Got cracks, scratches, holes or gouges on wood that are difficult to hide? Homes can succumb to damage over time. Rather than replace them completely, try restoring them first.
Use a wood filler to repair them. We highly suggest getting a stainable wood filler, to get the filler to look like the original color and composition of the wood.
There are a lot of products out there that can offer you this benefit, but we will help you narrow down the products to the ones that are easy to use, can last for a long time, and can take a stain.
The Best Wood Fillers Are…
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Elmer’s E887Q Stainable Wood Filler |  Top Pick |
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| 2. Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler |  |
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| 3. FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler |  |
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| 4. 3M Bondo Home Solutions Wood Filler |  |
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| 5. PC Products PC-Woody Wood Repair Epoxy Paste Tan 16333 |  |
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| 6. Elmer’s Carpenter’s Color Change Wood Filler (E916) |  |
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| 7. DAP 00585 Latex All-Purpose Plastic Wood Filler, 6 Oz. |  |
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| 8. Timbermate Maple/Beech/Pine Hardwood Wood Filler |  |
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1. Elmer’s E887Q Stainable Wood Filler — Best Stainable Wood Filler
Elmer’s makes a variety of wood fillers but if you want the results to be stainable, get this one instead. This 3.25-ounce wood filler effectively fills up gouges and holes.
It contains real wood fibers to make the end result look more natural. You can sand it and stain it. It is impervious to cracking and shrinking and there is very little clean up needed later. Just use water to get rid of the excess.
This product comes in a handy tube that you can easily store. It also dispenses products easily and reseals when no longer needed. The formula is solvent-free, which makes it safer to use around as it doesn’t emit strong fumes.
This really produces natural results. The wood fibers in it help you fill up those gaps, holes, and crevices and not draw attention to that spot because this one blends in nicely. It is easy to apply.
Since it comes in tube form, you can dispense the right amount of product directly on the spot. This helps prevent wasting products. You can also use this for a long time since it is not as prone to drying up as those wood fillers that come in tubs.
It does not shrink or crack over time. Because of this, it can also be used on the exterior of your home. Even when exposed to rain or shine, it still holds up quite well. It holds stains as well. You can make it match even further with your wood color. You can build it up and use as much color as you want.
It holds up well against sanding, so you can prep the work area and not worry this will come off. You can even use your high-speed sander on this. It does not leave behind any unwanted odor since it is free from solvent.
This dries up really hard. It is even harder than the wood itself. The texture and consistency of this one are quite thick and dense, so you can mold it to fit in those deeper holes and gouges.
Specs
- Size: 3.25 ounces
- Weight: 4 ounces
Pros
- Produces natural results
- Applying it is very easy
- Does not crack or shrink over time
- Holds up well against sanding
Cons
- Some users said for its price, it has a small quantity
Verdict
Easy to Use: This is easier to dispense than those in tubs are because you can dispense just the right amount of product. It also has a natural appearance and can take stains and sanding pretty well. The price is also affordable but in a small tube that might only be enough for a few cracks and gouges.
2. Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler
Make your home look new again and seal those cracks, holes, and minor gouges with the help of this wood filler. It is stainable and specially formulated to work with the wood stains from the same brand.
You can use both water and oil-based stains on this filler. It also accepts paint; great for those wood paneling or siding that require some sprucing up.
This is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. It has a latex formula that only requires soap and water for cleanup. It dries fast as well, so you can stain or sand it afterward. This can be used in areas where you might need to hold nails or screws. It produces tough and shrink-resistant results.
It is easy to use. You can build it up easily until you have patched up the holes and reached the desired surface. Use a sharp scraper to get rid of excess. It hardens up real fast. It makes quick work of patching up damaged wood surfaces. Since it hardens up fast, you can sand it right after. No need to wait for a long time.
It sticks to wood easily unlike others that might come off easily when the wood is not properly dry. It can hold larger screws or even bolts because it hardens up easily. It is even harder than the original wood material, so you can use this in a wood where you will need to install bolts and screws.
