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Many people opt for hardwood flooring in their home purely because it is seen as a hardy and long-lasting option.
Hardwood flooring isn’t cheap, but the money that you pay for it is worth it because it is designed to withstand wear and tear, and last much longer than other flooring options.
However, that doesn’t mean that hardwood flooring is immune to all damage. It actually isn’t that rare for hardwood flooring to become damaged, especially once it has been used for a long period of time.
But, thankfully, there are plenty of tools that you can use to fix your hardwood flooring, and get it looking as good as new.
There are lots of different types of hardwood flooring filler on the market, and this can sometimes make finding the best fairly difficult.
But there’s no need to worry because we’ve done all the hard work for you, compiling a list of 11 of the best wood fillers that are perfect for hardwood floors. Here’s our top 3 by the way:
But if you want to know more, keep on reading to find out all about the best wood filler for hardwood floors.
First up, we have the absolute classic that is Goodfilla Water-Based Wood and Grain Filler.
Goodfilla is an excellent water-based wood and grain filler to try out if you want to be able to purchase a large amount of wood filler, and want to be able to color match it to your flooring.
Fixing your hardwood flooring is always a very daunting task, especially if this is something that you are doing for the first time.
Due to the cost associated with hardwood flooring, the worry that you could do something wrong that could damage the flooring further can be scary.
However, you don’t need to worry about that with this wood filler because it is incredibly user-friendly.
This wood filler is ultimately designed for professionals to use, but you would never guess this from how easy to use it is.
It may be designed for professionals, but you will easily be able to get on with this wood grain filler. Even if you have never used wood filler before.
This wood filler is perfect if you want to get an exact match for your hardwood flooring. That is because this wood filler is not tinted or stained. Instead it is a clear wood filler that can easily be stained once it has dried.
This allows you to use the exact stain that matches your flooring on the filler, ensuring that the color blends in perfectly.
It really is that great that once it is stained, you’ll never be able to tell that the floor has been filled!
Next up, we have this excellent Minwax Color Matched Wood Filler. This really is one of the best options on the market when it comes to wood filler, and one that you should certainly consider.
Especially if you have no previous experience with using wood filler. There are so many great things about the Minwax color matched wood filler.
From the fact that this wood filler is available in 3 different wood shades, as well as a white and natural color, to the fact that it is incredibly cost-effective.
This is one of the cheapest wood filler options that we have included in this guide, but you would never guess that looking at the quality of this wood filler.
If you are searching for a wood filler that is really easy to use with minimal effort required, this is absolutely perfect. Unlike some wood filler options, there is absolutely zero sanding required for this wood filler.
All you need to do is pop the wood filler in, leave it to dry and you’re good to go. If you’ve color matched it to your flooring, then your work is done, and if not, all that’s left to do is stain it.
When it comes to DIY tasks, then a thing that takes up a huge amount of time is the clean-up after you have finished the job.
But with this wood filler, the clean-up is easy. The wood filler is made without any solvent, so it can easily be cleaned up with soap and water.
As you can see, there are lots of reasons why this wood filler is simply amazing.
This next wood filler really is something special, and once you give it a try you really will understand why. This is a wood filler that we absolutely love for so many different reasons.
Even though it is only suitable for indoor use, and cannot be used outside.
So where to start with this wood filler? Well, there is the fact that it is easily stainable, super simple to sand, and it can even be painted as well.
It has the ability to resist cracking and shrinking, and it is perfect for filling both gouges and holes in your woodwork. If that wasn’t enough, it can also be easily cleaned away using just soap and water.
In no time at all, your hardwood floor will look as good as new, and you’ll never be able to tell that any repair work took place.
A huge part of why this wood filler is so good is because of the effortless way in which it can be applied.
The color of this filler ensures that you will easily be able to see it on the wood, allowing you to easily fill any gaps in the woodwork. That is because the color of this wood filler is purple.
Of course, there’s no need to worry, the bright purple color of this wood filler will not last. The wood filler will just remain bright purple while it is fresh, then once it has dried, it will become a natural color.
The perfect color for applying your wood stain on top of to ensure that it ties perfectly into your flooring.
Like we said earlier, we really cannot rave about this wood filler enough. It is excellent, and once you try it, you will truly experience why.
Another brilliant wood filler that you should consider using is Woodwise Wood Patch Filler.
