Absolute Best Wood Fillers for Large Holes (Tested & Reviewed 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.

Quick Answer: Here are My Favorites! 👇

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

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)

2. Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Filler – Best Value

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

3. Minwax High Performance Wood Filler – Best for Exterior Use

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

4. Timbermate Wood Filler – Best for Interior Use

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

5. J-B Weld Wood Restore Epoxy Kit – Best for Large Holes

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

6. Gork’s Goodfilla Wood & Grain Filler – Best for Cabinetry

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

7. Aqua Coat Grain Filler – Best Water-Based Option

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.

Aqua Coat Grain Filler is available in a variety of colors, so you can choose the one that best matches your project. It also comes in both quart and gallon sizes, depending on the size of your project.

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

8. 3M Bondo Wood Filler – Best for Damaged Wood

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

9. Famowood Latex Wood Filler – Best for DIY Projects

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

10. Gorilla Wood Glue

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

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.

1. 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!

2. 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.

3. Mix the filler according to the instructions. Be sure to mix the two parts of the filler thoroughly before using it.

4. 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.

5. 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 some alternatives to wood filler?

If you’re not sure that wood filler is the right option for your needs, there are a few other options worth considering, such as epoxy putty or Bondo.

Epoxy putty is a stronger option than wood filler, making it a good choice for filling holes that will see a lot of wear and tear. However, it can be more difficult to apply than wood filler and has a longer drying time.

Bondo is another option worth considering. It dries quickly and can be sanded, making it a good choice for filling large holes. However, Bondo is not as strong as wood filler, so it may not be the best choice for every situation.

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 long does wood filler take to dry?

Wood filler typically dries within 24 hours, although this will vary depending on the brand and type of filler used. Some brands start drying in as little five minutes. To be on the safe side, however, it’s best to give it a full 24 hours before sanding or doing other work on it.

Can wood filler be painted?

Most wood filler can be painted or stained once it’s had time to dry. For best results, use a primer before painting, as this will help the paint to adhere better to the filler. It’s best to sand the area before applying paint or primer for the best results.

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.

What should I do if my wood filler is dry?

If your wood filler is too dry, you can add a few drops of water to it and mix it well. This will help to make it more pliable and easier to work with. Depending on how dry it is, you might need to purchase a new bottle of wood filler to get the best results.

What’s the difference between wood filler and wood putty?

Another common product that you’ll find is wood putty.

When comparing wood filler vs wood putty, there’s one key difference. Wood putty doesn’t harden when dry so you cannot use it on exterior wood.

In general wood putty is better for smaller holes on finished pieces and should be used on interior wood only.

Final Thoughts on the Best Wood Fillers for Large Holes and Gaps

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.