10 Best Wood Fillers for Woodworking (2025 Reviews & Guide)

No matter how skilled you are, every woodworking project will eventually need a little help. Whether it’s a tiny nail hole, a deep gouge, or an unsightly knot, wood filler is the invisible hero that transforms imperfections into a flawless finish. But with so many products on the market, from simple putties to two-part epoxies, how do you choose the right one for the job?

A great wood filler can be the difference between a professional-looking project and a frustrating, visible patch. To help you choose wisely, we’ve tested and reviewed the best wood fillers for every job, from filling small cracks to repairing structural damage. We’ll cover what to look for, how to use them, and which product will give you the best results.

Wood Filler Comparison Table

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Key Features to Look for in a Wood Filler

Choosing the right wood filler is less about a brand name and more about the specific needs of your project. Here are the most important features to consider before you buy.

1. Type (Wood Filler vs. Putty)

This is the most critical distinction.

• Wood Filler: A paste-like substance made from wood fibers and a binder. It dries hard, can be sanded, stained, and painted, and is meant for use on bare wood before finishing. It provides a permanent, durable repair.
• Wood Putty: An oil-based product that remains soft and flexible. It does not dry hard and is used to fill small, cosmetic holes (like nail holes) on finished surfaces. It comes in a variety of colors to match the finished wood and is not sandable.

For 99% of woodworking repairs, you want a wood filler.

2. Drying Time

Wood fillers vary wildly in how quickly they dry.

• Fast-Drying (15-60 minutes): Best for quick, small fixes. These are often solvent-based or epoxy fillers. They’re great for production work but can be tricky for beginners as they leave little time for application.
• Slow-Drying (2-12 hours): Best for most applications. These are typically water-based fillers. They give you plenty of time to work with the product, but you’ll need to wait before sanding.

3. Stainability and Paintability

If you’re going to stain your project, this feature is non-negotiable.

• Stainable: Most wood fillers claim to be stainable, but results vary. Wood filler is not wood, so it will always absorb stain differently than the surrounding wood grain. Look for fillers that contain real wood fibers for the best results.
• Paintable: All wood fillers can be painted once dry. The key is to sand the filler perfectly flush with the surface to prevent a visible lump under the paint.

4. Sandability

A good wood filler must be sandable to a smooth, flat finish.

• Easy to Sand: Water-based fillers are generally easy to sand and won’t clog your sandpaper.
• Hard to Sand: Solvent-based and two-part fillers dry much harder and can be more difficult to sand. They often require a more aggressive grit to start.

5. Shrinkage

As wood fillers dry, they often shrink.

• Minimal Shrinkage: Fillers that contain real wood fibers or are two-part formulas tend to shrink less. This is ideal for deeper holes, as it prevents you from having to do multiple applications.
• High Shrinkage: Cheaper, water-based fillers can shrink a lot, especially in a deep hole. You may need to apply a second or third layer to get a perfectly flush repair.

Top 10 Best Wood Fillers for Woodworking

1. DAP Plastic Wood All-Purpose Wood Filler-Best Wood Fillers

• Overview: DAP Plastic Wood is a classic for a reason. This water-based filler is a great all-around choice for beginners and pros alike. It’s easy to find, easy to use, and delivers reliable results for a variety of small to medium indoor projects.
• Key Features:

  

  • Water-Based Formula: Low odor, easy cleanup with water.
  • Dries to a Hard Finish: Can be sanded, stained, and painted.
  • Versatile: Perfect for filling nail holes, scratches, and small cracks.
• Pros:
  • Very easy to work with.
  • Quick cleanup.
  • Affordable and widely available.
• Cons:
  • Doesn’t take stain as well as some competitors.
  • Can shrink in deeper holes.
• Best For: Everyday indoor repairs where you plan to paint over the patch.

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2. Minwax Wood Filler-Best Wood Fillers

• Overview: Minwax is a household name in woodworking, and their wood filler is a staple. It’s a reliable, no-frills product that’s great for light repairs and simple projects. It’s especially good for jobs where you’ll be painting over the finished product.
• Key Features:
  • Ready to Use: Comes in a small tube or tub, perfect for small jobs.

    

  • Dries to a Pale Pink: The color-changing feature helps you know when it’s dry.
  • Dries Fast: Ready to sand in a few hours.
• Pros:
  • Extremely easy to apply.
  • Clear color-change indicator.
  • Smooth, consistent texture.
• Cons:
  • Not a great option for staining.
  • Can crumble when dry if not applied correctly.
• Best For: Filling small nail holes and screw holes on furniture or trim that will be painted.