It can be sanded, primed, and then painted as well. It also holds stains fairly easily. It is even flexible enough to accommodate oil and water-based stains. You can mix this easily after opening it. It has a mixable consistency, unlike other solutions where the oil separates from the rest of the materials and then makes it difficult to mix them in. For the amount you are getting, this actually has a good price.
Specs
- Size: 16 ounces
- Weight: 15.2 ounces
Pros
- Hardens up real fast
- Can be sanded, primed, and painted
- Very easy to use
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Some find it a bit difficult to work.
Verdict
Hardens Up Fast: If you like something that hardens up fast, this is an ideal choice for you. It is easy to fill holes and cracks with this product and when it dries up, it is quite solid and hard, so you can install nails and screws with ease.
3. FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler
If you are looking for something that does not dry up as quickly as the previous wood filler, get this one. It dries up in 15 minutes, so you still have more time to work on sealing those holes and gouges before it completely dries up. It does not contain solvent so it will not emit an unwanted odor. It is also easy to clean up.
Once it hardens, it is virtually impenetrable. It does not shrink or crack. You can also sand, stain, and paint over it. You can even use it for furniture and cabinets.
This is one of the easiest to work with. Since it does not harden up that quickly, you still have plenty of time to build it up and seal holes. It does dry up nicely, making way for easier sanding and staining. It has a similar consistency to wood once it dries up.
This is an eco-friendly choice. It is solvent-free and does not leave chemicals behind. It does not stick like many wood fillers out there. It looks like real hardwood after being sanded and stained. You can clean this up easily. Simply use water and soap to get rid of the excess. It stays in place and holds up well against a lot of abuse. It does not crack and it does not shrink as well.
Specs
- Size: 24 ounces
- Color: Natural
- Finish: Painted
- Weight: 1.6 pounds
Pros
- Looks like real hardwood after being applied
- Easy to work with
- Eco-friendly option
- Holds up against a lot of abuse
Cons
- You need to re-seal it after opening else it can dry up
Verdict
Better for the Environment: Get this wood filler if you want a solvent-free filler that does not have a strong scent and will not leave off chemical smells. This is also easier to work with since it is pliable and does not dry up too fast. It is affordable and once it dries up, it does not shrink.
4. 3M Bondo Home Solutions Wood Filler
Restore your damaged doors, windows, siding, furniture, and fencing with the help of this wood filler. It is easy to work with. It dries up well. Once it dries up, it can then be sanded and stained. It also accepts paint. It can work on rotted out wood as well.
Apply a wood stabilizer and then once it has dried up, use this wood filler. Once applied and dried up, it blends in well with the composition of the wood, so you can plane, drill, saw, or route it just like what you would do with real wood.
Many people find this easy to work with. You can use as much or as little hardener as you prefer, depending on how much you want to work with this.
It is easy to sand it down. It cleans up easily after so you are left with a smooth finish. Many people have used this in more serious cases of rotting, and they did not encounter any issues. It does not shrink over time. It holds up its shape well. It also does not crack. There were those who have used this in their house and said this did not crack even after a few years.
Specs
- Size: 1 Quart
- Weight: 16 ounces
Pros
- Sanding it down is easy
- Easy to work with
- Does not shrink over time.
- Dries up well
Cons
- Hardens very fast, which means you have to work quickly
- Strong fumes
Verdict
Long-Lasting Effect: This one has earned its reputation for being one of the most durable wood fillers. It stays in place and does not crack or shrivel overtime.
If you want to seal bigger cracks or rotted out wood, this is also one of the most effective. You will not have to do re-touching or re-do the sealing process in the future.
5. PC Products PC-Woody Wood Repair Epoxy Paste Tan 16333
This is one of the best wood fillers on the market, and it does a pretty good job. This unit comes with two separate cans that you have to mix into a two-part epoxy putty paste.
