Best Wood Filler for Floors: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Bespoke Fittings Specialist
If you own an older property in York, you are likely familiar with the character flaws of wooden floors: gaps between boards, cracks from central heating drying out the timber, and the inevitable scratch from furniture. Filling these imperfections correctly is crucial not just for aesthetics, but to stop drafts and protect the timber.
Many homeowners make the mistake of grabbing the first tub of filler they see, only to find it cracking or popping out six months later. Wood is a natural material that breathes and moves; your filler needs to accommodate that, or be used in the right context.
In this review, I'll assess three different filler options I've come across. We will look at a budget basic for paint-grade work, a comprehensive kit for cosmetic repairs, and a problem-solver for those tricky cracks.
Live in York?
Need professional help with your flooring restoration?
Get a free quote from our team today.
Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Stainable Wood Filler"
"The packaging often claims the filler accepts stain exactly like real wood."
Filler is porous but lacks grain. Even 'stainable' fillers usually absorb pigment differently to the surrounding Oak or Pine, often appearing darker or distinctly flat. Always test a patch first.
The Spec: "Fills Large Gaps"
"You can fill any size gap with a single application."
For gaps wider than 5-6mm, filler alone will eventually crack or sink. In professional joinery, we would 'slip' the floor (inserting a sliver of timber) for a proper structural repair before using filler for the final finish.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Bartoline Ready Mixed Wood Filler White 500g
Bartoline
This is a staple 'bread and butter' product for general joinery. It is incredibly affordable and decent for general repairs, but because it is white, it is best suited for floors you intend to paint, or for skirting boards rather than exposed natural grain flooring.
The Good
- Extremely economical option
- Easy to sand down to a smooth finish
- Good adhesion for general repairs
The Bad
- White colour is difficult to hide on clear-coated timber
- Can shrink slightly in deeper holes requiring a second coat
Installer Tip:
If using this on a deep hole, fill it slightly proud of the surface. As it dries, it will shrink back. Once fully hard, sand it flush with the floor for a seamless level.
Priced at £2.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonLaminate Floor Repair Kit, High-Performance Wood Filler with Beeswax
Lifreer
This kit is more about restoration than construction. If you have a finished hardwood or laminate floor with unsightly scratches or chips, this 12-colour set allows for excellent colour matching. It uses a wax/putty system rather than a hardening paste, making it flexible.
The Good
- Excellent colour range allows extensive mixing
- Doesn't require sanding, preserving the existing floor finish
- Suitable for laminate which cannot be sanded
The Bad
- Not suitable for structural gaps or large holes
- More expensive upfront cost
Installer Tip:
Don't just use a single colour block. Real wood has varied tones. Melt a little of a darker shade into a lighter one to mimic the natural grain of the timber you are repairing. It tricks the eye much more effectively.
Priced at £16.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonWood Furniture Repair Kit, Colour Mixing Touch Up Filler
Cncedi
This product bridges the gap between a hard filler and a cosmetic wax. The tube application makes it very easy to inject into specific cracks or splits in the floorboards. With four mixable colours, you can achieve a respectable match for most oak or pine floors.
The Good
- Tube nozzle is great for getting into narrow floor cracks
- Colours can be mixed to dial in the shade
- Water-resistant once fully cured
The Bad
- Smaller quantity than tub fillers
- Requires 48 hours away from water to cure fully
Installer Tip:
When using the mixing method, always mix a shade slightly darker than you think you need. Wood filler often dries lighter, and a darker repair looks like a natural knot, whereas a lighter repair looks like a mistake.
Priced at £5.79 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to fill large gaps in floorboards?
Does wood filler accept stain well?
Why does my filler keep cracking?
Can I use decorators caulk for skirting to floor gaps?
Need Professional Hardwood Flooring Installation?
Our team at DR Joinery specialises in Hardwood Flooring Installation across York.
Get a free quote for professional installation.
View Our Hardwood Flooring Installation Service