Top 11 Best Wood Filler For Large Holes and Gaps

In pursuit of a solution for addressing gaps and cavernous holes in wood, I embarked on a journey to test 11 different products. The quest was driven by a desire to find the holy grail of wood fillers.

After rigorous testing, one product emerged as the clear winner, surpassing all expectations. The Bondo All-Purpose Putty Wood Filler stood head and shoulders above the rest. It earned the coveted title of the Best Wood Filler For Large Holes and Gaps.

With years of experience in woodworking, I can confidently say that Bondo’s performance is exceptional. I’ll get into the reasons behind this choice, and provide scenarios where it excels.

So, without further ado, let’s look at the best wood fillers that you can use for large holes and gaps.

Our Top Picks

Best Wood Filler For Large Holes and Gaps

1. Best Overall Wood Filler – Bondo Wood Putty
2. Most Cost Effective Wood Filler – Red Devil 0542 Spackling Wood Filler
3. Best Water-Based Filler – Elmers Carpenters Wood Filler
4. Ideal Rapid Drying Wood Filler – DAP 543 Series 00543 Qt Natural Plastic Wood-X
5. Best Long Lasting Wood Gap Filler – Gorks Goodfilla
6. Best Exterior Wood Filler for Large Holes – Pc Products Epoxy Wood Filler
7. Best Polyester Wood Filler – Minwax 21600000
8. Most Environmentally Friendly Wood Filler – Woodwise Powdered
9. Best for Interior Use – Timbermate Wood Filler
10. Best Wood Filler for Damaged Wood – J-B Weld Wood Restore Epoxy Kit
11. Best Filler for DIY Projects – Famowood Latex Wood Filler

Best Wood Filler For Large Holes and Gaps – Updated List

1. Best All-purpose Wood Filler for Large Holes – Bondo Wood Putty

Bondo All-Purpose Putty, in its 1.9 lb. 1-Quart form, clinches the title of the best wood filler for large holes and gaps. While testing various fillers, it outperformed the competition, leaving me impressed.

What sets it apart is its exceptional two-part filler formula that bonds to a broad range of surfaces. This ensures permanent, non-shrink repairs.

The speed at which it cures is remarkable. I was able to sand it in 15 minutes which allowed for repairs on the same day.

Its light gray color, when mixed, blends with surfaces, ensuring a consistent appearance post-repair. Moreover, it’s fully paintable and stainable, offering versatility that caters to diverse projects.

Though it comes at a higher price than most competitors, it delivers unparalleled value. You truly pay for the best of the best with Bondo All-Purpose Putty. Without an iota of doubt, every penny spent is worth it.

With the inclusion of the white Bondo Cream Hardener, it also ensures top-tier performance and reinforces trust in the brand.

In summary, Bondo All-Purpose Putty is the epitome of wood fillers. It combines rapid curing, exceptional bonding, and flawless appearance. If you are seeking the ultimate solution for large holes and gaps, for both interior and exterior surfaces, this is the product to use.

What We Liked Most

• It dries very quickly and is very hard.
• It is waterproof
• The leftover product remains viable for a long time. 
• It’s for indoor and outdoor use
• It’s easy to use

What Could Be Improved

• The hardener that comes with the putty is too small. You might need to buy an extra tube to match the putty in the can.
• Though you get every value of your penny, it is too pricey.

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2. Best Non-Crack Wood Filler – Red Devil 0542 Spackling Wood Filler

The Red Devil 0542 ONETIME Lightweight Spackling is the second product in comparison to the Bondo Wood Putty. It is a budget-friendly filler that delivers impressive results for interior and exterior repairs.

What sets it apart is its exceptional versatility, accommodating a wide range of applications without breaking the bank. They have the ability to create permanent, long-lasting repairs with a single application.

An added bonus is its no-sanding-required feature, simplifying the repair process further. Furthermore, the rapid drying time ensures you can paint over it within minutes.

When compared with the Bondo Wood Putty, the Red Devil Spackling is the cost-effective alternative. It fills the role of the best budget option perfectly.

While both products offer compelling features and benefits, the Red Devil brings affordability to the forefront without compromising on essential attributes like durability and ease of use.

So, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional, this product proves that you can achieve quality without breaking the bank.

Therefore it is an excellent choice if you’re seeking an efficient and budget-friendly wood floor filler.

What We Liked Most

• It doesn’t shrink, crack or sag
• It can be painted in a few minutes 
• It cleans up easily 
• It does not require sanding

What Could Be Improved

• The texture is muddy and tends to fall off during application.