It is very effective and durable, and it comes in handy in several situations. This wood filler is specifically designed to deliver great performance for more difficult wood repair issues.
You can use this filler outdoors and indoors. It has an extraordinarily wide service temperature range, which means it can survive even very harsh weather. This wood filler does not crack or shrink over time. It is fully resistant to damage from saltwater or freshwater as well as sunlight.
PC products designed this wood filler to provide effective survivability and protection against damage from squirrels, insects, woodpeckers, and other animals that damage wood. You can use this filler vertically, thanks to its high level of viscosity and high tack. It dries pretty fast, with minimal dripping and sag when applying it on vertical surfaces.
For effective results, you need to mix part A and part B of the product in equal volumes. It provides work time of 30 minutes to 40 minutes, at 70-degree F, to allow for adjustments. It can be stained, painted, and machined after fully cured. PC products used real wood to make this filler, and it has several traits of wood.
Specs
- Size: 12 ounces X2
- Weight: 15.2 ounces
Pros
- Provides a longer working time
- Made with real wood
- Ideal for vertical applications
- Can be used either indoors or outdoor
Cons
- You have to wait 12 hours before you can sand it
Verdict
Best for Any Task: This is a highly effective wood filler and it is a great option for any task. It delivers great results, and it comes in pretty handy for more challenging and complex wood repair situations. It is durable and it can withstand any weather condition.
6. Elmer’s Carpenter’s Color Change Wood Filler (E916)
The Elmer’s Carpenter’s Color Change Wood Filler is another great wood filler that is loved by many woodworkers. This wood filler is very popular for one thing, and that is its ability to change color. This filler has a purple color.
The purple color of this filler tends to stand out because it lets you know when the filler is dry. When it is dry, the color will change from purple to white, fancy right? At this point, you can paint, sand, or finish the surface.
This feature comes in pretty handy, as it helps to save time by eliminating guesswork. It lets you know when the filler is dry and ready for the next phase. It is also very safe to use, as it has very little to no toxicity.
It does not emit any harsh chemical odor that will make you uncomfortable. This wood filler dissolves in water pretty easily, and it is easy to clean up and rejuvenate on dried materials.
This wood putty is sandable, paintable, and stainable. It is perfect for fixing dents, holes, scratches, and other interior defects. It is best for interior applications, and it makes refurbishing and repairing easy.
However, this is not the best option for heavy-duty jobs, as it is not the strongest out there. Some users also said that they always have to paint or stain it to cover up the pale, milky color.
Specs
- Size: 8 ounces
- Material Type: Adhesive
- Color: White
- Weight: 8.8 ounces
Pros
- Color to let you know when it is dry
- Does not emit a harsh odor
- Very easy to sand, paint, and stain
- Inexpensive
Cons
- It is not the best option for heavy-duty projects
Verdict
Best of Interior Applications: If you are looking for the best wood filler to use for interior applications, then this is the right filler for you. This wood filler comes with a unique feature that makes it stand out.
Upon application, the color of the filler is purple, but it will change to white when it dries. This helps to eliminate guesswork, as it lets you know when it is time to sand, paint, or stain.
7. DAP 00585 Latex All-Purpose Plastic Wood Filler, 6 Oz.
The next wood filler on our list is the DAP 00585 Latex All-Purpose Plastic Wood Filler. If you are looking for the wood filler that you can use for all purposes, then this is your best bet.
This is a unique product because it is a mixture of wood fibers and latex. This mixture also gives it a unique behavior. The wood fibers give it the traits of wood while the latex nature makes it impact-resistant and waterproof.
With its unique features and behavior, this filler still comes with an affordable price tag. It is made with real wood, which means it is very easy to blend it with the existing finish. This wood filler makes painting, sanding, and other finishing work very easy.
This product contains some harsh chemicals, which means you have to avoid breathing the fumes too deeply. As such, it is best you use this product outdoors. If you must use it indoors, we recommend you use a dust mask.
This wood filler is also much better for outdoor use because of the flexible and waterproof nature of latex. Over time, UV light can have a degrading effect on latex.
