Hardwood floor gaps are a common problem, but they’re relatively easy to repair with wood filler. But with so many different wood fillers on the market, how do you know which one to choose?
Hardwood Geek experts conducted extensive research on various factors, including customer reviews, product specifications, and professional opinions, to come up with the list of the best wood fillers for hardwood floors.
We also personally tested each product on a variety of hardwood floor types and conditions to ensure that these products were worth the hype.
Here is what we found.
Our Top 6 Wood Filler Picks For Hardwood Floor Gaps
Our hands-on testing of 20+ products and expert analysis has brought us to the list of the top 6 wood fillers for hardwood floor gaps.
1. Best Overall: 3M Platinum Plus Filler (Editor’s Choice)
Value for money: 5.0/5.0
Easy to use: 4.9/5.0
Durability: 5.0/5.0
The 3M Platinum Plus Filler has consistently earned its place at the top of our list of best wood fillers for hardwood floor gaps. This is due in no small part to its exceptional properties.
What sets 3M Platinum Plus Filler apart is its excellent grip, thanks to the adhesive promoter that forms a strong bond with hardwood floors. This makes it ideal for use in high-traffic areas where the filler is likely to experience a lot of wear and tear. In our testing, we found that the 3M Platinum Plus Filler held up exceptionally well, even when subjected to heavy foot traffic.
We used the 3M Platinum Plus Filler to repair gaps and cracks, nail holes, and even missing pieces of wood and were impressed with its ability to produce a smooth, natural-looking finish.
The application process is smooth, even for beginners. It dries quickly, expediting repairs, and it’s sandable and stainable for a perfect finish.
It is a high-quality product made from superior materials. The filler’s rapid curing time minimizes downtime, so you can get back to using your floors sooner. While testing the product, we found that it was dry to the touch in about 30 minutes and could be sanded and stained in about 4 hours.
The 3M Platinum Plus Filler has a short working time of 5 minutes; however, this is not a major drawback. The filler is easy to apply, so it is unlikely that you will have any difficulty using it within the allotted time.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent Grip | Starts to harden after 5 minutes |
| Multi-surface versatility | |
| Easy to mix and smooth application | |
| Superior quality | |
| Quick curing | |
| Good for both large and small cracks |
2. Best For Large Gaps: Abatron WoodEpox Kit
Value for money: 4.9/5.0
Easy to use: 5.0/5.0
Durability: 4.9/5.0
The Abatron WoodEpox Kit is a top-notch product that deserves its place as the second-best wood filler for hardwood floor gaps. It is a two-part epoxy filler that is ideal for repairing large gaps and cracks in hardwood floors.
It is also excellent for repairing other types of wood damage, such as missing sections, rot, and decay.
One of the features that makes the Abatron WoodEpox Kit so unique and effective is its composition. It is made from a blend of high-quality resins and hardeners that create a durable and long-lasting repair. The epoxy is also resistant to moisture, pests, and UV radiation, making it ideal for both interior and exterior applications.
Another great thing about the Abatron WoodEpox Kit is its ease of use. The epoxy can be mixed and applied by hand, and it has a pot life of 20-30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to work with it. Once the epoxy has cured, you can sand, paint, stain, and finish it just like natural wood.
While it is slightly more expensive than some other wood fillers on the market, the superior quality and performance make it well worth the investment.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Durable and long-lasting repairs | Slightly expensive compared to other wood fillers |
| Resistant to moisture, pests, and UV radiation | |
| Easy to mix and apply by hand | |
| GreenGuard certified, meaning it contains almost no VOCs | |
| Ideal for repairing large gaps |
3. Most Versatile: System Three SculpWood Paste Epoxy Wood Filler
Value for money: 4.9/5.0
Easy to use: 4.8/5.0
Durability: 4.9/5.0
The System Three SculpWood Paste Epoxy Wood Filler is a noteworthy contender for the third-best wood filler for hardwood floor gaps.
This premium epoxy filler is formulated with a unique blend of components that render it exceptionally durable and versatile. It can be used as a standalone product for exterior architectural repairs, such as filling cracks, dings, or nail and screw holes. Additionally, it serves as an excellent companion for SculpWood Putty when filling cracks and repairing small defects in hardwood floors.
The SculpWood Paste Epoxy Wood Filler is compatible with most water/solvent-based primers and paints, making it a versatile solution for a wide range of applications.
One of the key benefits of the System Three SculpWood Paste Epoxy Wood Filler is its fast curing time. At 70°F, it reaches a sandable state in 6-8 hours, allowing you to resume normal use of the repaired area in a timely manner. It is a valuable asset for homeowners and businesses alike, as it minimizes downtime and disruption.
