No matter how careful we try to be with our day-to-day lives, we can't always foresee accidents, and things might happen out of the blue resulting in large holes on the wood, making the best wood filler for large holes an important purchase. Most homeowners' common wooden fixtures include dented furniture, rotting window frames, and scratched floors.
If you are looking for wood fillers, you will find plenty to choose from, which doesn't mean all of them have the best quality. We have compiled a list of the best wood filler for large holes in wood with their pros and cons, and we have a detailed buying guide to help you know what to look for.
1. Goodfilla Water-based Wood & Grain Filler
- ⚒️ HIGH QUALITY & MONEY SAVING: Save time and money with this...
- ⚒️ DESIGNED FOR PROFESSIONAL WOODWORKERS: This is the most...
- ⚒️ HARDY & CONSISTENT: As any woodworker will tell you, they...
- ⚒️ MADE FOR EVERY HANDY-PERSON & WOODWORKER: Whether you have...
- ⚒️ USA MADE & 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: Your experience...
Goodfilla Water-based Wood & Grain Filler wood putty is of a walnut coloring. Unlike some wood fillers in this beginner-friendly list, this wood putty is meant for the pros and repair of either a large-grade or patchwork project. The wood filler is great at professional jobs because of the fast drying time, and it can also be removed easily as all you have to do is splash some water then scrub out. In addition, the filling not only fills big holes and cracks but also can hold up large screws and nail holds without moving.
Goodfilla Wood & Grain filling, even after application, can absorb a great amount of water, but this can be a negative thing as it can cause humidity issues and hence not ideal for outdoor use. However, keep in mind that it can comfortably resist great temperature changes making the wood filler a great option for any season.
Pros:
Cons:
2. Elmer’s E914 Carpenter’s Color Change Wood Filler
- Goes on purple and dries natural to blend in with wood
- Sandable, stainable, and paintable
- For interior use only
- Easy to clean up with water
- Elmer's: The Glue with the Orange Cap
Elmer's E914 is one of the best additions to your home as it is available in different sizes, making it suitable for different projects and needs. The filling will apply in a purple color and then dry as a white or natural color, just like the famous Elmer's purple wood glue, and this will allow you to paint over the surface comfortably. You can see Elmer's product with a purple appearance, and you can easily correct any spot you might have missed.
Elmer’s Carpenter’s Color Change Wood Filler is the best choice if you are looking for a mix for a household project since it is non-toxic and also an ideal choice for light drying. However, keep in mind that products might seem rough and lumpy, but you will need to sand it till it's smooth, and sanding will give you a polished surface that is paintable according to your aesthetics.
Pros:
Cons:
3. FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler
- Dries in 15 minutes
- Won't crack or shrink, solvent free – low odor and easy water...
- Can be sanded, drilled or planed
- Stainable and paintable
- Interior/exterior use
FamoWood latex wood fillers are one of the best indoor and outdoor uses, and indoor use is suitable for indoor uses because of the low odor and how fast it dries up. It can dry up in 15 minutes, and this will make you fill large cracks and holes in your home faster because you will not need to wait for your filler to dry. In addition, thanks to the unique wood colorization, it is convenient to use and fill holes and give a pure wooden finish.
Additionally, after you set the FamoWood latex filler, it will not crack or shrink, making it suitable for all woodworking projects. Being solvent-free, it can be easily cleaned up with water. The stainable wood filler is also paintable, meaning you can easily use it for finishing your woodwork projects, and you can also drill through your wood fibers without affecting the make of the repaired wooden surface.
Pros:
Cons:
4. DAP 00525 Plastic Wood Filler, Natural
- It provides strong nail and screw anchoring without splitting.
- It can be sanded, cut, drilled, screwed, planed, stained,...
- DAP Plastic Wood Professional Wood Filler dries fast and hard,...
- This professional-grade, heavy duty wood filler contains real...
DAP 00525 is a suitable choice for anyone looking for a heavy-duty stainable wood filler, and the stuff dries fast and leaves behind a rock-hard filling that will ensure you won't have another repair for a long time time. In addition, the plastic wood filer is highly versatile, and it is usable on a variety of surfaces and hanks to a water-soluble formula; the mix features an extremely long shelf life meaning you can reactivate any leftover product using water to use it in other applications.
DAP 00525 Plastic Wood Filler is easy to work with, and the product can be easily staining and sanding, which will ensure a smooth finish for any large hole. However, the natural plastic wood filler is not ideal for outdoor use because of the reactivation, but it is a friendly priced product for your furniture and home repairs.
Pros:
Cons:
5. Bondo 20082 Home Solutions Wood Filler
- Make quick, durable repairs to damaged and rotted wood
- Cures fast; sandable in 15 minutes for fast same-day repairs
- Stainable and Paintable in 25 minutes.
- Bondo formula accepts paint and stain beautifully
- Durable 2-part solution provides permanent and non-shrink...
Bondo 20082 is a two-part solution that bonds to every fragmented wood piece and forms an enduring attachment, and instead of cutting the damaged wood, you can coat them with this filler and easily sand when dry. In addition, it can easily take on stains, and because it oxides to a mild brown color, it is easy to paint over and get a consistent look.