However, you can avoid that by applying a thick coat of paint. This high-performance wood filler hardens to give a repair that is three times stronger than the wood itself.
After applications, this filler can be lacquered, varnished, stained, planed, screwed, drilled, sanded, or cut. This wood filler does not crack or shrink over time. The downside with this product is that it takes time to dry. Before you can sand, paint, or stain it, you have to wait for about 2 to 6 hours.
Specs
- Size: 6 ounces
- Weight: 6.4 ounces
Pros
- Fully waterproof
- Inexpensive and highly reliable
- Made with latex and wood fiber
- Does not crack or shrink over time.
Cons
- It takes a long time to dry
- Nasty chemical odor
Verdict
Best for Outdoor Applications: This wood filler is made with wood fibers and latex, and this makes it high-impact resistant and waterproof. As such, it is one of the best options for outdoor applications.
8. Timbermate Maple/Beech/Pine Hardwood Wood Filler
If you are looking for an effective and fast way to repair wood, then you should consider this wood filler. It does a perfect job of repairing and restoring your wood.
This wood filler is specifically designed for hardwood, interior jobs, and you can also use it as a grain filler. It delivers great results in fixing cracks, holes, and scratches on beech, maple, pine floors, or furniture.
This product does not shrink, it is durable, and it helps to protect the integrity of wood surfaces. It also dries up pretty fast, and it allows for easy painting, sanding, and staining. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to dry, after which you can drill, saw, plane, nail, screw, or rout on it. It is user-friendly, as it is very easy to work with.
This filler is water-soluble and it is free from toxic chemicals. When applying this filler, it is recommended that you use plastic tools or stainless steel, as it may react with low-grade steel.
Specs
- Size: 8 ounces
- Weight: 8 ounces
Pros
- Takes only 20 to 30 minutes to dry
- Specially designed for interior repair jobs
- Free form acrylic, solvent, latex, and other toxic chemicals
- Accepts paints and stains pretty well
Cons
- Not designed for outdoor use
Verdict
Highly Versatile: If you are looking for a highly versatile wood filler that you can maple, beech, hardwood, pine floors, or furniture, then you should consider this option. It dries up pretty fast and it is free from toxic chemicals.
Some Tips To Keep In Mind When Buying A Stainable Wood Filler
Not all stainable wood fillers out there are the same. You never really know what you are getting when it comes to how fast they harden up and their consistency.
To make sure you are getting a good one, here are some tips to consider:
Choose Something That Will Not Emit Strong Fumes
If you are going to work indoors, you would want to get something that does not emit a strong smell. If possible, go for those free from solvent.
Go For Something With A Consistency That Is Easy To Build-Up
If it is too thick, you might have trouble filling up irregular crevices. This is why it is ideal to get something that has medium-thick consistency, so it can retain its shape while still completely filling up the holes, even the ones that are irregular-shaped.
It Should Harden Up Fast
Ideally, you would want to buy something that hardens up fast, so you can also sand it down and then stain or paint it quickly afterward. However, make sure it does not harden up too fast.
Some wood fillers actually harden up in less than 5 minutes. That can be difficult to work with since you will not have time to apply the filler carefully.
Make Sure It Has A Long Shelf Life
The shelf life of the wood filler will depend on how well the container is sealed. If air can easily get in, it can harden up over time or the oils in it might separate from the other ingredients. Better get something in a smaller size, so you are not stuck with a big tub of wood filler.
It Should Hold Stains Well
There are those with formulations that are difficult to stain. You might need to re-apply the stain to get your desired results.
Conclusion
Are there more woodworking tools and products you are looking for? Check out our homepage for some more reviews and product information. You just might find what you are looking for from our product reviews and buying guides.
Our top pick for the best wood filler is the Elmer’s E887Q Stainable Wood Filler because it delivers great results and it is very easy to use. It holds paints and stains pretty well, and it has a long shelf life.