However, it is important to note that the SculpWood Paste Epoxy Wood Filler can be difficult to use, especially for inexperienced users. Its extreme stickiness and tendency to be difficult to control can make it challenging to apply evenly and precisely. Additionally, the fast curing time can be a disadvantage if you are not careful, as it can lead to mistakes that are difficult to correct.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Fast curing time | Difficult to use |
| Versatile applications | Expensive |
| Compatible with most water/solvent-based primers and paints | |
| Excellent adhesion |
4. Best Environmental-Friendly: GoodFilla Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler
Value for money: 4.8/5/0
Easy to use: 4.9/5.0
Durability: 4.8/5.0
The GoodFilla Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler is another unique product designed to be both high-quality and easy to use. It is made from a blend of natural ingredients and does not contain any latex or acrylic, making it a good choice for those with allergies or sensitivities.
In terms of performance, the GoodFilla Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler delivers exceptional results. It fills gaps and cracks seamlessly and takes paint and stains well so that you can achieve flawless repair.
The filler is incredibly easy to use. It has a long open time, which gives you plenty of time to work with it. It is also very easy to sand, making it easy to achieve a smooth finish.
Another major advantage of the GoodFilla Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler is its durability. This filler does not shrink, sink, or crack, even over time. It also has excellent adhesion, ensuring that it will stay in place, even in high-traffic areas.
Additionally, it is a sustainable and eco-friendly product. It is made from natural ingredients and contains no VOCs (volatile organic compounds). It is also non-toxic and safe for use around children and pets.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable | Doesn’t last long as the competitors |
| Green product; Zero VOC, zero waste, and non-toxic | Takes over 6 hours to dry completely |
| Does not shrink, sink, or crack | |
| Resistant to water, moisture, and chemicals |
5. Best for Quick Repair: Famowood Latex Wood Filler
Value for money: 4.8/5.0
Easy to use: 4.8/5.0
Durability: 4.7/5.0
The Famowood Latex Wood Filler is a water-based filler known for its ease of use, quick drying time, and durability. It is also relatively inexpensive, making it a great value for the price, and perfect for filling small to medium-sized gaps and cracks in hardwood floors.
It is paintable and stainable, making it easy to match the existing finish of your floors.n The filler’s unique selling point is its fast drying time. It dries in just 15 minutes, which allows you to get the job done quickly and efficiently. You can also paint it to match the existing finish of your hardwood floors.
Another great thing about the Famowood Latex Wood Filler is that it is non-toxic and low in VOCs. This makes it a safe and environmentally friendly choice for both indoor and outdoor use.
The Famowood Latex Wood Filler delivers good results. It fills gaps and cracks seamlessly and can be sanded to a smooth finish. However, it is important to note that this filler does not take stains as well as some other wood fillers. Additionally, it does not seal off as well as some of its competitors.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Fast drying time (15 minutes) | Does not take stains too well |
| Easy to apply and sand | Does not seal off well |
| Inexpensive | |
| Non-toxic and low in VOCs |
6. Best Budget: Woodwise Powdered Wood Filler
Value for money: 4.8/5.0
Easy to use: 4.8/5.0
Durability: 4.7/5.0
The Woodwise Powdered Wood Filler is a unique product that offers a number of advantages over traditional pre-mixed wood fillers. This innovative product reduces environmental impact and waste. It is a powdered filler that is mixed with water to create a paste-like consistency. This allows you to refill your container and eliminate unnecessary packaging.
The Woodwise Powdered Wood Filler is also very affordable, costing 30-35% less than pre-mixed wood fillers. It is also very versatile and can fill a wide range of wood damage, including gaps and cracks, nail holes, gouges, and broken edges.
One of the things that sets the Woodwise Powdered Wood Filler apart from other wood fillers is its excellent bonding strength. It bonds tightly to wood and other surfaces, creating a durable and long-lasting repair. The filler also dries quickly and can be sanded and painted to match the existing finish of your hardwood floors.
However, there are a few drawbacks to the Woodwise Powdered Wood Filler. It can shrink slightly when drying. This is a common problem with powdered wood fillers, but you can mitigate it by overfilling the gaps and cracks and sanding the filler after it has dried.
The filler also does not stain well. Its primary ingredient is gypsum base, which is not compatible with stains. If you need to stain the repaired area, you will need to use a stainable wood filler.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Environmentally friendly | Can shrink slightly when drying |
| Cost-effective | Does not take stains well |
| Freeze-proof | |
| Resistant to water and moisture |
Why Do You Need a Wood Filler For Hardwood Floor Gaps?