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3. Elmer’s ProBond Professional Strength Wood Filler

• Overview: Elmer’s ProBond is a professional-grade product that’s a favorite among woodworkers for its impressive strength and superior stainability. It contains real wood fibers, which helps the patch absorb stain more like the surrounding wood.
• Key Features:

  

  • Contains Real Wood Fibers: Provides better stain and paint absorption.
  • Superior Strength: Forms a strong bond, making it durable for structural repairs.
  • Light-Colored Formula: Blends well with many types of wood.
• Pros:
  • Excellent for staining.
  • Very strong and durable.
  • Less shrinkage than competitors.
• Cons:
  • A bit more expensive than basic fillers.
  • Drying time can be longer.
• Best For: Furniture repairs where you need the patch to be as invisible as possible, especially on stained wood.

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4. Famowood Latex Wood Filler-Best Wood Fillers

• Overview: Famowood is a go-to for many professional cabinetmakers. This latex-based filler is known for its fast-drying formula, minimal shrinkage, and smooth application. It comes in a variety of wood-matching colors, making it an excellent choice for a variety of projects.
• Key Features:

  

  • Fast-Drying: Ready to sand in as little as 15 minutes.
  • Multiple Colors: Comes in dozens of colors to match your wood species.
  • Water-Based: Easy cleanup and low odor.
• Pros:
  • Quick working time.
  • Minimal shrinkage.
  • Wide range of colors.
• Cons:
  • Can be difficult to find in local hardware stores.
  • More expensive than basic fillers.
• Best For: Projects where speed and color-matching are critical, such as cabinetry and furniture.

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5. Minwax High-Performance Wood Filler

• Overview: This is a two-part, solvent-based filler that’s perfect for tough jobs. It’s designed for outdoor use and structural repairs, where a standard water-based filler just won’t cut it. It dries rock-hard and can be shaped, drilled, and sanded.
• Key Features:
  • Two-Part Formula: Mixes with a hardener for an extremely strong, permanent

    

    bond.

  • Dries in Minutes: Fast curing time means you can get to sanding and finishing quickly.
  • Waterproof: Perfect for exterior projects like decks or window frames.
• Pros:
  • Incredibly strong and durable.
  • Fast drying and minimal shrinkage.
  • Waterproof and weather-resistant.
• Cons:
  • Has a very strong chemical odor.
  • Cleanup requires mineral spirits.
  • Tricky to use for beginners.
• Best For: Outdoor furniture, rotted wood repair, or structural fixes on projects that need to last.

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6. Bondo Wood Filler-Best Wood Fillers

• Overview: Bondo is famous in the automotive world, but their wood filler is a powerhouse for large, difficult repairs. This two-part filler is incredibly strong and durable, making it an excellent choice for filling large voids or repairing rotted wood.
• Key Features:
  • Two-Part Formula: Creates a fast, permanent, and rigid bond.

    

  • Dries in 15 Minutes: Extremely fast curing time for quick project turnaround.
  • Non-Shrinking: Designed to fill large gaps without shrinking or cracking.
• Pros:
  • Unmatched strength for a filler.
  • Excellent for large-scale repairs.
  • Very durable and weatherproof.
• Cons:
  • Strong chemical fumes.
  • Messy to work with and sand.
  • Not for small, detailed work.
• Best For: Major repairs, filling large holes in live-edge slabs, or fixing rotted wood on decks or fences.

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7. Goodfilla Wood & Grain Filler-Best Wood Fillers

• Overview: Goodfilla is a highly-rated, water-based filler that’s a favorite among fine furniture makers. Its claim to fame is its ability to be used as both a wood filler and a grain filler, giving you a perfectly smooth finish on open-grained woods like oak or mahogany.
• Key Features:
  • Versatile: Can be thinned with water for grain filling.

    

  • No Shrinkage: The unique formula prevents shrinking and cracking.
  • Environmentally Friendly: Low-VOC, non-toxic formula.
• Pros:
  • Can be used for multiple purposes.
  • Takes stain very well.
  • Easy to sand.
• Cons:
  • Expensive for a water-based filler.
  • Hard to find in physical stores.
• Best For: High-end projects where you need to fill both large holes and the pores of the wood for a mirror-smooth finish.

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8. Aqua Coat Clear Wood Grain Filler

• Overview: Aqua Coat is a specialized product designed specifically for one job: filling the pores of open-grained woods. It won’t fill holes or dings, but it’s the best product on the market for creating a perfectly smooth, glass-like finish on your stained or painted projects.
• Key Features:

  

  • Clear Formula: Doesn’t change the color of the wood.
  • Water-Based: Easy cleanup and low odor.
  • Fast-Drying: Ready to sand in about an hour.
• Pros:
  • The ultimate product for grain filling.
  • Easy to apply.
  • Completely transparent.
• Cons:
  • Not for filling holes or dents.
  • A single-purpose product.
• Best For: Anyone working with open-grained woods like oak, ash, or mahogany who wants a professional-quality, silky-smooth finish.

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9. Gorilla Wood Filler-Best Wood Fillers

• Overview: From the brand that brought us the famous Gorilla Glue, their wood filler is a solid, all-around choice. It’s a water-based formula that’s surprisingly water-resistant once dry, making it a good hybrid option for both indoor and outdoor projects.
• Key Features:

  

  • Water-Based Formula: Easy to work with and clean.
  • Water-Resistant: A step up from standard fillers for projects that might see some moisture.
  • Strong and Durable: Forms a solid, paintable and sandable patch.
• Pros:
  • Strong, durable bond.
  • Water-resistant for the price.
  • Affordable and widely available.
• Cons:
  • Can be difficult to sand perfectly smooth.
  • Doesn’t stain as well as some competitors.
• Best For: All-purpose projects where you want a little extra durability for an affordable price.

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10. Abatron WoodEpox Epoxy Wood Replacement Compound

• Overview: Abatron WoodEpox is a high-end, two-part epoxy system for structural repairs. It is specifically designed to replace rotted or missing wood and can be shaped, carved, and drilled just like real wood. It’s the ultimate choice for large, structural, or high-moisture repairs.
• Key Features:

  

  • Two-Part Epoxy: Creates a permanent, rock-hard repair.
  • No Shrinkage: Will not shrink or crack over time.
  • Moldable: Can be shaped and molded to match a specific profile.
• Pros:
  • The strongest filler on the market.
  • Completely waterproof and rot-proof.
  • Can be tooled just like wood.
• Cons:
  • Very expensive.
  • Requires a more complex application process.
  • Not for small or cosmetic repairs.
• Best For: Restoring historic windows, repairing large sections of rotted wood, or filling major structural voids.

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Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Wood Filler

With all these options, how do you make the right choice? Here’s how to match the wood filler to your specific project needs.

For Beginners & General Purpose

If you’re just starting out and need a reliable, easy-to-use filler for small indoor projects, you can’t go wrong with DAP Plastic Wood or Minwax Wood Filler. They are affordable, widely available, and perfect for small repairs before you paint or stain.

For Painted Projects

For projects that will receive a coat of paint, the most important factors are easy application and sandability. DAP Plastic Wood and Minwax Wood Filler are excellent, but if you need a product that dries fast, Famowood Latex Wood Filler is a top choice.

For Stained Projects

Staining a wood filler patch to blend in with the surrounding wood is a challenge. For the best results, look for a filler that contains real wood fibers. The Elmer’s ProBond is a fantastic and affordable option that takes stain well, while Goodfilla Wood & Grain Filler is a premium choice for the ultimate stainable finish.

For Outdoor & High-Moisture Projects

Water-based fillers will fail when exposed to the elements. For any project that will be outside, you need a water-resistant or waterproof filler. The Minwax High-Performance Wood Filler and Bondo Wood Filler are both excellent choices for durability and weather resistance.

For Large or Structural Repairs

When you need to fill a void bigger than a nail hole or repair a section of rotted wood, an epoxy filler is your best bet. Bondo Wood Filler is great for large, non-structural holes, while Abatron WoodEpox is the gold standard for permanent, structural wood replacement.

Final Verdict: Which Wood Filler Should You Choose?

If you’re looking for a single, go-to product for all your general indoor projects, the DAP Plastic Wood is an excellent and reliable choice. It’s affordable and easy to work with.

For projects that will be stained, the Elmer’s ProBond Wood Filler offers the best performance for the price, delivering a much more seamless repair than other basic fillers.

And for any outdoor project or large-scale repair, the Bondo Wood Filler provides the ultimate in strength, durability, and weather resistance.

Happy repairing!