Best Wood Crack Filler for your floor

Whether you’re renovating, building, or perhaps just dealing with the normal wear and tear our homes suffer, fixing holes and cracks in the floor is often at the top of our to-do lists!

While the task is relatively simple, choosing which wood crack filler to use is not as there are so many products currently available on the market.

Choosing the right wood crack filler for your floor can make a world of difference as to how the finished product looks and feels, as well as how easy the filling and repairing process is.

To help you choose the right filler, this guide will cover:

The top three best wood crack fillers
A step-by-step guide showing you how to use wood crack filler
Tips to make the process easier
Warnings and things to look out for.

Let’s get into it!

Table of Contents

Top 3 Best Wood Crack Fillers

1. Gorilla All-Purpose Wood Filler

Gorilla All Purpose Wood Filler, 16 Ounce Tub, Natural (Pack of 1)

One of the best wood crack fillers currently on the market is the Gorilla All-Purpose Wood filler. This affordable product does a great job of sealing up cracks and holes in your floor without the need to spend a lot of money.

Pros

The formula is extremely smooth, which means it is easy to apply over cracks in wood and won’t leave a clumpy mess on your floors
Shrink and crack-resistant, so you don’t need to worry about needing to repair your floors again further down the line
This is a stainable wood filler, so you don’t need to worry about the repairs on your floors being noticeable. Alternatively, you can just paint right over it!

Cons

The quick-drying formula means you have very little time to work with the product before it permanently dries and hardens
This also means that if you do not store your Gorilla wood filler correctly, it could become dry and crumbly – rendering it unusable
Using the product can be quite messy as the consistency is very thick, so be prepared for some extra cleanup time once you’re finished with the product.

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2. J-B Weld 8258 KwikWood Wood Repair Epoxy Putty Stick

If you’re looking for a durable wood crack floor filler that is easy to use and will leave your floors looking as good as new, the J-B Weld 8258 KwikWood Wood Repair Epoxy Putty Stick is a great option!

J-B Weld 8258 KwikWood Wood Repair Epoxy Putty Stick-7 inch, Beige

Pros

This product comes in a handy stick form, which allows you to get into the smallest of cracks – even if they are in an out-of-reach corner
Hand mixable, so you can ensure that the repair is as hidden as possible
The epoxy formulation of this filler also means that it won’t shrink, crack, or deteriorate after exposure to the elements. This is a great advantage as it means you won’t need to keep repairing your floors; with this filler, you can be sure the first repair is the only repair!

Cons

Some users have noted that despite the packaging claiming that it can be sanded after an hour, you usually end up waiting at least 24 hours as the putty takes a long time to cure
Additionally, the product often dries up a lot faster than its advertised 15-20 minutes, so be prepared to work quickly when using it to fill holes and cracks
Finally, if you want to achieve a 100% wood match with your epoxy repair, this product might not be for you. Experience has indicated that it struggles to pick up wood stains. However, if you are planning on painting over your repairs, then this shouldn’t be an issue.

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3. Elmer’s E855 Carpenter’s Wood Filler

Elmer’s E855 Carpenter’s Wood Filler, 3.25-Ounce Tube, White

The Elmer’s E855 Carpenter’s Wood Filler is another one of our personal favorite wood floor crack fillers to use.

Pros

This easy-to-use filler is crack and shrink-resistant so it will keep your floors looking as good as new long after its repairs are completed
The filler comes in six different colors, which makes matching the product with your flooring a breeze and allows for a seamless end product. You won’t be able to tell that repairs were done!
It’s an extremely affordable product, so if your floors need some TLC (but you don’t want to break the bank), this wood filler is an excellent option.

Cons

Be aware that drying time is very brief and you will need to work quickly with the product if you want to mold it exactly as you wish
This also might not be a suitable product for someone who has weak hands or arthritis, as it can be extremely hard to push the filler out of the tube
You also need to be mindful of how you store your Elmer’s filler. If you do not keep it somewhere airtight, the product dries up extremely quickly within the tube.

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Using Wood Crack Filler: A Step-By-Step Guide

The first and most important step is to sand and clean the piece of wood or flooring that needs to be filled
Using a putty knife, scrape the wood filler over the cracks, and then use your finger to push it deeper if you are dealing with a deep hole
Check the instructions on the filler’s packaging for its dry time and wait the right amount of time for the filler to dry before going over the area with sandpaper
You can now paint or stain the filler in any color you wish to match the existing wood around it!

Filling Cracks with Glue and Sawdust

If you want to make your own wood floor crack filler, you can do so with some glue and sawdust.

Simply mix the two materials together and apply the paste according to the steps above! This is a great way to ensure you have an accurate wood color match for your repairs.

Fixing Cracks with Epoxy

Expoxy is another type of wood filler that is a useful way to fill cracks in the floor. Unlike a sawdust-based filler, you will need to go out and buy epoxy.

If you are using epoxy, keep in mind that there is an extra step required: Before following the steps above, mix your resin and hardener together to make your epoxy!

Tips

Whether you are using store-bought wood crack filler, sawdust filler, or wood crack filler epoxy, a top tip to keep in mind is to work quickly.

These materials dry and harden quickly, so in order to have the best results you need to be as swift as possible.

Another great tip is to slightly overfill the crack or hole. This will allow you to sand down the filler to the perfect points and ensure a smooth and seamless result!

Warnings

There are some things to keep in mind when using wood crack filler.

The most important is to not sand down your filler too quickly. You need to make sure it has completely cured and hardened and is in a well-ventilated area, as otherwise, you run the risk of crumbling or cracking the filler and needing to make the repair all over again! Make sure to check the dry time on the filler’s packaging for the right instructions.

You should also try to keep the filler off of your skin. Repeated exposure to wood crack filler can cause redness, irritation, and sometimes even non-contact dermatitis.

Therefore, make sure you wear adequate protection when using filler to look after your skin.

FAQs

What is the best wood filler for large gaps?

An acrylic caulk with silicone filler is the best type for larger holes. This type of formula is thick and durable enough to fill a larger hole with ease, and it is usually sold in large quantities that allow for an adequate amount of product to be provided.

What is the difference between wood putty and wood filler?

The key difference between the two is that wood filler is designed to be used for filling gaps in unfinished wood, meaning it can be sanded, painted, and stained if needed.

On the other hand, wood putty is only suitable for small gaps and holes, and cannot be stained or sanded.

Can you fill large gaps in wood with epoxy resin?

Yes. As long as you seal the bottom of the gap to prevent leaks, you can fill large gaps in wood with epoxy resin.

What kind of epoxy do you use to fill voids in wood?

Liquid epoxy is the best kind of epoxy to fill voids in wood, as the liquid formula sinks right to the bottom of the hole and into the wood – allowing for strong adhesion and a strong bond.