So you’re working on a unique new wooden project but accidentally scuffed a large hole in it? No need to panic. The damage is fixable.
Just slap some wood filler on top, and it’s like the hole never existed. This product can come in handy quite a lot if you have furry friends as neighbors who love munching on some wood.
Be it holes, scuffs, or even some severe scratches. You can fix it all with some filler.
So, if you’re looking for the best wood filler for large holes, you’ve come to the right place. Check out our list of the best, most high-quality filler that will fill that hole for good.
Best 7 Wood Fillers for Large Holes in 2021:
Can’t decide on which one to buy? We’ve got you covered. Down below are the options that we trust and rely on. When you’re picking a filler from our list, you can rest assured that it won’t disappoint you.
1. Minwax 21600000 High-Performance Wood Filler
We all love a quick-dry wood filler, don’t we? This one from Minwax is a classic option that becomes a fan-favorite because of how fast it dries.
Taking only 15 minutes to dry and harden, this is truly one of the best exterior wood fillers for large holes. Within 30 minutes of the initial coat, you will be ready to sand the filler.
The item is a sturdy one. Once it hardens, the filler does not move, shrink, or crack at all. Meaning, once you set it in the hole, it will stay there forever.
Minwax is also the best option to go for if you plan on fixing holes on wooden walls or fences. You can quickly drill holes to add screws. Carving out and planning is also relatively easy. Drilling holes into this thing does not make the formula move. So, there are no risks involved during drilling.
- Dries in only 15 minutes
- Can be sanded, primed, and painted on in 30 minutes of initial application
- Does not rot, does not move
- Gives you protection from weather and water
- No shrinking or cracking
- Can be planned, drilled into, and also carved
2. Bondo Home Solutions Wood Filler
Looking for a filler that will support and last through the rainy season? Bondo is your savior.
Known for the fantastic water-resistant formula, the Bondo product can last through several storms before even showing signs of rotting. You also get protection from UV rays, high heat, and cold temperature when using this formula.
The two-part solution sticks to each crack of the broken wood to create an inseparable bond. Therefore when pouring the filler, there is no need for cutting or carving the shattered pieces.
Naturally, within a few minutes, this one oxidizes into a cool tones amber color. This makes staining and painting over the filler easier as there is no need for primer. The oxidation is subtle; just one or half a shade darker. So there is no drastic change in the tones of your wooden surface.
Bondo also has the capability of being drilled into.
- The quick-dry formula that can be drilled and carved
- Remarkable water-resistant capacity; perfect for areas that face heavy rainfall
- Protection from rotting and foul smell
- Oxidized just one or half shades darker
- Easy to paint over, can also take stains
- Can be drilled, carved, and reshaped
3. Elmer’s E914 Carpenter’s Color Change Wood Filler
Sanding filler that hasn’t dried yet can be quite annoying. You have to redo the task all over again if the filler smears half-way when drying.
Luckily, with this Elmer’s E914, you won’t have to worry about sanding wet filler. This unique model goes on purple when freshly applied. Later on, the filler dries into a wooden or natural finish to confirm that it has dried.
You can then sand, prime, and paint over this thing. If you wish, you can also add stains. This one soaks up and locks in stains beautifully without altering the color.
As the formula was made for interior use, the filler is non-toxic. Although there is a slight smell to it, breathing in the fumes won’t cause you any harm.
Besides using this on wooden furniture, you can also use the filler to fix holes in walls, boards, and plastic constructions.
- Purple when freshly applied but turns into a natural tint when it is ready to be painted on
- Soaks in stain beautifully
- Formula generated for interior use; non-toxic and breathable
- Can be used on plastic, cement, walls, and board material as well
- The dried texture is easy to sand and prime
4. Woodwise 14-lb Powered Wood FillerStubborn Acne Face Wash
When buying in bulk, powder fillers are always a better option to purchase. Unlike any other paste form filler, the powder won’t dry out.
The Woodwise item does not clump or freeze even in powder form. So if you want to keep some filler at home as pack up, or if you have to use it daily, this is the one to purchase.
When using, just mix the powder with water to reach the right and desired consistency. A freshly mixed batch of wood filler is going to spread much faster and easier.
The even spread can then be sanded in seconds as there are no lumps or bumps to deal with.
A durable formula like this one will last you years or even a lifetime without cracks or breaks. The tight bond can also be drilled and carved.
- Best for buying in bulk
- Soaks in stain like hardwood
- Powder wood filler that does not clump, freeze or dry out
- Just add water to make a fresh batch every time you use
- Spreads evenly and dries quickly
- A tight bond lasts a lifetime and can be drilled
- Easy to sand; no lumps or bumps
5. FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler
Painting over the filler to match the surface ultimately can be difficult. You need to get the perfect shades and add the right amount of highlight.
If you want to skin on this painting step, you can consider buying the FamoWood 40022126. Available in 11 shades of different wood colors, you’ll indeed find your desired tint.
The shades don’t oxidize so that you can match them perfectly with your wooden structure.
A light, airy texture, similar to cake frosting, is easy to pour and mold. The formula also dries almost instantaneously.
To get the best results, apply the filler in thin layers. Let each layer dry before applying another coat. You can also add this on to of wood that has been tinted or painted without sanding.
There is no possibility of cracking or shrinking once this one has settled in. It adjusts to the shape and form of the hole in the wood so that there is no tension in the construction.
- 11 different wood-based colors to choose from
- Sticks to the crevasse of the wooden hole
- Does not shrink or reshape
- No color change, no oxidization
- A light, airy frosting-like texture that is easy to manipulate
6. Elmer’s E892 Stainable Wood Filler
Elmer’s is a brand that has been around for ages. It is well known for making high-quality hardware supplies. So, we couldn’t help but add another filler from Elmer’s on our list.
Nothing can beat this Elmer’s filler bond. Made with real wood particles mixed into the formula, this one joins and penetrates the edges of the wooden hole to become one with it. Therefore, an indestructible bond is created.
No matter how hard the fixed wood then falls, or gets beaten around, the filler won’t come off. That is why this is the perfect sealer for fixing wooden skateboards.
You can also use high speed or electric sander on this thing to get faster results—no need to stick to the essential 120 grit.
Drill holes and add screws on to this thing, and it will hold it firmly in place. The formula does not crack or shrink.
Use water to clean the surface without having to worry about rotting.
- Can be cleaned with water
- Holds screws firmly in place
- Can be stained and painted
- Have real wooden particles mixed in for an indestructible bond
- Can be sanded with electric or fast sanders
7. Timbermate Wood Filler
A water-based wood filler is an excellent fool-proof option. These are pretty easy to mix and can be bought in bulk.
Produced with a long shelf life, these can be stored for later use as well. Also, if they do freeze or dry out, soaking it in water will dissolve the filler. This easy to use and fix filler is, therefore, the best option if you’re a beginner.
The formula is an interior filler that you can use on wood, concrete, bricks, plastic, and even cement.
Fast-dry filler like this can be used as a quick-fix for a lot of problems. This thing dries down to a white/grey finish that easily adjusts to paint. You will be able to get your desired shade without adding primer.
An affordable, easy to mix and versatile wood filler is a must-have for any household. Even if you don’t work with wood, this handy formula could be helpful in many ways.
- Easy to mix and pour
- Can be fixed if dries out
- Long shelf life, won’t freeze or clump easily
- An Interior use wood filler that can be used on concrete, cement, plastic, and even bricks
- Dries quickly and can be painted over without needing a primer
Should I Use Wood Filler, Caulk, or Putty for a Large Hole?
Putty is moldable and quite flexible. Even after “drying,” putty stays a bit flexible. So this is perfect for exterior use. Putty comes in small batches as you can only use this for small holes and patching scratches.
Caulk is more of a sealer. You can use this product around stuff like a sink, wood, and boards to fix cracks and gaps. It is not flexible at all, so you can’t use this to fill large holes.
The best option for filling large holes is filler. More so, the filler is mostly made with water-based products, which help it become one with the wood. You can’t see the seams, and the bond is also quite strong.
How Do You Fill Large Holes by Wood Filler?
Filling holes in wood with filler are pretty straightforward.
First of all, you need to make a barrier/holder of some sort. Use popsicle sticks and join them together to form a board as support. Then attach this to the backside of the wooden hole.
Mix your wood filler using a disposable bowl and spoon. Fill the hole with it until all the gaps are covered. Pouring the filler slowly will ensure that there are no air bubbles in the filler.
Wait at least an hour or two before you start sanding the exterior with 120-grit sandpaper.
After you achieve a smooth finish, you can out a primer on top and paint the surface to match the color of the wood.
Considerations While Choosing the Best Wood Filler for Large Holes
Selecting a good quality wood filler can be quite confusing. Take a look at these features that you should keep an eye on to ensure the perfect purchase.
Powder or Paste?
Paste wood filler comes pre-mixed. Having a batch of pre-mixed wood filler can come in handy when you need a filler on the go. Keep in mind that you cannot change the texture of this. If the lid is not closed correctly after each application, the paste will dry out.
On the other hand, the powder filler gives you the freedom to adjust the consistency. You also do not need to worry about the whole thing dry out.
Paste filler can come in handy if you plan on using the substance only once or twice.
Drying Period
Quick-dry wood fillers will always be the better choice. You might lose motivation or even forget about your project if the filler requires 3-day drying time. Fillers that dry within an hour or two are the best ones as you can sand and paint the wood quickly.
Amount
If you need a filler almost every day of your work, you might want to consider buying these in bulk. Water-based Powder filler is best for bulk buying as it won’t dry out. But if you need only a little bit for one project, you can get a small pre-mixed paste filler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t worry if you some queries on your mind. Check out our FAQ section to clear out any existing confusion.
1. How Long should I Let My Wood Filler Dry?
Follow the instructions that the manufacturer provides. A good quality wood filler will dry in about 1 or 2 hours.
2. Can I Paint Over Wood Filler?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to sand the surface and add primer for a more even and saturated coat.
3. Can You Drill Holes into Wood Filler?
This depends on what kind of product you are getting. Solvent-based fillers cannot be drilled into, whereas other durable or hard dry ones can.
4. How to Fix Dried Out Wood Filler?
To bring dried out wood filler back to life, use some water, and sit on the filler mixture. Do this only for pate type products. Be sure to close the lid tightly, so the water does not evaporate but seeps into the paste to revive it.
5. Can You Customize the Wood Filler Color?
You can add one or two types of wood pre-colored wood filler and mix them to a customized color. A better idea is to just paint over the dried out filler.
With a good wood filler, you can cover large cavities in wooden fences, furniture, boards, and wooden construction. These will stay put and adjust themselves to the type of wood they are paired with.
Choose an adequate product from our list and fix all those torn and rusty holes in seconds!