How to Choose and Use Wood Filler | This Old House

The best substances for plugging holes and filling cracks, with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva.
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse
Up in the loft, Tom and Kevin discuss different types of fillers used for filling small holes and cracks in both wood and PVC trim. For interior, painted wood, Tom recommends products like spackle or water-based paintable fillers. He also showed how to make your own wood filler using sawdust and yellow carpenters' glue. For interior wood that will be stained, Tom recommends "stainable" wood fillers, either water or solvent based. For wood that has already been stained, Tom showed wax crayons and putties that are tinted to match a variety of wood stain colors. For very large cracks or holes inside the house, Tom recommends auto-body filler. For exterior use, Tom recommends a two-part flexible epoxy filler that will flex with the wood when it expend and contracts with changes in humidity. For trimboards that are made from PVC, Tom suggests a two-part acrylic adhesive that also works well as a filler for small nail and screw holes.
Tom demonstrated a variety of wood fillers manufactured by Minwax [www.minwax.com/], Dap Products, Inc. [www.dap.com/], 3M Bondo Corporation [www.3m.com/3M/en_US/bondo-us/], and Elmer's [www.elmers.com/].
Tom also showed a two-part architectural epoxy for repairing rotten wood manufactured by Advanced Repair Technology, Inc. [www.advancedrepair.com/]
The filler that Tom showed for PVC trimboards is available at professional lumberyards and is manufactured by Bond&Fill [www.bondfill.com/].
About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers-and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free.
bit.ly/2GPiYbH
Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/st...
Follow This Old House and Ask This Old House:
Facebook: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: bit.ly/AskTOHTwitter
Pinterest: bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: bit.ly/AskTOHIG
For more on This Old House and Ask This Old House, visit us at: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseWebsite
How to Choose and Use Wood Filler | This Old House
/ thisoldhouse

[@CG4LK]

MUY buena calidad, el texto imagenes. kzbin.infoUgkxbnOKZBE4evMO5V2vroHeCjq6d_MV6wJO Un manuel muy completo y trabajado. Resulta muy práctico. Para principiantes y profesionales. Lo recomiendo

[@peaceofrefuge]

I love this old house. Always short and sweet. Straight to the point info and helpful

[@Timthornton1]

You can say that again.👍

[@danielibnz]

What a joy... to listen to this expert explain the points. Thanks for sharing

[@smellthewooodcom942]

Watching this is soooo satisfying 😍 look at this cool idea

[@smellthewooodcom942]

GREATEST ART WORK I VE SEEN SINCE MONTHS. YOU ARE PROFESSIONAL. THANK YOU

[@Timthornton1]

Well I learned something today! Last summer I fixed a window sill that had some dry rot in it, not to bad so I filled it with bondo. About 9 foot sill ( just went outside and looked at it, looks ok so far). maybe it will be ok because I live in Southern California. I will keep an eye on it. Live and learn I guess. I love these shows, lots of information.

[@debbierehn3585]

Thanks Tom!

[@swanky9997]

This used to be on a local channel I watched all the time. Here I am in 2022 still watching and trying to figure out how to finish this project lol

[@rawbacon]

Glue and sawdust works great, I've experimented with filling larger holes and such and although it takes a while to dry and sometimes even a few layers. It becomes super strong and machinable. Plane it, saw it, router it, sand it.

[@kevinmach730]

My problem with this method- which appears to work fantastic at first- is that the stain never takes to that portion the same way. Other than that, I agree it works great.

[@Marcus7469]

I always liked using the sawdust method

[@fernandosalas8589]

Iam glad for you guys I just used a router and over did it I iam installing a board for my mom's bathroom door that needs to put on hinges now there is a 1/4 of an in gap on the hinge. My first time doing this project funny thing my dad was a master carpenter iam a tech type of person.

