Is wood putty or wood filler better for hardwood floors?

Quick Answer

For repairing small holes and cracks in hardwood floors, wood putty is generally the better option compared to wood filler. Wood putty is designed to blend in seamlessly with the color of hardwood and can be sanded and stained to match the surrounding boards. Wood filler is better suited for larger gaps and holes since it dries harder than putty.

What is Wood Putty?

Wood putty, also known as plastic wood, is a pliable material used to fill small imperfections in wood surfaces. It is made from linseed oil combined with wood dust, calcium carbonate, and talc.

Here are some key features of wood putty:

• Dries relatively soft compared to wood filler
• Can be sanded, stained, and finished to match the wood surface
• Works best for filling small nail holes, cracks, chips, and other minor blemishes
• Comes in different wood tones to match different stain colors
• Provides an invisible repair that disappears into the surrounding wood

Wood putty is a great solution for fixing small cosmetic defects in hardwood flooring. It can be pressed into the hole or crack by hand and wiped smooth with a damp cloth or finger. After drying completely, the putty sands nicely to a smooth flush finish. Wood putty accepts stains and finishes well, blending invisibly into the surrounding boards.

What is Wood Filler?

Wood filler, also called plastic wood filler, is another material used to repair imperfections in wood. It is made from various combinations of sawdust, binders, and drying agents. Here are some key characteristics of wood filler:

• Dries hard and rigid compared to putty
• Works best for filling larger gaps, holes, and splits in wood
• Does not accept stain or blend invisibly into wood as well as putty
• Great for structural repairs where a hard durable fill is needed
• Comes in both water-based and solvent-based formulas

Wood filler is the better choice for filling larger holes and cracks in hardwood floors where strength and durability are needed. It dries very hard, allowing it to be sanded smooth and shaped as needed. While wood filler won’t blend into the floor as seamlessly as putty, it provides more stability for repairs where flexibility is not desired.

Key Differences Between Wood Putty and Wood Filler

Wood Putty	Wood Filler
Dries relatively soft and pliable	Dries hard and rigid
Best for small holes and cracks	Best for larger gaps and holes
Blends invisibly into wood	Does not blend in as seamlessly
Can be stained to match wood color	Does not accept stain as well
Easy to sand and finish	Harder to sand smooth

As this comparison shows, the main differences come down to wood putty drying soft and blending in seamlessly for small holes, while wood filler dries hard and rigid for stability in larger repairs.

When to Use Wood Putty on Hardwood Floors

Here are the best situations to use wood putty for hardwood floor repairs:

• Small nails holes – Putty excellently fills the small holes left from removing surface nails or braces.
• Minor cracks and chips – It’s perfect for filling small cracks around boards or minor edge chips.
• Replacing knots – Knotholes can be filled with putty for an invisible repair.
• Surface defects – Small dents, worm holes, or other minor surface issues can disappear with putty.
• Between boards – Putty helps fill tiny gaps between floorboards.
• Touch up finished floors – Dried putty blends in for quick touch ups and spots on finished floors.

In general, if the damaged area is less than 1/4 inch wide by 1/4 inch deep, wood putty is likely the best solution. It provides a durable yet flexible fill that sands flush and blends invisibly when stained.

When to Use Wood Filler on Hardwood Floors

Here are situations where wood filler is the better choice for hardwood floor repairs:

• Large holes and gouges – Deep damages exceeding 1/4 inch across benefit from the rigid fill of wood filler.
• Cracks wider than 1/4 inch – Large splits and gaps will be stabilized better with filler versus soft putty.
• Loose or broken boards – Filler can help secure boards by filling under them.
• Damaged wood near walls – Filler is useful where putty might lack adhesion.
• Replacing large knots – Larger knot holes benefit from the durable fill of filler.
• Preparing subfloor patches – Filler creates a solid base for patching damaged subfloor areas before installing new boards.

Wood filler is the right solution whenever the damaged area exceeds about 1/4 inch or maximum strength and hardness is needed in the repair.

Tips for Using Wood Putty on Hardwood Floors

Here are some tips to get the best results when using wood putty for hardwood floor repairs:

• Choose a putty color that matches your floor’s stain.
• Apply a small amount and press into the hole or crack by hand.
• Wipe away any excess putty with a damp cloth.
• Let the putty dry fully according to the manufacturer directions.
• Gently sand with fine sandpaper until smooth and flush with the floor.
• Stain and finish over the putty to match the surrounding boards.
• Consider applying polyurethane over water-based stains for added durability.
• Spot repair finished areas by drying, sanding, and reapplying polyurethane.
• Clean and prime the damaged area for best adhesion.

Taking the time to properly prepare the area and blend the putty ensures an invisible and durable repair.

Tips for Using Wood Filler on Hardwood Floors

Here are some tips for successfully using wood filler on hardwood floor repairs:

• Choose an appropriate filler – water-based vs. solvent-based.
• Thoroughly clean and dry the damaged area for good adhesion.
• Fill past flush to allow for sanding shrinkage as the filler dries.
• Let dry fully per manufacturer directions before sanding.
• Sand with coarse sandpaper first to flatten, then finer grit to smooth.
• Make multiple thin filler layers for a smooth finish.
• Prime and paint the filler if staining the entire floor.
• Use filler to stabilize loose boards by filling under them.
• Mix sawdust from the floor into the filler to help it blend better.
• Use a water-based filler for pre-finished or stained floors.

Proper filler selection and application results in a structurally sound repair that lasts.

FAQs

Does wood putty dry hard?

Wood putty dries relatively soft compared to wood filler. It remains flexible rather than drying rock hard. This allows it to absorb movement and finished without cracking.

Can you use wood filler on hardwood floors?

Yes, wood filler can be used to make repairs on hardwood floors. It works best for larger holes, cracks, or areas needing reconstructed wood. Allow proper drying time before sanding and finishing the filler smooth.

Does putty or spackle dry harder?

Putty and spackle have similar working properties, but spackle tends to dry slightly harder than putty. Spackle is best for wall repairs while putty is formulated for filling smaller holes in wood.

What is plastic wood filler made of?

Most plastic wood fillers are composed of sawdust or wood fibers mixed with binders and drying agents such as linseed oil, lacquer, latex, or solvents. Some may contain additional fillers like talc or calcium carbonate.

Can you use wood putty after staining?

Yes, wood putty can be used to make touch ups on stained or finished wood. The putty blended into stain will not match perfectly but allows for quick fixes. For best results, add matching stain into the putty.

Conclusion

For small nail holes, chips, and surface-level imperfections in hardwood floors, wood putty is generally the best repair solution. It fills gaps seamlessly while staying workable for sanding and finishing. Wood filler works better for larger patches, cracks, and areas needing reconstructed wood. Consider the size and nature of the damage, then select the appropriate wood repair putty or filler for a durable, long-lasting hardwood floor repair. With careful selection and application, you can restore the beauty of your hardwood floors using wood filler products.