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3. Best Water-Based Fillers – Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Filler

Elmer’s Carpenter’s Interior Wood Filler, in its 1 Pint, 16 Ounce form, has proven itself to be an invaluable addition to my toolkit for home repairs.

This filler steps up on holes, dents, scratches, gouges, or defects on wood, wallboard, molding, or painted surfaces. What truly sets it apart is its impressive drying time. In 12-24 hours, it transforms from a malleable filler into a hard and resilient surface, ensuring swift project completion.

You can also paint and sand it seamlessly to integrate the repair into your existing finish. This makes it even more durable and resistant to shrinkage and cracking.

Additionally, the ease of water cleanup makes post-application maintenance hassle-free. It is also eco-friendly due to its solvent-free nature.

In summary, Elmer’s Carpenter’s Interior Wood Filler exemplifies reliability, efficiency, and versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a professional, this wood filler will streamline your repair projects.

What We Liked Most

• It is paintable and sandable.
• It Doesn’t shrink or crack away from the fill joints 
• It’s easy to work with

What Could Be Improved

• It is not stainable 
• The Lid does not seal well

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4. Ideal Rapid Drying Wood Filler – DAP 543 Series 00543 Qt Natural Plastic Wood-X

Dap 543 wood filler is the best filler for deep holes. It dries faster than most wood fillers and is advanced resistant, weatherproof, and waterproof.

It Adheres well to cracked concrete, rusted iron fence, and will of the door trim. Dap is your all-around product for any type of wood repair, especially ones with large gaps or deep holes.

Use on metal, composite, PVC, fiber cement, wood, and more. This wood hole filler is fast-acting, so you will need to apply it quickly.

Also, you do not have to worry about washing off if it is raining or if the filler has not dried. While this product is resistant to weather, it can be used indoors and outdoors. 

What We Liked Most

• It provides a repair that is 3X more substantial than the wood itself
• It has a fast-acting formula
• It’s excellent for structural repairs
• It covers chips and gouges while anchoring screws and nails
• It dries very quickly

What Could Be Improved

• It is difficult to spread
• It challenging to clean

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5. Best Long Lasting Wood Gap Filler – Gorks Goodfilla

As any woodworker will attest to, they throw hardened wood filler out all the time. But Goodfella offers an unlimited shelf life since it reconstitutes with water.

Goodfilla is the most innovative, easy-to-use, water-based wood filler for large gaps and deep holes. It’s designed for professional woodworkers but perfect for your everyday DIYer, too.

You can Sand, stain, tint, prime, fill and seal every knot on your to-do list. If it eventually dries out, you can add a little water.

What We Liked Most

• It’s perfect for big jobs 
• It is available in a variety of colors and sizes
• It has an unlimited storage life
• It is environment friendly and contains no toxic materials
• You can sand, paint, or stain it

What Could Be Improved

• It leaves a yellow tint
• It has a slightly watery texture

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6. Best Exterior Wood Filler for Large Holes – Pc Products Epoxy Wood Filler

This Epoxy Paste is a remarkable solution for tackling missing or rotted wood with unwavering resilience.

Its resistance to dry rot, UV light, fresh and saltwater. This makes it a standout performer in a range of indoor and outdoor applications.

What sets it apart is its versatility. It is best when applied at temperatures that range from 35 to 115 degrees F.

The high tack properties of this epoxy paste are a boon. It helps reduce drips and sags during the hardening process, ensuring precise application.

However, PC-Woody part B must be mixed with PC-Woody part A in equal volumes on a flat surface with a stiff putty knife. Remember not to use gloves in the mixing process.

Filling large holes in wood with epoxy offers structural strength that’s greater than most wood.

What We Liked Most

• Pc-Woody can be used for interior and exterior applications.
• The high tack helps reduce drips and sags while hardening
• It can be painted, stained, and machined after being fully cured
• It has excellent resistance to all weather elements

What Could Be Improved

• It takes time to set up before you can mold it
• It doesn’t work well in small gaps
• It does not bond to wax paper, Teflon, Polyethylene, and some other plastics.

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7. Best Polyester Wood Filler – Minwax Wood Filler 21600000

Minwax High-Performance 2-part wood filler is designed for structural damage repair to wooden surfaces that will be painted.

It works excellent in repairing large gaps, deep holes, door strikes, destroyed plates or stripped-out large screws/carriage bolts that fall out, etc. 

It is stronger than wood. Unlike other fillers, it sticks to the interior wood excellent. When filling large holes, you can speed up the drying process by stuffing part of the gap with a small cutoff piece of wooden furniture.