This wood filler is a great option to consider, and not just because it is excellent value for money – there are lots of other excellent things about this wood filler too.
For example, this wood filler is perfectly safe to use. It is easy to assume that all wood fillers are safe to use, but while the majority are, there are some wood fillers that are not, and some options that contain chemicals that can be very harmful to humans.
But that isn’t the case for this wood filler. It contains no harsh solvents, which not only makes it safer for you to use, but safer for your hardwood flooring too.
We have looked at some wood fillers so far that do not require any sanding. This isn’t the case for this wood filler, however its design ensures that the sanding of this wood filler is as straightforward as possible.
It is designed to be smooth, without any clumps, so you can easily sand it back with a low grit sandpaper until it is level with the rest of your flooring.
But by far one of the best things about this wood filler is the fact that it is designed to absorb wood stain at the same rate as hardwood flooring.
This will ensure that you never have to worry about the color of the wood filler turning out a different color to the hardwood flooring.
With this filler, the filler and flooring will blend effortlessly together once the stain has applied, and your flooring will look as good as new. It really is an excellent choice!
Elmer’s Carpenter’s have produced quite a few different types of wood filler, and that is why we have added a second of their products to this list.
This wood filler by Elmer’s Carpenter’s is a little different from the other one that we looked at, so let’s explore it in more detail.
The first thing to note about this wood filler is that it is color-matched to your hardwood flooring.
With this filler, you do not need to worry about things such as sanding and staining, instead the wood filler will blend straight in with your hardwood flooring. Assuming you get the color match right, of course.
One of the best things about this Elmer’s Carpenter’s wood filler is that it is incredibly durable. The consistency of this wood filler is able to resist any shrinking and also resist any cracking too.
So, once your wood filler is added and dried, you will never need to worry about anything going wrong with your filling job. This wood filler is built to last, and that is exactly what it will do.
When you are using wood filler on your hardwood flooring, it is understandable that you will be worried about the mess.
If you get the color match slightly wrong, you may worry about dark filler staining your hardwood and damaging it more than it repairs it.
But, you don’t need to worry about that with this filler. It is easy to clean away with water, and can easily be removed from the gaps/cracks if you get the color match wrong.
This is a great option if you only have a very small amount of repairs to do on your flooring, and don’t want to break the bank on a large tub of filler.
With this tube of filler, you will have more than enough to fill small repairs, without spending money on products you don’t need!
Just like Elmer’s Carpenter’s, Min-Wax produces a number of excellent wood filler options, and that is why we have to include this product in this guide.
This is an excellent wood filler option, and one that you certainly should consider for your flooring.
This wood filler comes in a fairly large tub, and that is why it is one that we would recommend purchasing if you have a large amount of repair work to complete.
This tub of filler will stretch an incredibly long way, and it can be used for a variety of tasks too so you will definitely get your money’s worth out of this wood filler.
Not only can it be used for repairing your hardwood flooring, but this wood filler is also suitable for covering screws and nails that you have used on wood.
This filler will effortlessly cover over screws and nails, ensuring that no one will ever be able to tell that nails/screws were used in your project.
As a hardwood floor repair option, this filler is effortless to use. Its latex-based formula ensures that it easily applies to the flooring, filling any cracks and holes along the way.
This formula also ensures that cleaning up any mess is super simple, some soapy water is all you need to clean any excess filler away.
This wood filler can easily be sanded if you apply too much to the area, and it is designed to be sustainable too.
It will not blend into your hardwood floors like some colored wood fillers would. However, with a simple coat of stain, the wood filler will become unnoticeable.
It’s clear to see that this wood filler is an excellent choice, so why not check it out if you need to repair your flooring?
If you are somebody who regularly completes DIY tasks, then you will likely be familiar with Gorilla. While their most famous product, by far, is Gorilla Glue, the company also produces a variety of other products, including this excellent all purpose wood filler.
Unlike some of the other products that we have looked at so far which have been available in tubes, this wood filler comes in a large tub.
We love this because it gives you a lot of control over the amount of wood filler that you want to use, and it also reduces the amount of waste that you produce.
This wood filler is incredibly smooth to use, unless you put an excessive amount on the repair areas, and leave it to dry, you will not need to sand the wood filler.
The smooth finish is easy to spread, so it is very rare that you will need to do any sanding, or make any mistakes when you are using this filler.
The formula of this wood filler is designed to allow you to easily match it to the rest of your flooring. It can be painted, and it can also be stained to tie it into the rest of your hardwood flooring.
Just purchase a stain that matches the color of your flooring, and you’re good to go!
Gorilla really does produce excellent quality products, which is why you should consider this all purpose wood filler.
This next hardwood floor repair option is a little different from the other wood fillers that we have looked at.
Most of the wood fillers that we have looked at so far have been designed to be spread onto any cracks and holes in your hardwood floors, but this kit is a little different.
That is because this wood filler is wax-based. The idea is that you choose the wax that best matches the color of your hardwood floor, and then you melt it.
When the wax is melted it will be able to effortlessly fill any cracks and gaps in your hardwood flooring, leaving the wood looking as good as new.
This really is a great product, even though it is very different from the other fillers that we have looked at. With this filler, it is much easier to achieve the perfect color match for your flooring.
With the right color chosen, all you need to do is heat up the wax and let it pour into the cracks in your flooring. With that done, you simply need to leave the filler to set – no sanding or staining required.
On the surface, this can seem like a DIY-heavy filler, but that really isn’t the case. This wood filler is much easier to use than a number of the other fillers we have looked at so far, so please don’t be put off.
In addition, it is also completely safe to use with absolutely no toxic materials used in the manufacturing process.
We’re sure you will love this filler, it really is amazing!
Speaking of different types of wood filler, Coconix Floor and Furniture Repair Kit is another option that is a little different to the other sets we have looked at.
This repair kit also consists of wax, however the way in which the wax is applied is very different to the last kit that we looked at.
This wood filler comes in a 13-piece repair kit, included in the kit are a variety of different colors of wax, wood putty, and some tools to help you add the wax to the holes and cracks in your hardwood floors.
Outside the tools included in this repair kit, you will not need anything else to fix the damage to your hardwood floors.
Just like the last option that we looked at, this is a great option for anyone who isn’t that handy. You don’t need to use a sanding block or any stain to achieve the repairs in your floors.
Likewise, you do not need to worry about working with potentially toxic materials or chemicals. This really is one of the most user-friendly repair kits out there, which is why you should give it a try.
If all this wasn’t enough, this repair kit is also suitable for use on wooden furniture too. Cool, right?
For a really straight-forward repair of your hardwood floors, we would recommend purchasing this Tan Kwikwood Wood Repair Putty Filler.
This putty style filler is incredibly simple to use, and your floors will be repaired in no time.
This repair kit might not look like it is up to much, but it really is great. This small tube of putty wood filler will go a really long way, and it is easy to use too.
It takes just 15 minutes for this filler to dry, and just one hour for the filler to cure. Once cured, the filler is completely set, and your job is done.
This specific product is available in the shade “tan”, however you can get it in a range of other shades too.
These shades are perfectly matched to different shades of wood, allowing you to easily match it to the color of your hardwood floor.
You really cannot go wrong with Kwikwood repair wood filler!
Finally, we have AquaCoat Clear Wood Grain Filler. This wood filler is totally different from all the other wood fillers that we have looked at in this guide, and that is because it dries clear.
We love this because it really does increase the chance of you getting a perfect match to your hardwood floor when you stain it.
Now, there is no denying that this wood filler is fairly pricey. It is by no means a bargain, and it definitely is an investment.
However, for the chunky amount of money that you need to spend to purchase this filler, you get a large amount of product.
This allows you to get plenty of bang for your bucks as you can use this wood filler time and time again.
This wood filler is incredibly versatile, and it can be used for a variety of different tasks. It can also be used in combination with a variety of other products too.
We really love this wood grain filler, and once you’ve tried it, we’re sure you will too!
Buyer’s Guide: Things To Consider
There is no denying that the wood filler options that we have just reviewed are some of the best options on the market.
However, to help you make the decision that is right for you, here are some things that you should consider before buying wood filler.
Interior Vs Exterior
One of the first things that you will need to consider before buying wood filler is whether you need one that is suitable for interior or exterior use.
Almost all wood fillers will be suitable for interior use, but not all will be suitable for exterior use.
While most hardwood floors will be found indoors, you may choose to purchase a wood filler that is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use as this will increase the use that you will be able to get out of the filler.
