9 Absolute Best Wood Fillers for Large Holes (Ranked in 2023)
Wood filler is an essential part of any woodworking or carpentry project, but finding the right choice can be difficult.
It’s a great product to fill in large holes, cracks, and voids in a variety of wood surfaces.
In this post, I’ll explore the best wood filler for large holes and gaps, tips to fill holes with wood fillers, and much more. Let’s get started!
In a rush? The best wood filler for large holes is the DAP 542 Plastic Wood-X wood filler. It’s affordable and effective for any job, including large gaps and holes.
Best Wood Filler for Large Holes and Gaps
- DAP Plastic Wood-X with Dryex – Best Overall
- Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Filler – Most Affordable
- Minwax High Performance Wood Filler – Best for Exterior Use
- Timbermate Wood Filler – Best for Interior Use
- J-B Weld Wood Restore Epoxy Kit – Best for Large Holes
- Gork’s Goodfilla Wood & Grain Filler – Best for Cabinetry
- Aqua Coat Grain Filler – Best Water-Based Option
- 3M Bondo Wood Filler – Best for Damaged Wood
- Famowood Latex Wood Filler – Best for DIY Projects
1. DAP Plastic Wood-X with Dryex – Best Overall
- Item Weight: 0.45 lb
- Country of Origin: United States
- Brand name: DAP
This wood filler is ideal for repairing various-sized holes, cracks, and scratches in wood surfaces including larger gaps.
It’s easy to use and dries quickly, so you can get the job done in no time. If you’re just filling shallow scratches, you’re looking at no more than five minutes of dry time. For medium or large holes, just 30 minutes will do the trick.
Don’t be alarmed by the initial color of this wood filler. It’s pink out of the tub, but it dries to a natural wood color.
It can be sanded, painted, and stained to match your projects.
The only downside of the DAP Plastic Wood-X is that it tends to shrink slightly as it dries, so you’ll want to apply it more generously. Otherwise, it’s a great budget-friendly option for wood filler.
Things I Liked:
- Affordable
- Quick drying
- Can be sanded, painted, and stained
Things I Didn’t Like:
- Tends to shrink slightly as it dries
- Only available in one color (natural)
My Thoughts:
The DAP Plastic Wood-X with Dryex is a great budget-friendly option for wood filler. It’s easy to use, dries quickly, and can be sanded, painted, and stained to match your projects. When compared to other wood fillers, the DAP Plastic Wood-X is the best because of it’s mix of affordability, performance, and durability.
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2. Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Filler – Best Value
- Paintable and sandable
- Sands easily to a smooth finish
- Resists shrinking and cracking
If you’re looking for an affordable wood filler that doesn’t compromise on quality, Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Filler is a great option.
Almost everyone is familiar with the Elmer’s name as they’ve been a trusted brand for over 65 years, specializing in adhesives, paints, and other craft supplies.
This filler is made from PVA wood flour and sets quickly, making it ideal for use in small projects.
Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Filler can be sanded, drilled, and painted once it has dried.
It is compatible with all types of wood, making it a versatile option for your woodworking needs.
And because it is water-based, this filler is easy to clean up with just a damp cloth. For such as well-rounded product, Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Filler is a great value for the price.
What I Liked:
- Affordable price point
- Quick setting time
- Can be sanded, drilled, and painted
- Compatible with all types of wood
- Easy to clean up
What I Didn’t Like:
- Not quite as good for exterior wood compared to other wood fillers
My Thoughts:
Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Filler is a great option for those looking for an affordable wood filler for a variety of projects. It sets quickly and can be sanded, drilled, and painted after drying. Whether you’re looking to repair furniture, fill nail holes, or refinish a wooden surface – this is a tremendous wood filler for large gaps and holes. It’s not quite as durable as other options like the Minwax Wood Filler or the DAP Wood Filler, but it’s still a good option.
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3. Minwax High Performance Wood Filler – Best for Exterior Use
- This item is a Minwax High-Performance Wood Filler, 12-Ounce Can #21600
- Purpose of use for Hardware, wood-fill
- This product is manufactured in United States
Minwax High Performance Wood Filler is a great option for those looking to repair damage to their outdoor furniture or decking.
This filler is made from a durable, weather-resistant resin that can withstand the elements.
It is also easy to use, as it can be mixed with water and applied with a putty knife.
Once dry, this filler can be sanded, drilled, and painted to match your surrounding surfaces.