[@jcmapt4606]

Hi! Whats the best and easier rooter to by and use? I watch and LOVE y programs in ch 40 PBS. I learn a lot. Like today with the wood filler. Precisely, l bought one yerterday to use it today. And had to call the Lansco main office with regard to the consistensy of the filler. Because is kind dry. Thanks 4 all y programs. Regards fom PR

[@alfie-yy8im]

Excellent Video. I have two good size corner gouges on a wooden stair step leading to my basement. Could you advise a filler that would stand the rigors of normal day to day traffic?

[@JohnStahl]

Excellent work!

[@robertbrunston5406]

Thanks

[@stevemuller8634]

Asking a question about the last two tube applications, ( two part apoxy and the two part acrylic ) .After drying can they be nailed into as in upholstery tacks .

[@tripjet999]

Was ist "apoxy"?

[@enterrapture1365]

Great info, great video thank you!

[@TNtoolman]

Once you open the two-part acrylic tube, can it be capped and re-used... or will the two parts solidify in the application nozzle?

[@joshuaprice4675]

I have T1-11 board that is rotting in a small area at the bottom. It's outside. Instead of replacing it which I heard is a pain, what can I use to make it look new again? Like they showed in the video the corner of the shutter..

[@brandonirving5014]

The only main issues I've had with store bought wood filler is the hardness. I truly feel that the og way of mixing wood glue with the same dust is the best. Thank you guys for the tips

[@happytrailcamstoyou9509]

Translation: "A thousand times better wood glue with the same wood dust, worth the redundancy, than this Wood Filler putty for wood, it seems to me an eyesore, here in Ecuador USD 3.80 for 114g, very expensive."

[@WhatIsKenDoing]

For interior paint grade projects I often use drywall compound for nail holes. It's stable and nothing sands easier.

[@mmoarchives2542]

i would never use that on wood, it's too weak a substance, it crumbles eventually, it's why it's called drywall compount, either use wood filler or bondo, bondo is the master race though, it can be shaped into anything and has 1500 pounds of bonding pressure

[@bgt63]

​@@mmoarchives2542it can also swell from absorbing moisture when you paint.

[@jeremypoythress4995]

I use Wood putty because it moves with the wood as it expands and contracts. mix jb weld hardener in with the top layer to make a sandable surface.

[@altastretton4497]

Which filler will be best to use in areas of an old chair that need to keep upholstery staples again.

[@jodyhakala-ristow7014]

I wanted to know for exterior door hole put a block in and wood filler yet in Minnesota not sure, I want to use bondo or epoxy?

[@Pallidus_Rider]

Links to different products would be helpful, especially the epoxy!

[@pregnantlesbian]

I have huge , heavy butcher block table that needs to have the legs tightened. Does any of these work for under the table where I would need to seal the existing holes and put new holes in to tighten the legs. Let me know please.

[@M3GAN3116]

Thanks 👍

[@mikeearls126]

I have been on a search for the best stuff to use to fill the holes. Durham's Water putty is the best I've found...great product. Doesn't shrink and it's easy to sand. Just my two cents.

[@jaymun4987]

@Savetime Mann k

[@ebp184]

​@Savetime Mann So, here's a question for you: I'm sanding a 200+ year old house next to the ocean, in Southern Maine - eastern white pine shiplap, with butted board ends cut at an angle to overlap. The overlapped butted ends were joined with what appears to be a white, sandable, somewhat flexible adhesive caulking. I'm searching for such an adhesive caulking. At some point, after power-washing the sanded clapboards, I'll be using C2 Paint's nanotechnology C2 Guard to seal the clapboards, prior to priming with oil and painting with latex. Do you know of a caulk that will work for what I'm doing? It has to be in a tube, because I'll be using a lot of it. - Thanks, if you can help.

[@tabliechty9318]

Durham's is a top notch product but it doesn't sand well. I have used at least a 100 gallons of it in my career.

[@markwyn2040]

Durham's Water Putty, never shrinks or cracks. Best stuff out on the market imho

[@blackmaxima]

It’s good for INDOOR repairs. Even when it’s painted, I’ve had it fail pretty quickly outside. Solvent based filler like old fashioned Plastic Wood, or epoxy.