Color Match
Ensuring that you purchase a wood filler that is a good match for your hardwood floors is another very important thing to consider.
As we have seen in this guide, you can get wood filler in a variety of different colors, so you should be able to find one that matches your floors.
If you are struggling to find one that matches your hardwood floors, it might be a better choice to go for a “natural” wood filler. You can then stain the natural wood filler with a stain that matches your hardwood floors to ensure that the stain blends in perfectly.
Drying And Curing Time
The drying time for wood filler isn’t something that you may immediately think of, but it is something that you should definitely consider before you purchase a filler.
Depending on your home circumstances, you might find yourself desperate for a wood filler that dries quickly.
If you have a busy household, then you may worry about using wood filler that takes a long time to set, just in case it becomes damaged before it dries.
Many wood fillers will take a couple of hours to dry, but there are some that can dry in as little as 15 minutes.
As well as drying time, you will also need to consider the curing time. All wood fillers will require time to cure, and this can range from anywhere between one to twenty four houses. Bear this in mind before you buy.
Type Of Filler
Finally, you need to consider the type of filler that you are purchasing. There are quite a few different options to choose from, so let’s take a look at what they are.
Types Of Hardwood Filler
There are 4 main types of hardwood filler to consider, they are: Epoxy-Based
Wax, Gypsum-Based, and Latex Based filler.
Epoxy-Based
Epoxy-based wood fillers are incredibly durable, and are suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Epoxy fillers come in two parts and must be mixed together before they can be used, once mixed they can simply be applied to the area and left to set.
Wax
Wax-based wood fillers will need to be melted in order to be used. It can be messy, but often wax-based fillers are considered some of the most user-friendly options out there.
Wax-based fillers are a great choice if you only have a small area to repair.
Gypsum-Based
If you are searching for a wood filler that can be stained to tie into the rest of your hardwood floor, then you want a gypsum-based filler. These fillers usually come in the form of a paste and are easy to apply.
Latex Based
Latex-based fillers are incredibly simple to work with, and require a lot less effort than epoxy-based fillers (even though they are very similar). This is the best choice if you want to use wood filler outdoors.
Wood Putty Vs Wood Filler: Which Is Better?
You might be wondering whether wood putty is better than wood filler, or vice versa. In reality, it is impossible to compare the two because these two things do a very different job.
Wood filler is perfect for repairing any damage inside the hardwood floor, whereas wood putty is better suited for repairing any surface-level damage to the hardwood floors.
Using wood putty inside the hardwood floors would actually damage the wood, so make sure you only use it on the surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wood Filler Suitable For Hardwood Floors?
Absolutely! If you notice any cracks or holes in your hardwood floors, then wood filler is the perfect tool to use to fix the damage.
Can I Use Gypsum-Based Wood Filler On Hardwood Floors?
Yes, you can use gypsum-based wood filler on your hardwood floors. This wood filler is perfect for indoor use on hardwood floors, and it is the best option if you have stain applied to your hardwood floors.
This is because you can easily add wood stain to the filler to blend it into the rest of your floor.
Is Wood Filler Easy To Use?
How user-friendly wood filler is will depend on what type of wood filler you use. But, as we have seen in this guide, there are lots of different wood fillers out there that are really easy to use.
Can I Use Wood Filler On Large Gaps In Hardwood Floor?
Yes, you can use wood filler to repair large gaps on your hardwood floor. But, we would recommend checking the reviews for the filler that you purchase before you get started, just to ensure it is suitable for large gaps.
Which Wood Filler Is Best For Hardwood Floors?
So, out of all the different options that we have looked at in this guide, you might be wondering which wood filler is best.
Our first choice will always be Goodfilla Water-Based Wood and Grain Filler.
This wood filler is excellent value for money, and it is really easy to use too. It is water-based, so it creates very little mess when you are using it, and any excess wood filler can easily be wiped away using a wet cloth.
This wood filler may be very easy to use, but you can rest safe in the knowledge that it is a good product as it is commonly used by professionals who work with hardwood flooring.
So, if you are really struggling to choose, that is the product we would recommend picking.
Paul Brenner
I'm your guy for any type of electrical installation or plumbing repair. I'm a jack of all trades. You name it, I can do it. I've seen it all and I'm not scared.