Also, mix the filler and wood rot hardener in a smaller ratio to avoid wastage as it hardens within 3 minutes. Finally, make sure to overfill the area, that way, it will sand to a straight, smooth finish.

What We Liked Most

• It hardens in 3-minutes, sandable in 15-minutes.
• It Will not shrink, crack, or fall out.
• It can be drilled, planed, carved, and screwed into
• It’s suitable for interior and exterior applications. 

What Could Be Improved

• The hardener is small compared to the quantity of the wood filler.

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8. Most Environmentally Friendly Wood Filler – Woodwise Powdered

This environmentally friendly wood filler allows you to refill your container and eliminate unnecessary packaging and waste.

If you are someone who uses wood fillers daily, Woodwise Powdered Grain Filler is a cost-efficient option. It smoothly fills cracks, large holes, gaps, gouges, and broken edges.

It takes stains like hardwood and sands quickly. To use, mix in water with a mixer. It’s freeze-proof in its powdered form so that you can leave it in your truck year-round.

What We Liked Most

• Takes stain like hardwood!
• Bonds tightly, sands easily!
• You can mix it with water to the preferred consistency
• Extreme shelf life

What Could Be Improved

• It can’t be drilled into 

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9. Best for Interior Use – Timbermate Wood Filler

This wood filler impresses with its simplicity. It’s suitable for both novice DIY enthusiasts and experienced woodworkers.

Its versatility shines as it handles a wide range of interior repairs, from minor touch-ups to addressing edges and gaps. What truly sets Timbermate apart is its remarkable speed of drying.

Its eco-conscious approach stands out, allowing you to scoop up and reuse excess filler, minimizing waste. Timbermate’s formulation not only mends wood but also protects it.

This demonstrates a genuine commitment to preserving the integrity of your wooden surfaces.

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10. Best Wood Filler for Damaged Wood – J-B Weld Wood Restore Epoxy Kit 

This hand-mixable epoxy putty tackles the most challenging wood repairs quickly and effortlessly. What sets it apart is its ability to not just fix but also add structural strength to damaged or rotted wood.

Another hallmark of this product is its ease of use. Whether you need to fill, build, reinforce, or bond wood surfaces, the filler gets the job done with finesse.

It contains no solvents and won’t rot, shrink, crack, or pull away, ensuring the longevity of your repairs. You can also sand, file, and paint to seamlessly blend with your woodwork.

With J-B Weld, no project is too big or too small, and it delivers a legendary performance.

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11. Best Filler for DIY Projects – Famowood Latex Wood Filler

Famowood Latex Wood Filler is a remarkable product that has also proved to be efficient. With its rapid drying time of 15 minutes, it offers not only speed but also exceptional performance in wood repairs.

One of the standout features is its promise to never crack or shrink.

The fact that it’s solvent-free means it’s environmentally friendly and also produces a low odor. Better yet, this product is easy to clean, making the entire process hassle-free.

The versatility of this wood filler is truly impressive. It can be sanded, drilled, or planed, adapting to the unique needs of your project.

Whether you’re staining or painting your wood surfaces, Famowood doesn’t disappoint. It takes stains and paints like real wood, seamlessly blending with your existing finish.

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Types of Wood Fillers Suitable for Large Holes

Latex Fillers

Latex fillers are perfect for covering up small holes or refinishing wood cabinets and any wooden trim. When you redecorate your house or move into a new home, you find holes in hooks, pictures, or paintings that hang on the wall.

When choosing latex fillers, have it in mind that these fillers are mainly for cover-ups. They don’t have structural integrity.

They might crack or sink if you force them into large holes. The good thing about latex fillers is that they come in various colors and are primarily water-based.

2 Part Epoxy Fillers

If you want something more durable, consider epoxy fillers. Unlike latex, this type of filler can bind itself to the surface firmly and extend to form the missing chunk of wood.

So, using epoxy wood filler for large holes, you can drill, sand saw, paint or shape the filler. The material is a bit like dough before and after it dries.

You can mold it how you want. However, the appearance is a little “plastic and may look distinct from the rest of the item. But that’s nothing a good paint can’t handle.

Filling large holes in wood with epoxy

Fill in holes in wood with epoxy by pouring it into the voids, gaps, and knots.

Typically, epoxy is just a mixture of wood pulp and polyester making it easy to handle. Make sure to fully or somewhat overfill the holes.

Wipe the epoxy with a clean cloth, and then use sandpaper to smooth it out and level it with the rest of the wood surface. Epoxy should not come into contact with your skin.