[@Paula-vr5rm]

what do you use to fill nail holes where the siding guys didn’t adjust their nail gun and the nail went on to far i don’t want to use caulking on all the nail holes , and i want my paint to look good after wards . thank you

[@celosemnexo]

What kind of filler should I use for a dent in a fender stratocaster guitar headstock? Will I always have to paint it afterwards?

[@krisdelloiacono]

We are trying to make a trim for indoor stairs actually a molding for the stairs up to the bedrooms 12 stairs,sanded and stained with polyurethene and painted the front of the stairs and put carpet pieces on the top of the stairs,how can we make a molding without having to cut the stairs for the molding?any suggestions.A 150 year old house,Thanks

[@nytom4info]

Famowood...the best! ;)

[@savingtruckertom]

My dog has scratched my door jams on the inside. Would the bondo work there?

[@fighter199212]

Lately many videos were not available on mobile devices... You realize that's the main KZbin channel atm?!

[@patreagen3973]

I actually have a question. We had a deck put on our house in December. We live next to the Canadian border, so it is very cold and snowy. We are now presently getting ready to stain the deck but there are cracks in the pressure treated wood. Should I fill in the cracks before staining and if so, what should I use. Thank you

[@cassiehoward8233]

What do you think about the Famowood wood filler for repairing my fence?

[@yihengzhou2676]

Super

[@worstalentscout]

what if the teak furniture has a slight glossy/oily finish and there's a hole and crack on a vertical finish........how do i fix the defects without ruining the surrounding wood finish ?

[@sugarfitz5398]

im cauking the indoor trim of the house and unsure or which filler to use. >~< some framing is about a good half inch to an inch off the floor. :(

[@XxPackerManxX]

Just a added note if using crayon. You can heat them with a lighter a drip it in to fill holes on horizontal surfaces as well. I prefer the results using this method on say a end table or maybe a dresser top.

[@M3GAN3116]

Thanks 👍

[@curthall4096]

What's the best filler to use on mdf Cabinet doors that are Veneer covered and have a router design? I'd like to fill, sand flat and Paint? The House was Built in 1986. Thanks

[@michellek6533]

Thanks, but I'm filling a gouge in the bottom of a wood drawer I will be drilling a slide into, I'm trying to decide if I should use plastic wood putty or 2 part wood epoxy?

[@judithhoudeshell9313]

after my experience using plastic wood putty, I would use the 2 part wood epoxy. I'm sure it would be more durable.

[@Coreys77781]

What about if it's an item that could be either that has been heat etched?

[@jsmcguireIII]

woodglue and sawdust - learned that from my grandpa

[@ronaldramos7463]

How do i fill a whole plyboard with a grainy surface and then paint it for a smooth surface?

[@philipdavison8267]

What's the name of the two-part caulking void filler

[@travelerae1]

So close but still didn't tell me what I've been trying to figure out. When repairing large holes in an outdoor project, I understand the two-part epoxy will be best as it allows expansion and contraction. I need to stain it though. What can I do to then have a finished surface which will stand up to outdoor conditions and which I can stain to match the rest of the project?

[@RJWdevelopment]

Curious how this worked out! I have a similar situation with a wood rifle stock that has some large but purely aesthetic cracks running along the bottom of the forend. My best guess right now is to stain a two part epoxy mix to match the wood - it's the process they use for some types of fancy tables. But to truly hide the cracks, on an item that needs to stand up to some punishment, I'm still not sure what will do the trick.

[@feyrband]

@@RJWdevelopment West system marine epoxy

[@DennyMui]

where do I get those wood crayons?

[@lgallant]

Are you able to make these shorts work on Mobile devices? :-)

[@ryanm540]

How do you know what kind of sand paper to use? Like what grit for example? Wood, drywall, etc??

[@dylandonaghue6750]

Great video, but what's a Conner?

