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.

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.

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How to Choose and Use Wood Filler | This Old House

[peaceofrefuge]

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

[Timthornton]

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.

[swanky]

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.

[danielibnz]

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

[mikeearls]

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.

[jcmapt]

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

[WhatIsKenDoing]

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

[Pallidus_Rider]

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

[ZombieGamingMetalhead]

I always liked using the sawdust method

[markwyn]

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

[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.

[smellthewooodcom]

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

[joshuaprice]

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..

[smellthewooodcom]

Watching this is soooo satisfying 😍 look at this cool idea

[varun]

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.

[jeremypoythress]

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.

[patreagen]

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

[fernandosalas]

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.