Best Wood Filler for Doors: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Bespoke Fittings Specialist
Doors take more abuse than almost any other part of a home. In York's older properties, the constant movement, combined with our damp northern climate, frequently leads to cracks, rot, or loose hinges. I'm often asked if a damaged door needs replacing, or if it can be saved with filler.
The answer is usually yes, it can be saved—but only if you use the correct product. There is a massive difference between a cosmetic ready-mixed filler for a pinhole in an architrave and a two-part chemical hardener needed to rebuild a rotten door stile.
In this review, I've selected three distinct fillers I keep in the van. We'll look at a budget option for cosmetic snags, a heavy-duty two-part system for structural repairs, and a quick-drying multi-purpose tub for general maintenance.
Live in York?
Struggling with sticking doors or rotten frames?
Get a free quote from our local team.
Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "'Stainable' Wood Filler"
"Manufacturers claim fillers absorb wood stain exactly like the surrounding timber for an invisible repair."
In 20 years, I've never seen a filler verifyably take stain perfectly. It usually absorbs more or less pigment than the wood. Always test a small patch first, or plan to paint over it for a truly seamless finish.
The Spec: "Usage: 'Interior & Exterior'"
"One tub does it all, from skirting boards to front door thresholds."
Standard one-part fillers absorb moisture. If you use a basic ready-mixed filler on an external door in York without painting it immediately and perfectly, it will swell and pop out within six months. For exterior structural work, always stick to two-part additives.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Bartoline Ready Mixed Wood Filler White 500g
Bartoline
For straightforward internal snags—like filling screw holes in skirting or minor dings in painted internal doors—you don't need expensive chemical compounds. Bartoline offers excellent value for these low-stress cosmetic jobs.
The Good
- Incredibly cheap at under £3
- Easy to wash off tools with water
- Sands down very smoothly
The Bad
- Not suitable for deep structural repairs
- Will shrink slightly in large holes (requires second coat)
Installer Tip:
Because this is water-based, it can shrink as it dries. Leave the filler slightly 'proud' (sticking out) of the hole, then sand it flush once completely dry. Do not try to fill a deep hole in one go; apply it in layers.
Priced at £2.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonRonseal 35304 High Performance Wood Filler - Natural 550g
Ronseal
This is a two-part filler (base and hardener) which triggers a chemical reaction. It sets rock hard and bonds aggressively to timber. This is the only product on this list I would trust for repairing a rotten external door frame or fixing a stripped hinge screw hole.
The Good
- Can be drilled, screwed, and planed once cured
- Chemically bonds to wood—won't pop out
- Does not shrink
The Bad
- Strong solvent smell (use in ventilated area)
- Goes hard very quickly—you have limited working time
Installer Tip:
Mix only a golf-ball-sized amount at a time. In warm weather, this stuff can go off in under 10 minutes. If you are repairing a stripped hinge screw, fill the hole with this, let it set hard, pilot drill it, and your screw will hold better than it did in the original wood.
Priced at £14.47 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonEverbuild Multipurpose Wood Filler – White 250ml
Everbuild
Everbuild strikes a balance between the budget Bartoline and the industrial Ronseal. It's a high-quality ready-mixed filler that dries impressively fast. It's ideal for tradesmen who need to fill, sand, and paint in a single visit.
The Good
- Fast curing time speeds up the job
- Low odour compared to two-part fillers
- Available in various wood tones (White reviewed here)
The Bad
- More expensive per litre than basic fillers
- Not as structurally strong as the two-part Ronseal
Installer Tip:
If the filler in the tub starts to feel a bit stiff or dry after being stored in the van for a few months, add a tiny drop of warm water and mix it in. It revives the consistency perfectly for smooth application.
Priced at £4.16 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Can I use wood filler to fix a loose door hinge?
How long should I wait before painting over wood filler?
Should I use wood filler on extensive rot?
Is wood filler waterproof?
Need Professional Internal & External Door Fitting?
Our team at DR Joinery specialises in Internal & External Door Fitting across York.
Get a free quote for professional installation.
View Our Internal & External Door Fitting Service