[@varun009]

Hi, I thought I'd share something on this subject that I learnt while working on a project here in India. I'm a college student in a rented apartment. I made some nice dimensional corner shelves for my bathroom vanity out of scrap block board and some cheap teak trim. Problem is that block board is made of mango ply which is coarse. I wanted a dark wood but slick and waterproof finish. I started by termite treating the wood a couple of times and let it sit for a day. Then I stained it and waited another 24 hours for the solvents to mostly evaporate. I then took some waterproofing wood finish and thinned it with some of the wood stain. I slapped it on really thin and let it cure for 12 hours. Sanded it down then did the same and sanded again. After all that, I just used clear coated it with clear spray paint. Came out super smooth and luxurious without feeling light and fake like plastic.

[@varun009]

Also, make sure the wood finish and stain have the same solvent or are in the same class of solvents or even just miscible. If you're not sure. Take a scrap piece and mix a small amount then apply it and see. If it doesn't mix, the base solvents are different. Gel stains won't work.

[@tripjet999]

"learned"

[@donnabacon4681]

Sounds beautiful!!!

[@ebp184]

Did I miss where the brand names of the two-part epoxies were stated, or were we not provided that information?

[@lewisgoudy863]

It's visible. It's ART (Advanced Repair Technologies) and their website has a ton of cool stuff. advancedrepair.com

[@tompourbakhtiar6781]

what is the name of "2 part pvc caulking tube for bonding and filling" and where to get them?

[@Nill757]

Tom Pour Bakhtiar yes, I’m still looking. Most 2 part epoxies are not meant be smoothed with fingers, or are not white, etc

[@philipdavison8267]

Flex tec has i think... I took a screenshot...

[@shuie85]

Can I use the two part epoxy (@2:41) to fill holes in eaves?

[@bend5447]

what should i use to fill large cracks in a chainsaw carving that is outside year-round in Minnesota

[@jassme5793]

+Ben Dougherty GOOGLE it lOOL

[@cdb-ez6xg]

+Ben Dougherty Abatron LiquidWood and WoodEpox is the best there is. You can get the 24 oz or the 4 quart kit. Here's the link to the 24 oz kit: www.amazon.com/Abatron-Wood-Restoration-Kit-FL/dp/B00JWRLO7A?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_4&smid=A1WOO6C65MX596

[@JackSilver1410]

Maybe... the epoxy mixed with sawdust... I have a great big salmon sculpture my grandfather made a long time ago. But it spent a good deal if time outside in Idaho with some jackasses who didn't really care about it. It needs a new dorsal fin, some pretty deep cracks filled, and a good rich stain and seal. I really want to restore and finish this fish.

[@jaimeatwell2306]

Rj Peterson did you get to restore it? If you did. Did it turn out good? And if you haven’t yet Goodluck!!

[@kiwiflare]

I too want to know if you got it restored

[@JackSilver1410]

@@kiwiflare oh wow, people replied to this. Unfortunately, I still haven't. I'm not the best carpenter and somewhat less of a sculptor. Every time I look at it and assess the damage it just seems just out of my ability. I'm a knife maker, I'll shape and grind and polish steel all day. I just don't think that fish is for me, and I've learned to listen to the material's opinion.

[@Anonymous-it5jw]

@@JackSilver1410 Every journey starts with a first step. Use chisels, scalpels, a Dremel tool and/or oscillating tool to cut out the rot. Letnthe interior dry, if it is damp. Use wood hardener (from Minwax, for example) to strengthen weak wood, then start filling large cavities with compatible blocks or pieces of wood, then secure the wood into the sculpture with epoxy or Bondo, then piece-by-piece recreate the missing visible pieces either by carving and attaching individual pieces of wood with epoxy, or by using Bondo or wood based Bondo, and building up and shaping one area at a time. Be guided by pictures of what it looked like before. If you do it outside in good weather, you'll get plenty of advice from friends, family and passers-by. Do a little every day, and soon it will be done.

[@juscratchinmaballs]

Do the store bought fillers have the same adhesive strength as wood glue + sawdust in terms of holding two pieces of wood together strongly?

[@feyrband]

Wood glue is pretty hard to beat as far as adhesion of wood. Some of the epoxy ones may come close

[@absalomjim16]

I wish the older gentleman was my grandpa

[@ljbrandt500]

1:19 "and that crap will disappear..." lol

[@dougwur1]

"crack will disappear"!