Minwax High Performance Wood Filler is a great choice for those looking to make long-lasting repairs to their outdoor wood surfaces.
If you’re looking for a long term solution that can be used indoors or out, Minwax is one of the best quality fillers you can get compared to other options.
What I Liked:
- Made from durable, weather-resistant resin
- Easy to use
- Can be sanded, drilled, and painted once dry
- Great for exterior wood
What I Didn’t Like:
- More expensive than some other options
- Might not match the color of your surrounding surfaces perfectly
My Thoughts
Minwax High Performance Wood Filler is a great option for lasting repairs to outdoor wood surfaces as well as interior. It is made from a durable, weather-resistant resin and can be sanded, drilled, and painted once dry. While it’s significantly more expensive (about 3 times the cost) than other options, this is one of the highest quality wood fillers available.
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4. Timbermate Wood Filler – Best for Interior Use
- Easy preparation
- Timbermate is versatile and may be used for all interior repairs, including repairing edges.
- Fast drying
If you’re looking for a wood filler to use on indoor projects, Timbermate Wood Filler is a great addition to your woodworking shop. This water-based filler can be used on both raw and finished wood surfaces.
Just like other wood fillers, you can easily sand, stain, and paint this filler once it’s had time to dry so you can match the exact color of surrounding surfaces.
Timbermate Wood Filler is rather expensive compared to a lot of other wood fillers on the market but considering its ability to mend large cracks with less, the price tag is understandable.
It’s non-toxic, making it safe to use around your family and pets.
Timbermate Wood Filler also comes in a couple of colors, so you’re sure to find one that matches your project. It’s important that you find the correct color of filler for your project or find a product that you can sand and paint yourself. If you don’t, the results may not look as natural as you might like.
What I Liked:
- Can be used on raw and finished wood surfaces
- Water-based formula is safe for indoor use
- Can be sanded, stained, and painted once dry
- Comes in a wide variety of colors
What I Didn’t Like:
- Much more expensive than some other options
My Thoughts
Timbermate Wood Filler is a great option for those looking to make repairs to indoor furniture. This water-based filler can be sanded, stained, and painted once dry. When compared to other options, this wood filler is not quite as strong outdoors because it is water based. Therefore, if you’re working on exterior wood – it’s better to go with something like the Minwax Wood Filler. However, if you’re only working indoors, this is a solid choice.
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5. J-B Weld Wood Restore Epoxy Kit – Best for Large Holes
- WOODRESTORE: Is a hand mixable epoxy putty specially formulated to repair and rebuild wood quickly and easily….
- WHAT THE PROFESSIONALS USE: Builders, mechanics & repair pros know our products bond strong to a variety of…
- EASY TO USE: It can be used to fill, build, reinforce or bond wood surfaces. It contains no solvents, will not…
J-B Weld Wood Restore Epoxy Kit is a two-part epoxy that comes in a putty form. This wood putty provides a strong, durable repair that cannot be matched by other wood fillers. Check out the differences between wood filler and wood putty to learn more!
The kit includes two tubs of epoxy putty, a stir stick, and instructions.
Simply mix the two putties together, then apply the mixture to the damaged area, and let it site.
Once the epoxy has cured, you can sand it, paint it, or stain it to match the surrounding wood.
This product is ideal for repairing large holes, cracks, and splits in wood surfaces. When fully cured, it offers the same structural strength and density as wood – which other wood fillers cannot live up to.
It can be used on both indoor and outdoor projects, and it’s compatible with all types of wood.
J-B Weld Wood Restore Epoxy Kit is one of the more expensive wood fillers on the market costing over $50.
Just keep in mind that you’ll need to work quickly when using this product, as the putty begins to set in just five minutes.
What I Liked:
- The strongest product to fill large gaps
- 64 ounces
- Can be used on indoor and outdoor projects
- Compatible with all types of wood
What I Didn’t Like:
- More expensive than some other options
- The putty begins to set quickly, so you must work quickly
My Thoughts
The J-B Weld Wood Restore Epoxy Kit one of the strongest wood putties on the market. While it’s the most expensive option on the list, it’s for good reason. This wood putty cures with the same density as normal wood – which makes it extremely useful for both interior and exterior wood. If you don’t mind spending a few extra dollars, this should last a while with 64 ounces.