Wood filler is a versatile material for filling gaps and imperfections in hardwood floors. There are several reasons why you might need to use wood filler on your hardwood floors:
- Aesthetic enhancement: Wood filler conceals gaps and imperfections in hardwood floors, restoring their smooth and uniform appearance.
- Prevention of dirt and debris accumulation: Gaps in hardwood floors can act as traps for dirt, dust, and debris. Over time, this can lead to discoloration and staining of the wood. Wood filler seals the gaps and creates a smooth surface that is easier to clean.
- Reduction of noise: Gaps in hardwood floors transmit sound more easily than solid wood, leading to increased noise levels in a room. Wood filler reduces noise by filling the gaps and creating a more solid surface.
- Increased lifespan of the floor: By preventing dirt and debris from accumulating in the gaps, wood filler extends the lifespan of a hardwood floor. Additionally, it prevents the wood from drying out and cracking.
What to Look For When Choosing a Wood Filler?
When choosing a wood filler, there are a few key factors to consider, such as the type of the filler, ease of application, durability, customer reviews, and expert recommendations.
Type of Filler
The type of filler you choose depends on the size and depth of the gaps you need to fill. Wood floor fillers work better for larger, deeper imperfections, while putty fillers are better for smaller, shallow gaps.
Putty Filler
Putty fillers are a type of wood filler made with a mixture of wood fibers and a binder. They are easy to apply and can be sanded smooth. Putty fillers are also paintable and stainable.
However, they are less durable than other types of wood fillers, can shrink and crack over time, and may not be suitable for filling large holes or cracks.
Wood Floor Filler
Wood floor fillers are best for filling gaps and cracks in hardwood floors. They are typically harder and more durable than other types of fillers and are less likely to shrink or crack. However, they may not be as easy to apply as putty fillers.
Ease of Application
Selecting a wood filler that’s easy to apply is essential, especially if you’re tackling the project yourself. Some wood fillers are pre-mixed and ready to use, while others require manual mixing.
Consider the drying time as well; rapid-drying fillers might be more convenient for a quicker finish. Also, assess whether the filler accepts stains or finishes, allowing you to seamlessly blend it with your existing floor.
For ease of application, make sure you look for the following features:
- Consistency: Some wood fillers are thick and putty-like, while others are thinner and more fluid. Choose a consistency that is easy to apply and will not drip or sag.
- Drying time: Wood fillers vary in drying time. Some dry quickly, while others may take several hours or even days to cure completely. Consider the project timeline when choosing a wood filler.
- Sandability: Some wood fillers are easy to sand, while others can be difficult. If you plan to sand the filled area, choose a filler that is specifically designed for sanding.
Durability
The longevity of the wood filler is a vital factor. You’ll want a filler that can withstand the daily wear and tear that hardwood floors endure.
Some wood fillers are more resistant to moisture than others. Fillers made from non-porous materials, such as epoxy, are more resistant to moisture than fillers made from porous materials, such as latex.
High-quality wood fillers for hardwood floors should resist shrinking or cracking over time. Additionally, evaluate the filler’s ability to adhere to the wood surface for lasting results.
Reviews and Recommendations
Before making a final decision, it’s advisable to explore reviews and recommendations from professionals and other homeowners who have used the same product. These insights can provide valuable information about real-world performance and help you make a well-informed choice.
Online reviews can be a valuable source of information about the performance and quality of different wood fillers. Be sure to read a variety of reviews from different sources before making a purchase.
Look for reviews that specifically address your intended use, whether it’s for gaps, cracks, or other imperfections in hardwood flooring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Big of a Gap Can Wood Filler Fill?
Wood filler can fill gaps up to 3/8 of an inch wide and 1/2 inch deep. For larger gaps, you may need to use a different material, such as epoxy or wood putty.
What Is the Difference Between Wood Putty and Wood Filler?
Wood putty is a more flexible and pliable material for filling small holes and cracks in finished wood surfaces. Wood filler is a more rigid material that fills larger gaps and cracks in unfinished wood surfaces.
Is Wood Filler Permanent?
Yes, Wood filler is generally permanent, but it can shrink or crack over time, especially if it is exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures.
Conclusion
Hardwood floor gaps are a major aesthetic and functional problem. However, with the right wood filler, you can easily repair these gaps and restore your floors to their former beauty.
When choosing a wood filler, it is important to consider the size and type of gap, as well as the location of the repair.
If you are looking for a permanent solution for repairing hardwood floor gaps, the 3M Platinum Plus Filler is the best choice. It is a high-quality product that is backed by a trusted brand.
Order your can of 3M Platinum Plus Filler today and see the difference it makes in your hardwood floors!
