and produces consistently excellent results.
This wood filler has good adhesion to surfaces. It does not crack or shrink and does not contain any toxic ingredient. You will only need one coat to achieve a flawless finish. That said, you can rely on it for either big or small projects.
The formula is easy to use and is specifically designed for woodworking professionals and early career workers. Goodfella allows unlimited shelf life since it easily reconstitutes upon adding water.
What We Like
- Water-based
- Easy application
- Great adhesion to a variety of surfaces
- Has 1-year money back guarantee
What We Don't Like
- Cannot withstand humidity
- Limited to indoor projects
5. Famowood Latex Wood Filler
The Famowood latex wood filler gives a wonderful finish with minimal effort. It can be drilled, planed, and sanded. It can also be painted and stained to match the wood grains you are working on.
It completely dries after approximately 15 minutes upon application. The formula is solvent free and is considered by many as a professional quality filler.
This latex wood filler can be utilized for furniture or wood surfaces indoors and outdoors. It is highly recommended that you will proceed to paint over it. However, since this is a latex filler, you will need more to fill up large holes.
What We Like
- Solvent-free
- Will not crack over time
- Can be painted and sanded
- Easy application
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Requires more to fill bigger holes
6. Elmer's Carpenter’s Wood Filler
Elmer’s is known for its white wood glue, but their wood filler is as easy to work with, too. It has a smooth finish that dries fast and can be sanded over like a wood putty.
It is also paintable and can be used as a filler for plywood edges and other hard-to-reach areas. The glue comes in a resealable tube and comes in handy for small jobs.
The Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Filler is water-based and great for beginners. One downside is that this product needs time to sit before staining it.
What We Like
- Can be sanded using different grits of sandpaper
- Color changing throughout the process
- Recommended for beginners
- Naturally dries
What We Don't Like
- Limited to cracks and gaps found indoors
- Can easily dry out
7. Bondo All-Purpose Wood Putty
The Bondo All-Purpose Wood Putty is a two-part product that utilizes a ‘hardener’ to initiate the curing process. This product can easily bond to a wide range of surfaces and will not shrink and crack over time.
It cures fast and can be painted, stained, and sanded. This short curing time is one of its advantages. Furthermore, it is waterproof.
Make sure to mix it well and apply it by using a plastic spreader. Protect your hands by wearing a pair of gloves. This item is a wonderful addition to your DIY kit.
What We Like
- May be used for outdoor and indoor repairs
- Can be sanded
- Can be stained
What We Don't Like
- Easily dries
- Has a harsh chemical odor
8. Aqua Coat Wood Grain Filler
The Aqua Coat Wood Filler is designed for filling holes for your cabinetry. This wood grain filler is water-based and has a gel-like consistency. It can definitely come in handy because it can easily be applied on various surfaces.
The formula is easy to work with, and you’ll mostly need a small amount to apply. Furthermore, it is also non-combustible, non-flammable, and eco-friendly. Once the filler is set, you can lightly sand the surface.
It takes approximately 40 minutes to an hour to completely set. Make sure to set enough time before sanding it. It is best to make 2-3 coats to get excellent results.
(Looking for more options? Read this review of the top wood grain fillers for cabinets!)
What We Like
- Water-based
- Less odor
- Can be sanded
What We Don't Like
- Takes a longer time to dry
- Cannot withstand humidity
Wood Fillers for Large Gaps Buyer’s Guide
These best wood fillers are our tried and tested picks for efficiently repairing large holes and gaps in your furniture or surfaces. While they are all versatile, you need to consider a few things when buying this product type of product.
Depending on your furniture or setup, here are our team’s top considerations for choosing the best wood filler for large holes and gaps:
Amount
The amount of fillers depends on the size of the project. Take into consideration the volume and type of project before buying them.
A small filler paste tube is enough for small holes, whereas cans of the product are necessary for bigger holes and gaps.
Packaging
You may also want to consider the material that the product may come in. It may come in squeeze tubes, sticks, tubs, or cans. They come with an applicator in bigger packages such as tubs and cans.
Read the instructions before application since some fillers must be mixed before using. Tubes, however, have none since the product is only squeezed out.
Tubs or cans are more economical compared to their tube counterparts. Some companies offer to refill the product when necessary as an environmentally conscious decision to save on packaging costs and waste.
Time It Takes To Dry
It is best to research each product’s drying time before you fix wood gaps and fill holes. Not all wood fillers have the same time frames for drying. It takes approximately 15-30 minutes of curing time for small projects.
It is highly recommended to completely allow the filler to dry out for a couple of hours. This will allow the product to cure and help you get the best results.