Gaps and holes in wooden floors are a common issue, often caused by the natural expansion and contraction of the wood due to changing humidity levels and temperature fluctuations. Aging, regular wear and tear, and damage from furniture or high heels can also contribute to these imperfections.
Filling these gaps isn’t just about aesthetics, although it certainly makes your floor look brand new. It’s also about keeping a clean and healthy environment, as gaps can trap dust, allergens, and even pests.
The wood floor filler is an effective way to extend the life of hardwood floors and to make them look good again. By choosing the right product, using the right tools, and following our expert tips, you can bring your floors back to life, and restore their original charm and functionality.
Can all floors be repaired with wood floor fillers?
Wood floor fillers are effective for filling splits, cracks, and gaps in both hardwood and softwood floorboards, as well as for repairing small holes, dents, and other minor surface imperfections in hardwood, engineered, and laminate flooring. So yes, for minor issues, wood floor filler can be a great solution.
However, it’s important to manage expectations. While wood filler is excellent for camouflaging small holes and chips, it’s not a miracle cure for bigger problems. It can’t make large scratches disappear or hide significant holes. Despite what the packaging might promise, filler is not a substitute for wood. For substantial gaps, high heel marks, chips, nail holes, or knotholes, professional floor repair may be necessary.
How many types of wood floor fillers are there?
Before you begin the filling process, it’s essential to select the right wood filler that matches your flooring. Here are the most common types:
- Water-based fillers: Easy to use and clean, these fillers dry quickly and are generally non-toxic. However, they might not be as durable as other types and could shrink upon drying.
- Solvent-based fillers: Highly durable and ideal for filling larger gaps, solvent-based fillers have a strong odor and require more extensive cleaning.
- Epoxy fillers: Incredibly durable, these fillers are perfect for larger gaps and cracks. They’re waterproof and resistant to temperature changes, but their quick-drying nature can make them challenging to work with.
- Wood dust and resin: Mixing wood dust with a binding agent like resin can create an excellent filler, ensuring a perfect match with your floor. This method is preferred by many professionals for its seamless results.
How to apply the wood floor filler
Once you’ve chosen the appropriate filler for your type of floor, it’s time to proceed with the wood floor filling process.
Follow this step-by-step guide to get the job done like a professional:
- Prepare the floor: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the floor to eliminate any dirt, debris, or grime that could affect the filler’s adhesion. For a more thorough clean, consider using a wood floor cleaner.
- Apply the filler: Using a putty knife, apply the filler into the gaps or holes. Be sure to slightly overfill, as some fillers may shrink as they dry.
- Allow to dry: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding drying time. This duration varies depending on the filler type and the size of the gaps or holes.
- Sand the excess: Once the filler is completely dry, carefully sand down the excess filler to achieve a smooth and level surface. It’s advisable to use fine-grit sandpaper to avoid damaging the floor.
- Clean the area: After sanding, thoroughly clean the filled area to remove any dust or debris.
- Apply the finish: Finally, apply an appropriate finish to seal the filler and blend it with the rest of the floor. Depending on your floor type and personal preference, this could involve applying a stain, varnish, or protective coating.
Other tips for applying wood floor filler
Once you’ve decided to use wood filler, follow these tips to make sure you’re getting the best results:
1. Choose the proper timing
The ideal time to fill your wooden floors is during the most humid season of the year when the wood planks are at their widest. Filling during this period ensures that the wood floor filler remains in place, even as the planks expand.
2. Match the color
Match the filler to the specific color of the spot you are filling, not just the overall color of the floor species. For instance, maple floors have dark spots, oak floors have light sections, and all floors have at least one dark knot.
Use your eyes to guide you rather than relying solely on the filler name.
For knots, use an ebony fill or darken a small amount of red oak fill with universal tints. Don’t assume that one color will meet all your filling needs.
3. Allow proper drying time
Allow the filler sufficient time to dry before sanding it flush. It’s best to apply filler right before taking a break for lunch or before leaving for the day. Unless you’re trying to fill a very large gap, it should be dry by the time you’re ready to start sanding again.
Top wood floor filler products
We’ve compared reviews from contractor websites and identified three of the most popular brands favored by professionals.
Glitsa Wood Flour Cement
Mix this resin with the fine sanding dust retained from sanding the floor to create a wood filler that exactly matches your floor. For that, use sanding dust (wood flour) of 80 grit or finer.
Glitsa wood flour cement has two significant advantages: the epoxy itself lasts a lifetime, and there’s no waste as you can mix just the amount needed for each job.
Also, you can mix different colors for spot filling using different dust shades, such as maple dust on a light spot in an oak board. However, Glitsa is only available by the gallon and cannot be shipped via parcel services due to its toxic nature.
Timbermate
Flooring experts appreciate this pre-mixed filler because it shrinks less than other wood floor fillers, making it ideal for filling large areas. Timbermate accepts stains, Rubio, and polyurethane well. It lacks a chemical binder, so it reconstitutes quickly with water even after drying.
Available in Red Oak, White Oak, Maple, and Ebony, Timbermate can also mix with oil or latex tints, dyes, and stains to match any wood color accurately. When matching colors, add color to the putty while it’s wet, as it dries lighter and returns to its original color when coated with a clear finish.
Minwax Stainable Wood Filler
Minwax stainable wood filler is effective for repairing cracks, small gouges, nail holes, knot holes, and other wood defects. It works best on unfinished wood, both indoors and outdoors.
Apply a liberal amount from the tube and work it in with a clean putty knife. Once dried and sanded, it accepts both oil-based and water-based wood stains. The drying time varies between 2 to 6 hours.
Choosing and using the right wood floor filler is essential for maintaining the beauty of your hardwood floors. Whether you go for water-based, solvent-based, epoxy, or a custom mix like wood dust and resin, each type offers unique benefits. Remember to match the filler color precisely to the area you’re repairing and allow adequate drying time before sanding for a seamless finish.
Still in need of support? Reach out to First Atlanta Flooring. Our team of experts will provide the guidance you need.