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6. Gork’s Goodfilla Wood & Grain Filler – Best for Cabinetry
- ⚒️ HIGH QUALITY & MONEY SAVING: Save time and money with this wood filler that does not shrink, sink, or crack, and has excellent adhesion. Only need to apply once, and it flawlessly accepts any finish or stain! In fact, this product can be mixed…
- ⚒️ DESIGNED FOR PROFESSIONAL WOODWORKERS: The only water-based, non-latex/acrylic, trowel-ready wood filler in the world. Innovative and easy-to-use, it’s designed for professional woodworkers but perfect for your everyday DIYer, too. As any…
Gork’s Goodfilla Wood & Grain Filler is our top pick for cabinetry because it is a water-based, low VOC product that is easy to apply and dries quickly.
This wood filler can be used on all types of wood, including finished surfaces, and will not raise the grain or leave behind any residue. It can also be stained or painted to match your existing cabinetry.
Goodfilla comes in a variety of sizes, so you can choose the best option for your project.
There is also a wide selection of color options available, so you can find a close match for your cabinetry. While the colors don’t always match up perfectly, they are close enough that most people will not be able to tell the difference.
What I Liked:
- Water-based and low VOC
- Can be used on finished surfaces
- Won’t raise the grain or leave behind any residue
- Can be stained or painted to match your existing cabinetry
- Backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee
What I Didn’t Like:
- Colors aren’t always perfect matches
My Thoughts
Gork’s Goodfilla Wood & Grain Filler is a great choice for cabinetry and offers plenty of color options to match your existing finish. It is also water-based and low VOC, making it a safe option for use in your home.
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7. Aqua Coat Grain Filler – Best Water-Based Option
- SPECIALLY FORMULATED FOR DEEPER PENETRATION – Our small particle size gel formula penetrates and seals the pores minimizing the absorption of your clear topcoat.
- IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATION – If painting, we recommend Aqua Coat WHITE Cabinet Grain Filler. It is higher solids with better visibility and adhesion making it perform better in less coats. This Clear…
- DESIGNED WITH EVERYONE IN MIND: From DIYers to contractors this is the perfect product to fill the grain and seal the pores of wood before or after staining or on raw wood to get a smooth finish on…
Aqua Coat Grain Filler is a water-based wood filler that is designed to fill in small cracks and imperfections.
It can be used to even out the grain pattern on wood surfaces and much more.
This product is easy to use and dries quickly. Once dry, it can be sanded, stained, or painted just like the other wood fillers on the list.
It comes in both quart and gallon sizes, depending on the size of your project which is nice.
I tend to like this wood filler more for smaller cracks rather than larger gaps, so depending on the size of your gap – you might want to opt for a different option.
What I Liked:
- Water-based formula is easy to use
- Dries quickly
- Can be sanded, stained, or painted once dry
- Available in a variety of colors
- Comes in quart and gallon sizes
What I Didn’t Like:
- Not as strong as some other options
- May require multiple coats to achieve desired results
My Thoughts
The Aqua Coat Grain Filler is a good option for smaller gaps and cracks for indoor use. Because it’s water based, it’s not going to hold up on exterior uses and it didn’t work quite as well for larger cracks.
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8. 3M Bondo Wood Filler – Best for Damaged Wood
- 3M Bondo Wood Filler is a fast curing, all-purpose wood fill solution intended for minor to advanced repairs on rotted or damaged wood products.
- The quick-drying formula is ready to be sanded by hand or with power tools only 15 minutes after being applied and is paintable/stainable after 25 minutes. This results in the ability to perform a…
- The two-part formula includes a hardener cream that accelerates the curing process, in addition to ensuring that there is a strong water-resistant bond that will not shrink, dry out, or deform over…
If you’re looking for a wood filler that can take on some serious damage, then 3M Bondo Wood Filler is the way to go.
This heavy-duty wood filler is perfect for repairing larger cracks, holes, and splits in both indoor and outdoor wood surfaces.
It’s made with a durable resin that dries hard, so it can withstand heavy wear and tear. And best of all, it’s easy to use – just apply it with a putty knife and let it dry. Once it’s dry, you can sand, paint, or stain it to match your existing woodwork.
3M’s Bondo Wood Filler is a solid choice for DIYers and professionals alike due to its versatility.
And thanks to its ability to fill large holes and cracks on raw wood, it’s ideal for repairing damaged furniture, trim, and molding. Plus, it can be used on both painted and finished wood surfaces.
What I Liked:
- Heavy-duty formula can take on serious damage
- Dries hard for a durable repair
- Easy to use
- Can be sanded, painted, or stained
What I Didn’t Like:
- On the expensive side
- May require multiple coats for larger holes and cracks
My Thoughts
The 3M Bondo Wood Filler is a heavy-duty wood filler that’s perfect for repairing big cracks, holes, and splits in both indoor and outdoor wood surfaces. It’s made with a durable resin that dries hard, so it can withstand heavy use without breaking down.
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9. Famowood Latex Wood Filler – Best for DIY Projects
- Dries in 15 minutes
- Won’t crack or shrink, solvent free – low odor and easy water cleanup
- Can be sanded, drilled or planed
If you’re looking for a wood filler that’s easy to use and perfect for small DIY projects, Famowood Latex Wood Filler is a great option.
This wood filler comes in a convenient pint or gallon size that you can apply directly to the surface, and it only takes about 15 minutes to dry.
It’s perfect for filling small cracks, holes, and dents in wood surfaces. Yet it can handle larger voids, as well. It’s also great for staining and painting, so you can easily match it to the rest of your project.
Famowood Latex Wood Filler is a water-based wood filler, so it’s easy to clean up with just soap and water. It can be sanded, drilled, screwed, and planed just like real wood.
Additionally, the non-shrinking formula makes it great for both casual and serious craftwork.
What I Liked:
- Available in 10 colors
- Non-shrinking
- Can be sanded, drilled, screwed, and planed
- Non-toxic
What I Didn’t Like:
- Not as strong as epoxy-based wood fillers
My Thoughts
The Famowood Latex Wood Filler is a great choice for small DIY projects. It’s easy to use, dries quickly, and is available in 10 colors. Plus, it’s non-toxic and can be sanded, drilled, screwed, and planed just like real wood. While it’s not the best choice for massive holes and gaps, it’s great for smaller projects.
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10. Gorilla Wood Glue
- Complete Projects Fast: Requires only 20-30 minutes of clamp time, fully cured in 24 hours. Quickly creates an…
- Use Indoors or Outdoors: Passes ANSI/HPVA Type II water resistance. Can be used for all sorts of woodworking…
- Versatile: Ideal for use on hardwoods, softwoods, and natural wood composites. Is a great wood super glue for…
Another great well-rounded wood glue and fill is Gorilla Wood Glue.
The Gorilla Glue Company was founded in 1994 with millions of happy customers served since introducing their superior adhesives.
This glue is a cross between PVA and carpenter’s glue, making it extremely strong and durable. It is also water-resistant, making it ideal for use in humid environments and a decent exterior wood filler.
Gorilla Wood Glue dries to a natural color that blends in well with most wood surfaces making it a perfect option to fill holes on both interior wood and exterior wood.
This glue comes in 4-ounce bottles and can be used on both indoor and outdoor projects.
This glue requires 20-30 minutes to dry and cures within 24 hours, making it one of the fastest drying wood fillers you can find.
The bond that Gorilla Wood Glue creates is incredibly strong, making it ideal for repairing large holes and gaps. It is also perfect for mending cracks and splits in wood surfaces. You can even paint and sand it for a perfect match to your project.
What I Liked:
- Cross between PVA and carpenter’s glue
- Extremely strong and durable
- Water-resistant
- Dries to a natural color
- Easy to use
What I Didn’t Like:
- Pricier, but you get more
My Thoughts
If you don’t mind spending a bit extra (while still very affordable), Gorilla Wood Glue is the one of the top overall wood filler for large holes for several reasons. It is incredibly strong and durable, making it perfect for repairing damaged wood. It’s also sandable and paintable – so you can get the exact surface you’re looking for. It’s one of the best wood fillers on the market with over 12,000 reviews and extremely versatile.
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Common Types of Wood Fillers
There are several different types of wood fillers for large gaps you can use. Not all wood fillers are the same, each has their own benefits and drawbacks.
Water Based Wood Filler
Water based wood fillers can be a great product to get a smooth finish on your project.
They are constructed of real wood fibers like sawdust and wood shavings that are glued together with an emulsion.
This type of wood filler is easy to use and cleans up easily with warm water.
This type of wood filler is better suited for indoor use.
Solvent Based Wood Filler
A solvent based wood filler is constructed with chemicals like epoxy resins.
This type of wood filler is much stronger than water based wood fillers and can provide a better bond to the wood surface.
Epoxy fillers are better suited for outdoor use because they are water resistant and can withstand the elements.
Powder Fillers
With powder wood filler, you’ll mix a concoction of wood pieces with water to create a paste that can fill holes.