Polyester Paste

The polyester paste is like a two-part epoxy. While most commonly used in repairing holes in car bodies, you can also use it for large gaps and holes in wood. 

Like epoxy, the polyester paste can withstand drilling, sanding, and painting.

However, it’s much less flexible when applied. For one, it requires a wood hardener and a resin which can be toxic. So, exercise caution when applying them with a brush.

On the other hand, it can harden quickly within 15 minutes, at least, so make sure it’s in the shape you desire before then. 

Powdered Fillers

If you want a quality filler for surface damage, consider powder fillers. Powder fillers are a mixture of sawdust and wood shavings, and it becomes a “paste” once mixed with water.

They are best used for mammoth projects. Remember, “surface damage” is the working phrase here.

Powder fillers can’t withstand drilling or any kind of heavy impact after it dries. They are wood particles, so they lack structural integrity. Some brands have hardeners to create more strength in their wood fillers.

However, don’t assume it’s enough for heavy impact. There isn’t any specified drying time; it depends on how much powder filler you used.

Homemade Wood Fillers

Homemade fillers are the traditional way of creating the right wood filler. Like powdered fillers, you can use sawdust and mix it in with white wood glue. Make sure you use equal parts until paste forms. 

When making your homemade filler, try to get the same wood species as the damaged wood for your sawdust. That way, it can match up the color easily. 

It can also shrink, so it needs your complete attention to ensure it’s at its best.

Spackling Paste

Spackling paste is a type of putty made up of gypsum plaster composed of glue and calcium sulfate. Gypsum plastering is an environmentally friendly alternative to sand and cement.

It’s ideal for repairing minor interior wood defects such as large cracks and holes in drywall, baseboards, and trims. It dries hard, so the finish is consistent.

You can sand and paint the spackling on wood as you wish. It’s made with natural wood, so it accepts paint and stain very well.

Cellulose Wood Putty

A putty is a premium option for those who want to fix up cracks and holes. For one, it has natural wood! It won’t have a problem with shrinkage like other wood filler options do.

However, it does have its limits with how much it can cover. Anything more than 3/8-inch isn’t advisable. Aside from that, you can sand, paint, and wood stain putty after it hardens.

Related Post: Does Wood Putty Harden?

Acrylic Caulk with Silicone

Another great option is acrylic caulk with silicone. It’s the best exterior wood filler for large holes as it’s moisture resistant.

During application, it stays flexible and sticks to the surfaces quickly. It comes in different wood grain colors to match the paint and wood tone.

Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Wood Filler For Large Holes and Gaps

Quantity

How much wood filler should you buy can be a tricky question. The best solution is to base it on your job. 

If you are a professional woodworker, buy a wood filler that comes in bulk packaging. This way, you know you have something ready for edges, gouges, large gaps, and deep holes. 

If you are buying wood fillers for little damage in your home, like nail hole fillers or claw marks. A small quantity of 16-30 OZ containers should be enough. 

Generally, if you can get large bags of powdered filler, they have a longer shelf life, so it’s an investment!

Plus, you can make the amount needed instead of potentially wasting extra fillers. 

Drying time

There’s no uniform drying time for each product.  Each product takes a different time to dry to a solid wood surface that can be worked on. 

For smaller tasks, look for a solution that takes 15-30 minutes to cure. For more significant projects, look for a solution that allows you to dilute the product to keep it from drying out before application.

You should plan ahead by checking out the hardening times of the products before you purchase them so that the product doesn’t start drying during application.

Size

The size of the wood filler to purchase is dependent on the magnitude of the project you have at hand. If you have a large project, it’s advisable to buy a large can to save cost.

Also, to avoid purchasing large cans and throwing away any excesses, buy water-based wood filler that is weather and temperature-tolerant.  

Powder vs. Paste

Using powder and paste solution has its different merits and demerits. To save time, use the paste solution as it comes in handy. Being a ready-made mixture. You can apply as you like.

If you are short of time or need a quick fix, consider the paste solution. However, you have to be fast in your application. As it dries out quickly, leaving your work messed up

As against paste solutions, powdered wood fillers give you control over your work time. You can mix large or small amounts of fillers without worrying, and you can leave powdered fillers idle for a long time and not be worried about them drying out. 

As always, it’s best to consider the magnitude of your project. A larger, commercial task will be better off with a bulk powdered package, while a small crack or holes will require a small filler paste tube or can. 

You can also use a 3D printer to 3D print wood, and then fill in holes and gaps with exacting precision.

Packaging

Packaging plays a significant role in the user experience when dealing with wood fillers. Opt for a product that comes in a well-designed and resealable container.

