Best Exterior Wood Filler

Wood rot and wood chipping are among the many problems that woodworkers face. They both make the wood unstable and unfit for use. Previously, if wood rotted or chipped, you would most likely dispose of and get a replacement. These days, however, wood rotting and chipping is not such a great tragedy. We have wood fillers that have emerged to help you restore your wood to an even better state. When you use the best exterior wood filler, you are sure that your wood is repaired and preserved from further rotting.

 

The filler will penetrate rotten wood, fill cracks and holes and harden it. It works so well that you can even sand, drill, paint, or stain the surface, depending on your woodworking project. Some of the fillers will have an added advantage in making your wood UV rays and water-resistant.

 

The benefits of a wood filler are for you to enjoy. However, they only come about if you get the most suitable one to meet your project needs. Whether you are a guru in woodworking or not, you will need to get the best formula, and it can be quite a task. To help you out, I have reviewed the best wood fillers we have in the market today.

  • FamoWood Latex Wood Filler – Natural

 

FamoWood Latex Wood Filler – Natural is a versatile product that is available in more than one color. These colors are important because you should choose the one that naturally matches your wood’s tone. The filler also does a great job because you may not need painting or sanding.

 

The product is multi-purpose, as you can use it for your interior and exterior jobs. It is known for being solvent-free, which makes it a professional and quality wood filler. Additionally, the filler fills holes and cracks quickly and dries in 15 minutes with no noticeable cracking, crumbling, or shrinkage.

 

If you are getting a filler, you want one that takes stains and paints like real wood. Well, the FamoWood Latex Wood Filler – Natural sorts you out in this. You can plane, dye, pigment, nail, drill, or sand it depending on your woodworking project. It also has a low odor, and you can easily clean it up with water.

 

Additionally, the filler is environmentally safe with little or no impact on the environment as it is non-toxic with no solvent fumes.

 

The Summary of Top Features

 

  • The filler is multi-purpose, and you can use it for both indoor and outdoor use.
  • It is a water-based, non-toxic filler, and this makes it environmentally safe.
  • The product takes stains and paints like real wood and gives you ample time to paint or stain it.
  • It is available in multiple colors, which makes it convenient for your natural wood tone.
  • It is relatively easy to maintain because you can clean it with soap and water.
  • It dries pretty fast with no cracks and shrinks detected, and therefore, your woodworking projects are easy and fast.

 

Pros

 

  • The filler dries in 15 minutes.
  • It is environmentally safe.
  • The product is easy to clean up with soap and water.
  • It is appropriate for indoor and outdoor use.
  • It fills holes and cracks quickly.
  • You can stain it or paint it.
  • The filler is convenient for most wood tones.

 

Cons

 

  • Some users complain that it does not stain well.

  • Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler

 

Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler is ideal for a variety of applications. Whether you use it to repair cracks, small gouges, nail holes, or knot holes, it will not disappoint. It handles many other defects in all types of unfinished indoor and outdoor wood surfaces.

 

We know that fillers work well with wood stains, and you are safe in selecting this product. It is a good one with oil-based and water-based wood stains. So, you don’t need to have many different fillers to do your woodworking jobs well.

 

The filler is stainable, paintable, and convenient for both exterior and interior use. It is a fast-drying product and sands very quickly. On top of that, it makes and keeps your wood beautiful.

 

The Summary of Top Features

 

  • The product is multi-purpose and convenient for most of your woodworking projects. It is ideal for repairing small gouges, cracks, nail, and knotholes.
  • You can use the filler with both oil-based and water-based stains, meaning you are at liberty to work with your chosen color.
  • It not only repairs your wood and protects it, but it also makes it and keeps it beautiful.
  • The filler is both stainable and paintable, which allows you to do with your wood as you please.
  • It dries quickly and sands easily, making your work quicker.

 

Pros

 

  • The filler is stainable and paintable.
  • It is right for internal and external use.
  • The product dries faster.
  • It sands effortlessly.
  • It makes and keeps your wood beautiful.
  • It is usable with both oil-based and water-based stains.
  • It is multi-purpose and very convenient for a variety of woodworking applications.

 

Cons

 

  • It hardens very quickly once you open the tube.