Bondo Home Solutions Wood Filler dries quite fast but keeps in mind that you will need to use up the two-part solution quickly, and once the solution dries, you can easily saw, drill, the shape of sand the part without stress. Additionally, it is one of the wood fillers that can restore or replace any rotten wood sections, and you can drill or shape as you wish, and it will bring your damaged woods back efficiently.
Pros:
Cons:
Types of Wood Fillers
a). Latex Fillers
Latex fillers are suitable for small holes and cracks and when choosing this type, remember that these are mainly for coverup and don't have a lot of structural integrity. The latex wood filler may sink, crack or become useless if you force them on nail holes, but they are ideal for minor damage. Latex fillers can be applied using a putty knife, and the fillers come in a set of colors where you can choose the best tone according to your cupboard, trim, or wall.
b). Epoxy Fillers
Epoxy fillers are your best bet if you are looking for a durable solution, and unlike latex fillers, you can bind this type on a wooden surface and extend to where the missing part used to be. You can stain, drill and paint epoxy fillers and after filling the missing part, you can saw, sand, or shape your filler, and the material will feel like dough before and after drying. However, Epoxy fillers may look a bit plastic from the rest of the environment, but you can camouflage it with the right paint and let it dry for 24 hours to see the final result.
c). Polyester Paste
This is like a two-part epoxy, and the paste is mainly to repair holes in car bodies, but it can also be used to repair holes and gaps in the wood. Polyester Paste, just like epoxy, can withstand painting and drilling, and it's less flexible when applied as it needs a hardener. To ensure your polyester fillers stick, you should add a coat as it can harden quickly in about 15 minutes.
d). Powder Fillers
Powder fillers are the best solution if you are looking for a high-quality filler for surface damage, as powder fillers are sawdust and wood-shaving that turn into a paste when mixed with water. For surface damage you want to color correct, powder fillers are the best bet, and it has no drying time, but this can depend on the amount of filler you used.
e). Homemade Wood Fillers
Making homemade fillers is easy, and you should ensure you get the same wood species as your damaged wood for your sawdust and this way, it will match the color up easily. However, even though homemade fillers are cheap and can easily sand, you may need to apply the filler a few times, and it shrinks, so full attention is needed to ensure it's most effective.
f). Cellulose Wood Putty
A putty is considered a premium option for those who need to fix large gaps and holes because the filler has real wood, and also it won't shrink like other fillers. However, it can only cover up to 3/8 inch, limiting it, but you can be able to sand, paint, and stain the wood putty after it hardens.
g). Spackling Paste
This types of wood are suitable for interior wood ranging from trims to jambs, and it has gypsum plaster, an environmentally friendly alternative to cement and sand. The filler is durable with a premium finish and can patch up drywall, but the filler might need more than one application, and it also shrinks.
h). Acrylic Caulk with Silicone
This is another great option that one can use for exterior wood for outdoor projects as it can resist moisture and stays flexible during application. The filler also sticks to surfaces quickly, and you can pick a color that will match your wood tone or use paint.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Wood Filler for Large Holes
1. Size of the Container
If you are looking to tackle a large project, it's advisable to purchase a large can. However, if you are skeptical about the hardening or freezing of the filler, then opt for a product that will allow you to add water to it. Additionally, you can use a microwave to solve any present problems in the event there are any.
2. No Shrinking or Cracking
Before making your purchase, confirm that your product won't shrink or crack, as this is one of the worst problems you will encounter when it comes to wood fillers. The best wood fillers for large spaces will be spot on in this aspect.
3. Drying Time
Most professionals are cool with most wood fillers no matter how fast they may dry up, but it may not be easy to keep up with a product that dries up quickly for newbies. Every product features a different drying time, and while you may think you want a fast-drying product, using it might prove to be more hectic than you thought because the damaged area might not be ready by the time the filler dries.
Additionally, fast drying times usually mean that your container has to be watched because leaving it, you might find that the whole product has dried up by itself. Therefore, ensure that the best filler for large holes will feature a moderate drying time to execute your plan successfully.
4. Taking of Stain
When choosing the best wood filler for large holes and you want a wood filler that will stain, ensure you read some online reviews to find out which one will stain and which one will not. Additionally, you might want to confirm if the product you are interested in will fill your grains efficiently. Finally, if you cannot stand the smell, then ensure you purchase a product that will have a minimum odor.
5. Quantity
How much filler you should buy will depend on the job you will be doing, where professionals will need to purchase the best wood fillers in bulk. This allows professionals to know that they have something ready for the gouges, edges, and large gaping holes. However, if you buy some wood fillers for some damage in your home, then four to sixteen ounces may be enough.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Wood Filler for Large Holes
1. How will you fill a deep hole in wood?
One of the best choices to patch large holes is a two-part epoxy with doorjambs, moldings, baseboard, sills, or wood trims with large holes or damaged and can be repaired with epoxy. The two parts are mixed with dough, and it should be shaped before and after it dries.
2. What is the difference between a wood filler and a wood putty?
Wood filler is water-based, and the wood putty is more oil-based and can be sanded and is used for unfinished wood, whereas wood putty cannot be sanded and is suitable for finished wood. Therefore, choose a wood putty when dealing with a large wooden floor project, because the wood putty works better with wood fillers.
3. Can I use wood filler on rotted wood?
Polyester filler can be used to rebuild damaged or rotted wood, and you can shape and mold it to match your original wood profile, and it will take your paint better, and the filler wood won't rot.