Proper packaging helps keep the wood filler fresh and prevents it from drying out prematurely. It ensures that you can use it for many projects without waste.

Some wood fillers are packaged in tubes or squeeze bottles, which can be useful when working on large holes or gaps.

Durability

The durability of a wood filler is a crucial factor, especially for larger holes and gaps that may undergo significant stress over time. So, always assess the composition of the wood filler.

High-quality fillers contain real wood fibers or other durable materials, so they won’t shrink, crack, or crumble as they dry.

If you want to use the filler for outdoor applications, go for fillers that resist moisture and temperature changes.

A good wood filler should allow for sanding, painting, or staining once it has dried. This contributes to the longevity and durability of the repair.

Cost

Cost is a practical factor that you must consider when buying anything. When selecting a wood filler for large holes and gaps, you will need to assess the value that a product provides.

Cheaper options may seem attractive, but they may not always offer the same level of quality and durability. Take into account the size of the container or the quantity of filler included in the sale.

Sometimes, a little more expensive product may offer better value due to a larger volume. If you have many projects or extensive repairs to complete, go for the larger volume.

Balancing cost with quality and quantity is key to making an informed choice when it comes to wood fillers.

How to Use Wood Filler for Large Gaps

Here’s how to fill large gaps in wood fast and effectively

Things you will need:

• Putty knife
• Rag
• Wood filler
• 120-grit or finer sandpaper
• Can of spray finish (optional)
• Paintbrush or Roller

Step by step process of filling large holes in exterior wood

Apply only to dry wood

Wait for wooden surfaces that have been exposed to moisture damage or weather to dry before you apply wood filler. If you apply filler over moisture-darkened wood, you’ll lock in the moisture, which could cause rot and will almost certainly cause the filler to fail.

Apply with a putty knife

You can use a putty knife to Fill larger cracks and defects. Draw the blade crossways across the wood grains to fill holes and cracks, then scrape along the wood grain to remove the excess filler. Clean up with a rag.

Use stainable filler if you’re planning to stain

Check the container to ensure the wood filler is stainable. Most latex fillers and solvent-based products that contain wood dust are stainable, while Epoxy wood fillers are not.

Let It dry, then sand lightly

Use 120-grit or sandpaper to sand off the excess filler after it has dried. A file or rasp may be necessary for epoxy fillers. It’s best to sand by hand to avoid wearing a depression in the area you filled. 

Apply paint or finish

Filler vs. Putty vs. Epoxy

Wood filler vs. wood putty vs. epoxy is a couple of everyday items you can use to fix defects or repair mistakes. It’s essential to know the differences between these, so you don’t end up using the wrong thing for your gaps or large holes repairs.

Wood filler: wood filler is a substance that can be used to fix wooden objects. Exterior wood fillers are usually water-based. The different types of fillers are epoxy, latex, polyurethane, etc.

The wood filler can be sanded and is typically used for unfinished wood. Wood fillers are best used on woodworking items that will remain indoors.

The benefits of using wood filler are quick-drying, suitable for a large gap or deep holes depending on epoxy or polyester paste, and ideal for porous surfaces. 

Wood putty: A putty is a good option for fixing up large gaps and holes. For one, it has natural wood! It won’t have a problem with shrinkage like other fillers, and wood putty is often oil-based.

Wood putty can be used with projects for any type of environment. Wood putty has a clay-like consistency, so you shouldn’t mix it with water.

Also, when using wood putty, you should use it on finished surfaces. The chemicals it contains are not suitable for use on raw wood.

Epoxy: Epoxy is a type of wood filler. Epoxy comes in 2 parts, the powdered form and the hardener for mixing it. This two-part product is the most structurally strong of all the fillers.

It sets harder than the wood itself and can actually prevent cracks from widening. It has a plastic-like appearance when it dries, so it should be painted.

The benefit of using epoxy is that it creates a very tight bond, a strong seal, is super weather and temperature resistant, and is very permanent.

Related Post: Can You Pour Epoxy Over Cured Epoxy

FAQs

Related: Best wood filler for outdoor deck.

What is the Best Wood Filler for Large Gaps?

When it comes to choosing the right wood filler, there are a lot of options available in the market. As detailed in my reviews, addressing large holes and gaps calls for wood fillers with specific characteristics.

If you’re seeking the absolute best wood filler for large holes and gaps, look no further than the Bondo All-Purpose Putty.

It outperforms the competition and offers an unmatched combination of durability and ease of use. Also, remember to consider your budget as you make a decision on what filler to pick.

With the right wood filler at your disposal, you will achieve professional-grade results.