  • PC Products PC WoodyTwo-Part Wood Repair Epoxy Paste

 

PC Products PC WoodyTwo-Part Wood Repair Epoxy Paste allows you to nail, drill, sand, prime, paint, stain, and machine your wood once it has fully cured. Even if you are working with softwood damaged by rot, the product replaces the missing or rotten wood and makes it resistant to mildew, dry rot, UV light, and fresh and salty water.

 

The filler is convenient for both outdoor and indoor use, with a service temperature range of -20 to +200 degrees F and an application temperature range of 35 to 115 degrees F. It also provides a work time of 30 to 40 minutes (at 70 degrees F) to allow for the adjustments.

 

Additionally, the product provides a high tack that helps reduce drips and sags while hardening. It will eventually fill the cavities in the wood, and you will enjoy a smooth surface.

 

The Summary of Top Features

 

  • The product generally fills the cavities on the wood surfaces and thus smoothens it.
  • It prevents your wood from shrinking, cracking, or popping, which eventually keeps the surface looking good.
  • The filler has a high tack that reduces drips and sags while hardening.
  • It provides an impressive work time of 30 to 40 minutes to allow for adjustments.
  • It has a temperature application range of 35 to 115 degrees F and a service temperature range of -20 to +200 degrees F, allowing you to engage in outdoor and indoor woodworking projects.
  • Two-part epoxy paste replaces missing or rotted wood is resistant to mildew, dry rot, UV light, and fresh and saltwater.

 

Pros

 

  • The filler generously fills cavities on your surface.
  • It is resistant to UV light and water.
  • The formula is suitable for indoor and outdoor jobs.
  • It has a work time of 30 to 40 minutes.
  • It keeps your wood from shrinking, cracking, or popping.

 

Cons

 

  • The product works best with stains tinted with darker and concrete pigments for effectiveness. Using colored paints will disappoint.

  • Elmer’s E887Q Stainable Wood Filler

 

Elmer’s E887Q Stainable Wood Filler is a solvent-free formula and thus safe to use. As an eco-friendly product, this filler will do a great job without fear of any health hazards.

 

The formula has real wood fibers for superior sanding, staining, and painting. You can comfortably use it with high-speed sanders and get relevant results. Besides that, the filler firmly holds screws, nails, and anchors.

 

The product also resists shrinking and cracking, which gives your wood a longer useful life.

 

The Summary of Top Features

 

  • The filler is solvent-free and thus very environmentally friendly, which reduces the chances of health hazards.
  • It keeps your wood from shrinking and cracking and thus preserves its beautiful look.
  • The product contains real wood fibers that allow sanding, staining, and painting.
  • The tube is resealable, which makes it convenient for small jobs.
  • The formula firmly holds anchors, screws, and nails to give you excellent woodworking results.

 

Pros

 

  • It is a solvent-free formula.
  • The product resists shrinking and cracking.
  • It firmly holds screws, nails, and anchors.
  • It contains real wood fibers.
  • You can use it with high-speed sanders.
  • The formula is excellent for small jobs.

 

Cons

 

  • The filler is not cost-effective for big jobs.
  • Users complain that it dries out quickly after opening it.

  • Abatron WoodEpox Epoxy Wood Replacement Compound

 

Abatron WoodEpox Epoxy Wood Replacement Compound is one of the best outdoor fillers that you need to get your project started. It fills wood cracks very easily and quickly while giving you a cure time of less than one hour.

 

The product gives you ample time for application and does not dry as you work. Users have said that it is easy to mold and sculpt. You can also use this formula for a more extended woodworking session because it has no noxious odors and contains no VOCs, making it very eco-friendly and safe.

 

Additionally, the formula bonds permanently to wood and other surfaces; it is applied to give an excellent finish.

 

The Summary of Top Features

 

  • The filler is concrete and shrinks free, giving your wood surface a great appearance. It contains no VOCs and thus environmentally friendly.
  • You can have longer filling sessions because the product has no noxious odors.
  • It bonds permanently to the wood, which gives an excellent finish.
  • It does not dry during application and thus gives you ample and comfortable work time.
  • Since it cures in less than an hour, it fills wood cracks pretty fast.
  • The product is easy to sand and paint, thus allowing you to work on your wood as you please.

 

Pros

 

  • The formula is solid and shrinks free.
  • It contains no VOCs or noxious odors.
  • It is easy to sand and paint.
  • The product bonds permanently to wood and other surfaces.
  • It fills wood cracks easily and quickly.
  • It has a cure time of less than one hour.
  • It has a two-part epoxy formulation.

 

Cons

 

  • It is quite expensive compared to other fillers.

  • ELMERS Available Stainable Wood Filler

 

The ELMERS Available Stainable Wood Filler is excellent for interior and exterior use. It is a patented formula that is ideal for repairing holes, dents, scratches, and defects on wood, wallboard, molding, and painted surfaces.

 

The filler has ceramic microspheres that make it very easy to sand and eliminate shrinkage, thus keeping your wood in good shape and looking great. For those who prefer sanding their wood after applying the filler, this product allows for great results. On top of that, it is stainable and works well with any stain and paint of your choice.

 

The product being solvent-free makes it safe for use, and you do not have to worry about health hazards. Besides that, you can easily clean it with water, and thus maintaining your wood after applying the filler is very easy.

 

 The Summary of Top Features

 

  • The product can be used in interior and exterior applications, allowing you to engage in various woodworking projects.
  • The filler has ceramic microspheres that make it very easy to sand and eliminate shrinkage.
  • The product does not shrink or crack, and therefore a great one for exterior uses such as staining, sanding, and sanding.
  • It is straightforward to maintain your wood once you have applied the filler because you can clean it with water.
  • It is a solvent-free formula, thus safe for use.

 

Pros

 

  • The filler is so good for small jobs.
  • It is easy to clean up with water.
  • It has a convenient tube for application.
  • You can use the formula with any stain of your choice.
  • It is very sticky.
  • The product is usable in both exterior and interior applications.
  • It is durable.

 

Cons

 

  • It is most practical for small jobs.
  • The filler dries out very fast after opening.

  • J-B Weld 40007 Wood Restore Premium Epoxy Putty Kit

 

The J-B Weld 40007 Wood Restore Premium Epoxy Putty Kit is a hand mixable product that is uniquely designed to repair and rebuild wood quickly and easily. As you apply it, it adds structural strength to damaged or rotten areas of your wood.

 

You can use the formula to fill, rebuild, reinforce, and bond wood surfaces, even in the harshest environments, because when you mix it, a polymer compound forms which cures to the same density as the wood. 

 

This filler works well for both interior and exterior woodworking projects. It contains no solvents and will not rot, shrink, crack or pull away. After 60 minutes, you can sand, tap, machine, drip, file, or paint it.

 

No project is too big or too small when working with this filler. It is versatile and dependable, making it an excellent pick for repairs to doors, windows, furniture, exterior posts, window frames and sills, and large cracks, among other significant repairs.

 

The Summary of Top Features

 

  • The product meets your filling needs as it is convenient for both big and small projects.
  • It is a hand mixable epoxy putty that adds structural strength to areas of rotted or damaged wood.
  • The formula is versatile, making it excellent for significant repairs such as repairing doors, windows and furniture, exterior posts, and window frames.
  • It is effortless to use when filling, rebuilding and reinforcing wood, thus giving an enjoyable experience.
  • When applied on wood, it can be sanded, machined, filed, and painted, giving you a wide range of options.
  • It preserves your wood as it keeps it from shrinking, cracking, and pulling away.

 

Pros

 

  • The filler works well for small and big projects.
  • It is versatile and dependable.
  • The product is easy to use.
  • It works in the most challenging environment.
  • It keeps wood from cracking and shrinking.
  • The formula adds structural strength to damaged wood.
  • It is a good pick for both indoor and outdoor jobs.

 

Cons

 

  • This product does not bond multiple wood pieces together like wood glue.

  • 3M 20131 Bondo Rotted Wood Restorer

 

Wood Rot is a rampant issue for most homeowners, regardless of where you reside. However, it can quickly be taken care of when you use the 3M 20131 Bondo Rotted Wood Restorer, which penetrates soft, spongy, and rotted wood fibers to create a pretty hard surface.

 

The filler dries clear and tracks free in 2 hours, giving an elegant and smooth finish. It is stainable and paintable, and you can carry on with whichever option suits you. Besides that, it is water-resistant, and thus your wood is kept safe from the damage that water may cause. Your wood is, therefore, safe from future rot.

 

A built-in brush applicator is to the lid for convenient application. Additionally, the liquid dries very fast, and in 2 hours, you have an elegantly smooth finish.

 

The summary of Top Features

 

  • The formula is water-resistant, and this preserves the wood from future rot.
  • It hardens the wood and stops rot making the wood suitable for use.
  • When dry, the product can be stained or painted, which gives you the freedom to do with your wood as you please.
  • The formula penetrates soft, spongy, and rotted wood fibers to create a hard surface.
  • The liquid dries clear and tack-free in 2 hours to give an elegantly smooth finish.

 

Pros

 

  • The product is water-resistant.
  • When dry, you can paint or stain your wood.
  • The formula dries clear and tacks free within 2 hours,
  • It stops rot and hardens wood surfaces.
  • It gives an elegantly smooth finish.
  • You can stain or paint it.

 

Cons

 

  • The formula has a strong odor, and you should avoid breathing it in.

  • DAP 211442 Plastic Latex Based Wood Filler

 

The DAP 211442 Plastic Latex Based Wood Filler is a low odor formula that makes it convenient for your long woodworking sessions. The low odor keeps you comfortable as you work.

 

The filler gives your wood a longer useful life and an excellent finish because it does not shrink or crack. One cannot tell if you have used a filler after painting or staining because it blends well with the wood surface. On top of that, you can clean it with water, thus easy to maintain.

 

The Summary of Top Features

 

  • You can comfortably have longer filling sessions because the formula has low odor.
  • It will not shrink or crack; therefore gives your wood a great elegant look.
  • Maintaining the p[roduct is so easy because you can clean it with water.
  • It blends so well with the wood surface, and you can comfortably stain or paint your wood after filling.
  • It is straightforward to use, and thus your job becomes more enjoyable.

 

Pros

 

  • The product will not shrink or crack.
  • It is a low odor formula.
  • You can easily clean it with water.
  • It is convenient for hardware.
  • It blends nicely with the wood surface.
  • The filler is easy to use.

 

Cons

 

  • Once you open the product, it is hard to reseal, and thus it dries out very fast.

  • DAP INC 18741 Platinum 16OZ Patch Filler

 

The DAP INC 18741 Platinum 16OZ Patch Filler provides waterproofing for your wood, preventing further rot and damage. You can therefore use your wood for outdoor activities without the fear of unfavorable weather changes.

 

The filler is resistant to UV rays, which is an attribute that prevents your wood from discoloring or fading, which helps to keep your wood beautiful.

 

Additionally, the product is straightforward to apply, after which you can comfortably sand or paint it. The filler’s low odor makes it comfortable to work without the fear of any health side effects.

 

The Summary of Top Features

 

  • The filler is UV rays resistant and thus preserves your wood from discoloring or fading.
  • It has excellent waterproofing qualities and keeps your wood from rotting.
  • The product offers an effortless application, and you work faster.
  • It is sandable and paintable because it blends well with the wood surface to make it hard.
  • It has a very low odor, which allows you to work for longer.

 

Pros

 

  • The product is easy to use.
  • You can paint or stain once you finish filling.
  • It provides exceptional waterproofing for your wood.
  • The filler keeps your wood from UV rays.
  • It has very little odor.
  • It dries hard and gives a smooth finish.

 

Cons

 

  • You should prim before painting or staining.

  • Protective Coatings 16333 12 oz PC-Woody Epoxy Paste

 

The Protective Coatings 16333 12 oz PC-Woody Epoxy Paste is specially formulated to replace missing or rotted wood resistant to mildew, UV rays, and water. It keeps your wood from discoloring as well as rotting.

 

The filler has a service temperature range of -20 to +200 degrees F and an application temperature range of 35 to 115 degrees F, thus convenient for outdoor and indoor projects. As the product fills the wood, it gives it a more significant structural strength by hardening it. On top of that, the high tack helps reduce dripping and sagging as the wood is hardening.

 

The Summary of Top Features

 

  • The two-part epoxy paste replaces missing and rotted wood and makes it resistant to mildew and dry rot.
  • It has a high tack that helps to reduce drips and sags while hardening.
  • The product is right for outdoor and indoor applications and, therefore, usable for various woodworking projects.
  • It is UV resistant and thus keeps your wood from discoloring or fading.

 

Pros

 

  • The filler gives exceptional structurer strength.
  • It is resistant to mildew and dry rot.
  • The product preserves wood from both fresh and salty water. 
  • It has a high tack that reduces any drips and sags.
  • It is right for either outdoor or indoor jobs.
  • The formula is UV resistant.

 

Cons

 

  • The product is a two-part proxy, and therefore you cannot thin it to make it easier to repair shallow or delicate areas.

  • Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler

 

Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler is a formula for all woodworkers, whether professionals or DIYers; it is easy to use and water-based. You can mix it with any pigments, dyes, or stains of your choice, depending on the outcome you want. On top of that, you can stain, sand, prim, fill, or seal it to get an excellent finish.

 

The filler is a green product as it is very eco friendly. It is made with zero VOC and is not toxic and thus a very safe product to use. The formula also blends well with the wood and hardens it not to shrink, sink or crack.

 

The Summary of Top Features

 

  • The filler is a green product; it has zero VOC, zero waste, and is non-toxic, thus very eco friendly.
  • It is made for all your woodworking needs because you can stain, sand, tint, prim, fill or seal it.
  • The product hardens very well and gives you quite a solid surface.
  • It is a superior filler for both professionals and DIYers as it is straightforward to use.
  • You can mix the filler with any pigment, tint, stain, or dye, depending on the finish you want.
  • It hardens your surface such that it does not shrink, sink, or crack.

 

Pros

 

  • The formula is a green product.
  • It is very easy to sand, stain, tint, prime, fill, and seal.
  • The filler is hardy and consistent.
  • It is of high quality and money-saving.
  • It is the best for both professionals and DIYers.
  • The product accepts any stain.
  • You can mix it with any pigment.

 

Cons

 

  • The filler is not suitable for big projects.

 

Best Exterior Wood Filler Buyer’s Guide

 

Wood fillers have become a familiar formula in most of the work stations. They offer an excellent remedy for rotten wood and save you from the hustle of replacing the wood. The formula blends so well with the wood to give you an impressively hard surface that you can sand, stain or paint.

 

Therefore, a wood filler is a product to have, whether you do woodworking as a profession or as a hobby. However, not every formula is suitable for your needs. Thus, I have looked at some of the reasons you need to get the most appropriate wood filler and essential considerations to make as you shop for one.

 

Reasons why you need to have the best wood filler

 

  • The product is easy to use, and therefore you get your work done quickly.
  • It blends with your wood to make it harder and resistant to shrinking and cracking.
  • The filler is convenient for both outdoor and indoor use.
  • It is waterproof and preserves your wood from discoloring.
  • You can stain or paint the product dispensing on your woodworking needs.
  • The formula is easy to clean with water.
  • It binds with the wood surface to give an excellent finish.
  • The product adds structural strength to damaged wood.

 

Factors to consider when getting the best wood filler

  • Environmental concerns

 

Fillers are of various components. Some are harmful, while some are not. You need to be keen as you are making your purchase so that they can get one that has fewer VOCs and is less toxic. Working with a poisonous filler is not only harmful to the environment but your health. Please check the contents of the product so that you can make a safe decision.

  • Application

 

As a woodworker, you would not want to be limited to only outdoor projects or indoor projects. You want the freedom to work on whatever you want, wherever you want. Therefore, as you are getting a filler, get one that gives you such freedom for exceptional results.

  • Ease of use

 

Various filters work differently based on how they are applied. Complicated fillers can sometimes demotivate you and slow your project work. That is why you should get a formula that you can use as you enjoy your work.

  • Ability to be stained or painted

 

Most of the time, after filling the wood, you would want to stain or paint it. When buying a filler, it would be wise to get one that allows for painting and staining to get a better finish.

  • Drying time

 

Drying time varies with the filler that you are using because they work differently. If you want a quicker drying time, ensure you are getting a filler that dries faster.

Conclusion

You don’t have to dispose of your wood anytime it starts to rot because using a suitable filler will work magic for you. The formula will penetrate the rotted wood and give it a sturdy structure. The wood will harden so well that it will not be prone to shrinking or cracking. On top of that, some fillers are water and UV resistant. They keep your wood from further rotting, as well as discoloration and fading.

All the products I have reviewed above will give you great results. However, my best pick is the FamoWood Latex Wood Filler – Natural. It has a quick drying time of 15 minutes, and you will not notice any cracking, crumbling, or shrinkage. It is environmentally friendly and comes in multiple colors so that you can choose the one that naturally matches your wood tone. On top of that, it takes in paint and stains like real wood giving you ample time during staining and painting.

Image of a woodworker wearing hearing protectors for woodworking

Tyron Otieno

Tyron is an avid woodworker and writer. He founded this website to help other woodworkers, whether hobbyists or professionals by sharing his knowledge and experiencie after a decade of woodworking.