This isn’t quite as strong or durable as other options, but ot can get the job done in many cases.
Homemade Wood Fillers
Did you know you can make your own wood filler?
It’s possible!
Some woodworkers actually prefer this method because it can yield the most accurate color and texture match for your project.
There are a few different recipes you can try depending on what materials you have on hand.
Most recipes will call for some wood shavings, wood glue, and water.
Once you’ve mixed these ingredients together, you’ll have a wood filler that is ready to use!
Which Wood Filler is Best for You?
It’s difficult to recommend one wood filler for every project. Depending on your use case, certain types might be better or worse. Below are some things you’ll want to consider before making your decision.
Exterior or Interior Use
One of the most important things to consider is whether the wood filler will be used indoors or outdoors.
Because water based wood fillers can be easily cleaned up with water, they are better suited for indoor use.
Conversely, solvent based wood fillers like epoxy resins are better suited for outdoor use because they are water resistant and can withstand the elements.
Durability
Not all surfaces will experience the same amount of wear and tear.
If you need a wood filler for a surface that will see a lot of traffic, you’ll want to choose a product that is durable and can withstand heavy use.
In this case, a solvent based wood filler like epoxy resin would be a good choice.
If you’re using the wood filler for a decorative project that won’t see much wear and tear, then a water based wood filler might suffice.
Cost
Another thing to keep in mind when buying wood fillers is the cost.
Water based wood fillers are typically less expensive than solvent based wood fillers. But this doesn’t mean they are always the best choice.
It really depends on your project and needs.
Shrinkage
Some wood fillers may shrink more than others when cured.
This can cause problems when dealing with large cracks and gaps because if it shrinks after applied, your gap might reappear.
Pro Tips for Filling Large Holes with Wood Fillers
When you’re faced with a large hole in your woodwork, it can be tempting to just throw some wood filler in there and call it a day.
But if you want your repair to be as strong and undetectable as possible, it’s worth taking the time to do it right.
Here are a few pro tips to help you get the best possible results.
- Use the right type of wood filler. For large holes, you’ll want to use a two-part epoxy wood filler. This type of filler is stronger and more durable than regular wood filler, so it’s less likely to crack or shrink over time. You can also check out these stainable wood fillers!
- Prepare the surface before filling. Sand the area around the hole to create a smooth surface for the filler to adhere to. Then, wipe away any dust with a damp cloth.
- Mix the filler according to the instructions. Be sure to mix the two parts of the filler thoroughly before using it.Apply the filler in thin layers. If you try to apply the filler all at once, it’s more likely to shrink and crack as it dries. Instead, apply it in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry completely before adding the next.
- Sand and finish as desired. Once the filler is completely dry, you can sand it smooth and finish it off with paint, stain, or varnish.
You can also check out these common mistakes using wood filler!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is wood filler the best option for filling large holes?
Wood filler is a great option for filling large holes, as it is easy to apply and dries quickly. However, it is important to note that wood filler is not as strong as normal wood, so it may not be the best option for filling holes that will be subject to a lot of wear and tear.
That said, there are some wood fillers that are specially designed for frequent use, so be sure to read the labels carefully before making your purchase.
Can wood filler be sanded?
Yes, wood filler can be sanded once it is dry. Be sure to use a fine-grit sandpaper so as not to damage the surrounding wood. This will also help to create a smooth surface for painting or staining.
What are the best methods for applying wood filler?
There are a few different methods that can be used for applying wood filler, depending on the size and shape of the hole that needs to be filled. For small holes, wood filler can simply be applied with a putty knife. For larger holes, it may be necessary to use a dowel or other tool to apply the filler evenly.
How do I choose the right wood filler?
The type of wood filler you use will depend on the size and depth of the hole you’re trying to fill. For small holes, regular wood filler will suffice. But for larger holes, you’ll want to use a two-part epoxy fillers, which are stronger and more durable.
How do I prevent wood filler from cracking?
One of the best ways to prevent wood filler from cracking is to apply it in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry completely before adding the next. Additionally, be sure to sand the area around the hole before filling and finish off with a layer of paint, stain, or varnish.
Final Thoughts
The best wood fillers for large gaps and holes is the DAP Plastic Wood-X Wood Filler. This is a versatile wood filler that can be used for a variety of projects both indoors and out, and it’s priced right.
If you’re searching for the highest quality wood filler, I’d recommend the Minwax High Performance Wood Filler as it’s one of the strongest wood fillers available.