[@editUout]

hahaha....

[@jhenry4948]

This Old House I accidentally ripped the closet door handle off when i was moving some furniture in. The screws holding the handle in, ripped through the wood forming bigger holes. What kind of filler should I use for the screw holes ? The filler needs to have some strength to hold the screws, the door is indoors, the door is painted white but color doesnt matter because the holes are hidden. any filler suggestion ? I only need a small amount, preferably something sold in small quantities. thanks

[@adamsykes5755]

My dog chewed off the corner of a wooden skirting board in my apartment. Now I'll move out I need to sort it. I wonder if the stuff at 2:56 would fix it?

[@patlaw53]

Caution. Tommy makes it look easy. That's because he's a genius!

[@MrKDeshmukh]

which wood filler is best for deck stainig project?

[@campar1043]

i have hole up to 1 and half inches, are these holes too big to use wood filler in?

[@chestervaldes7551]

Use bondo, with a poly backup plate to mold the outer surface flush to the finished survace.

[@StephanieBakerBullHaulin]

What's the easiest for filling gaps on floor..this is what we're doing.repurposed gym floor that was already cut in 4x8 sections and it's not perfectly butting up and want to hide those seams. So what's the easiest and cheapest way of doing this?..and gonna sand and stain this floor as well once completed.

[@Isaac-qd6gy]

Stainable wood filler never stains well.

[@joepaullawncare7222]

fast food is neve good

[@Misterscout]

Whats the best to use for outside projects that would deal with weather including winter?

[@philomenadacunha6546]

Misterscout on the video he says bondo not good cause it dries hard and doesn’t expand or shrink like wood does.

[@ZhiYin]

You said Bondo Autobody Filler was bad outside, but why would you use an autobody filler to fill wood? Why not use Bondo Home Solutions Wood Filler? It's marketed as "driveways, walls, damaged chimneys, gutters, knotholes, damaged tiles, shingles fencing, windowsills, doors and more", can I use that on an exterior surface that I can't use epoxy on because it's vertical?

[@alext8828]

Probably, but epoxy can be used on vertical surfaces if you add a filler that they sell. I've used it and it's not bad.

[@gardensofthegods]

They're showing a real piece of wood work there which is what I had assumed was here when I moved in and regretfully it turns out to be some composite junk that most types of woodwork are made of nowadays . There's going to be an inspection soon and I don't know what to do because whoever lived here before me had a pet that ruined some of the woodwork and it looks like they had done a terrible job of trying to make it look better.. the paperwork I sent the office for when I moved in saying that they never fixed any of the stuff they promised would be fixed actually vanished or so they claim . Just as bad the photos I had taken of the messed up wood work were on a SIM card that has since disappeared and I am very much past the deadline of getting maintanance to repair this. In the meantime my pet was urinating on the woodwork I guess where he smelled that the other people's pets had done it . I couldn't figure out why the wood was bulging out and looked like it was melting in some places on the bottom until it was explained to me that it is this cheap composite junk. I'm struggling financially right now and just renewed the lease ..I can always worry about replacing the woodwork later when I go to move but in the meantime I need the least expensive way of fixing it and regretfully all my tools were stolen when I moved here... all I have left is a drill gun and all the drill bits are missing . The bottom part of the woodwork's bulging is very hard and still feels like wood but needs to be removed and I guess I need a drill bit of some sort that could cut it off ? Any suggestions ? Someone at Lowe's sent me home with a small container of vinyl spackle to fill in wherever I can to make it look right.. I was actually thinking of using plaster but do you have any suggestions or anybody reading this ? I am freaked out about this especially since the money's coming out of my grocery money.. that's how bad things are right now .

[@jsigur157]

I need a tissue

[@age_of_reason]

"...patched a kawner..."

[@Jojodancer20100]

Lol

[@superivan24]

Video not available on mobile device.

[@thisoldhouse]

Hi Ivan Cisternas We updated our settings. Please give it another try!

[@jonahsule128]

Hello Simon, This is an amazing lesson you have here. I have one question, after recording the drum loop, I turned off the Multi12 I lose all my drum sound, what I hear is just a bunch of piano sounds playing in place of the drum. Is there a way I can fix that?

[@b-diddy5359]

Hopefully you have realized by now that you commented on the wrong video. good luck bud

[@louisgreen3915]

I'm looking all over YT and nobody can help me. I'm trying to dismantle a built in cupboard wall, and I need to get to the screws underneath the woodfiller on the back walls. How is that done? Any help or ideas about getting to the screws would be a godsend.

[@talithasuya8908]

I feel a binge coming on.

[@qigong1001]

That Flex tec is prohibitively expensive. I'm sure it works fine, but is there a cheaper two part epoxy with primer system thats cheaper?

[@TheSeancassady]

+Slap Stick and for the example they used on the shutter you'd be better off just attaching a piece of wood to the missing corner and planing it down.

[@guadalupevasquez7260]

Definitely NOT staining guys

[@dandijensen5295]

:(...the Minwax wood filler is crap. Following your recommendation, I purchased it to fill in a split in the wood on the leg of an antique. It WILL not stain!!! Just sick about the contrast from the filler and wood. Very displeased!!!

[@sislertx]

That's s fact...it's shit...especially for floors... Saw.a.video a.guy poured out a gallon of something and squeegee it in the cracks..then did his sanding..haven't a clue what it was and he never answered my wuestion..his floors turned out great...in 100 year old house those boards have shrunk quite a bit..

[@jamesmcinnis208]

"actually"

[@reneev1010]

You should have given better demonstration.... to mean, a DEMONSTRATION via the bonding and tell us the difference between water solvent and solvent based

[@bramabull111]

Crayons looked awful lol

[@Chuck59ish]

I think I'd find someone who knew what they were doing. I'd just screw it up.

[@rhiannonangell6828]

I made it by myself thanks to wood prix's plans.

[@schmojo33]

This is still going on? How about you guys make an honest living instead of selling other people plans?

[@anthonyabarca7236]

Can't watch

[@thisoldhouse]

Hi anthony abarca We updated our settings. Please give it another try!

[@paulheadley1737]

You said “you could use this water based filler” and then in the video didn’t show what brand it is!!! By the orange cap I’m guessing Elmer’s ..?

[@Jiorgiapeach]

where's bob villa?

[@tehawes0mesauce]

Retired.

[@chestervaldes7551]

He dead.

[@sapher2020]

Bob is the Chuck Norris of Carpentry!!

[@sirronmitt]

Not very helpful. There are hundreds of products out there, we know that. Which are the best ones for long term results? I hate doing work over.

[@artistlovepeace]

Don't worry about it being perfect. No one is ever going to notice.

[@TonyTube407]

A lot of talk about fixing a gouge, but nothing...?

[@lindamorgey6736]

This time I will use Woodglut plans for this.

[@georgewuzheer]

I FILL MY CRACK WITH BWAHNDO

[@travisgulley2652]

If your building furniture for your house don't use bondo because that stuff gives off toxic gases use wood filler instead

[@alext8828]

Once the two-part reaction is done, there is no more out-gassing.

[@tripjet999]

$27.50 two-part epoxy to fill one nail hole. LOL.

[@davidmcdaniel6270]

Is it that hard to hold the camera still?

[@lidiahodga8995]

The quarrelsome slope isely blush because random conspicuously lick out a faint fair fork. nondescript, abashed tv

[@Drew6709]

This video does not work on mobile youtube app. FIX IT!!!!!

[@romandewys2076]

Hokey asf

[@danpatrick9080]

If ua don't have a new England accent you don't work on my housr

[@zvezdankorica574]

I just wanna say that two part epoxy is garbage and ripoff-I spent $600 for something that doesn’t work-this old house it’s not what was with Norm -very disappointed

[@d1ddyp0p]

Lolz. Two part epoxy is like $10 and works wonderfully. User error.