To fill a large gap between two pieces of wood, choose a method based on whether the project will be painted or stained. For painted wood, use Bondo Wood Filler or epoxy. For stained wood, use a sliver of matching wood glued into the gap, or a mixture of wood glue and fine sawdust.
Updated 3 months ago. You can fill gaps up to 1/8". For wider gaps, it may be more aesthetically pleasing to insert a matching wood "sliver" or "dutchman" before applying the filler.
Our recommendation for the best wood filler is the Toupret Extrem Wood Filler, also from Toupret's filler range, as it provides a comprehensive repair system for interior and exterior wood, plus it is designed to repair both large and small gaps, cracks and holes.
To hide a seam between two pieces of wood, choose your method based on your finishing plans:
Yes, but don't try and inject it right into the knot. Squirt it on a scrap piece of wood and mix it very well, and be quick about it, it sets up fairly quick. Thanks guys! I've doing a table top epoxy with a 45 minute cure time that I'll use instead of the gorilla epoxy!
Titebond Speed Set Wood Glue is an extremely fast-setting, high solids PVA adhesive. It provides exceptional gap filling properties developing a bond stronger than the wood itself.
Wood glue is the go-to for standard, tight-fitting wood-to-wood joints because it soaks into the fibers and creates a bond stronger than the wood itself. Epoxy is a premium, versatile alternative that excels at bridging gaps, gluing dissimilar materials (like wood and metal), and handling outdoor, waterproof applications.
Filling gaps in wood joints
Wood filler is ideal for repairs on unfinished wood, as it hardens quickly and retains its durability, allowing for sanding and painting to achieve a flawless finish. On the other hand, wood putty excels at addressing minor blemishes on finished wood, but it takes quite some time to dry and doesn't harden fully.
For most woodworking projects, traditional wood glue is better than original Gorilla Glue. Standard wood glue creates a joint that is often stronger than the wood itself, dries cleanly, and doesn't expand, making it the superior choice for furniture making, cabinets, and general repairs.
DIY Wood Filler Using Wood Dust and Glue
Take your trusty wood scraper and scrap yourself a pile of wood dust off your peice. Take wood glue and mix it half and half with your wood dust and you have wood filler the perfect color.
To fill large gaps (over 666 mm or 0.250.250.25 inches), never rely on caulk alone, as it will crack and shrink. Instead, establish a solid foundation first using a backer rod or expanding foam, then apply the appropriate finishing sealant or filler.
Choose wood filler for small indoor projects, nail holes, and minor surface scratches that you plan to stain or paint. Choose epoxy for outdoor use, structural repairs, deep gouges, rotted wood, or large voids in live-edge tables where maximum strength and moisture resistance are required.
Wood filler does not shrink after drying like caulk. And you can shape the wood filler after it dries (over fill the joint, let it dry, then sand the angle to 90 degrees). This may be necessary here because that joint is so loose. You will see divots after dried if you use caulk.
For large gaps, standard wood fillers will shrink, crack, or fall out. Instead, use a two-part epoxy (like Minwax High Performance Wood Filler) or a structural putty (like Bondo Wood Filler). They chemically harden without shrinking and can be drilled, sanded, and painted.
Yes, wood filler is designed to harden into a solid, durable mass that mimics many characteristics of natural wood. Once it dries, you can treat it just like real wood: it can be sanded, cut, drilled, nailed, and painted.
Epoxy fillers are fantastic for filling voids as they don't shrink over time, and they are as flexible as wood. Once dried, they can be sanded for a smooth finish, painted, and even look great underwood oils and varnishes too. For us, Epoxy wood fillers are the most versatile filler on the market.
Wood filler should generally be used for gaps no wider than 18one-eighth18 inch. For anything wider, the filler is highly prone to shrinking, cracking, and falling out. Instead, you should use wood slivers ("dutchmen"), pocket hole plugs, or a specialized wood epoxy to fill the space.
Plastic wood has the advantage in durability. It's more water-resistant once it's cured and holds up better without shrinking or cracking. Wood filler is easier to work with but more likely to shrink as it dries.
Wood filler and wood putty are very different products. Wood filler hardens and is meant to be sanded and used on raw wood before staining or painting. Wood putty remains pliable, doesn't harden, and is applied after wood is finished (stained and sealed) to conceal minor blemishes.
When filling large gaps, standard wood filler often shrinks or cracks. Instead, opt for a two-part wood filler (like Bondo) or insert a "Dutchman" (a wooden sliver) first. Always overfill the area slightly, allow it to fully cure, and sand it flush.
Yes, Gorilla Epoxy works exceptionally well on wood. It is incredibly strong, water-resistant, and dries a clear/natural color.
Epoxy generally does not stick to materials that are flexible, non-porous, or have low surface energy. Because epoxy relies on soaking into microscopic pores or creating a strong chemical bond, smooth or waxy surfaces cause it to simply peel off once cured.
While epoxy is highly durable and versatile, it has significant drawbacks. Its primary disadvantages include slow curing times, susceptibility to UV yellowing, brittleness, and hazardous installation fumes. The specific drawbacks depend on how you are using it: