Best Wood Filler for Restoration & Joinery in York: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Bespoke Fittings Specialist
In the trade, we have a saying: 'Filler is the painter's best friend, but the joiner's dirty secret.' The truth is, whether you are installing high-end bespoke fitted wardrobes or restoring a 100-year-old staircase in a York terrace, wood filler is an essential consumable in the van.
However, not all fillers are created equal. I've seen homeowners in York use standard interior ready-mix on a rotting exterior window sill, only to watch it crumble out after the first winter frost. There is a massive difference between cosmetic surface fillers and structural two-part systems.
In this review, I'm breaking down the three types of filler I keep in my workshop: a budget decorator's filler for fine finishing, a heavy-duty two-part system for structural repairs, and a convenient kit for quick DIY fixes.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: ""Stainable" Claims"
"Manufacturers claim wood filler accepts stain just like natural timber."
In 20 years, I've never seen a filler absorb stain at the exact same rate as the surrounding wood. It almost always looks patchy. If you intend to stain (rather than paint), used a coloured filler or mix sawdust with PVA glue for a better match.
The Spec: "Structural Integrity"
"Ready-mixed fillers can fix deep holes and structural damage."
Ready-mixed filler is for cosmetics (pin holes, grain, calm cracks). For anything deeper than 5mm or load-bearing (like a screw hole or hinge repair), you absolutely must use a two-part chemically hardening filler, or the repair will fail.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Bartoline Ready Mixed Wood Filler White 1kg, Durable and Easy-to-Use Filler for Interior and Exterior Wood Repairs
Bartoline
This is a staple in the decorator's arsenal. It's not for structural repairs, but for smoothing out surface imperfections, skirting board joints, and finishing fitted furniture before painting, you cannot beat the value of this 1kg tub.
The Good
- Excellent value at under £5 for a kilogram
- Sands down extremely smooth (easy to feather out)
- Perfect for internal joinery like skirting and architraves
The Bad
- Will shrink if applied in deep layers (over 5mm)
- Not suitable for structural repairs or heavy load-bearing areas
Installer Tip:
When finishing bespoke fitted wardrobes, use this to fill the pin holes from the nail gun. Apply it slightly proud, let it dry fully, then sand with 180-grit paper. It takes paint beautifully and makes the fixings invisible.
Priced at £4.49 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonRonseal High Performance Wood Filler - White 550g
Ronseal
This is what we use when we encounter rot in York's older properties. Ideally suited for repairing damaged sash windows or door frames where the wood needs to be rebuilt. It sets rock hard and can be drilled and screwed.
The Good
- Structural strength - repairs are often stronger than the original wood
- Fast curing chemically (sets in 30 mins regardless of depth)
- Does not shrink or crack
The Bad
- Strong styrene smell (requires good ventilation)
- Goes off very quickly - you must work fast
- Difficult to sand by hand once fully cured (needs power sanding)
Installer Tip:
Don't mix too much at once! In hot weather, this can go off in under 10 minutes. Mix a golf-ball size amount with a pea-sized amount of hardener. Shape it slightly proud of the surface while it's putty-like, then use a rasp or surform just as it starts to kick (harden) before final sanding.
Priced at £14.63 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonWhite Wood Filler Set – 330g Tube with 2 Spreaders & 2 Sandpapers
Striyco Essentials
For homeowners looking to touch up scratches on furniture or fill minor gaps without buying separate tools, this kit is brilliant. The tube format is less messy than a tub, preventing the filler from drying out between uses.
The Good
- Complete kit implies no need to buy extra tools
- Tube reduces waste compared to tubs that skin over
- Good consistency for filling vertical cracks without sagging
The Bad
- Expensive per kg compared to the Bartoline tub
- Small quantity - not suitable for large renovation projects
Installer Tip:
This is handy to keep in the kitchen drawer for quick touch-ups on painted furniture or scuffs on frames. Use the plastic spreader provided to press the filler firmly into the grain—don't just wipe it over the top, or it will fall out when it dries.
Priced at £9.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Can I screw into wood filler?
How do I prepare a rotten window sill for filler?
Should I prime before or after filling?
What improves the finish on bespoke fitted wardrobes?
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