Best Wood Filler for Skirting Boards: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Bespoke Fittings Specialist
Nothing ruins the look of a newly fitted room faster than visible nail holes or gaping mitres in the skirting boards. In York's older properties, where walls are rarely straight, achieving a seamless transition requires patience and the right materials.
Many homeowners confuse flexible decorators' caulk with wood filler. Whilst caulk is essential for the gap between the skirting and the wall, a sandable wood filler is vital for the board itself—specifically for external mitres and fixing holes.
In this review, I'll walk you through three filling products I've assessed. We'll look at a budget tub that's a trade staple, a complete kit for homeowners, and a fast-drying option for when time is of the essence.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "'One Application' Claims"
"Manufacturers often claim their filler won't shrink and needs only one coat."
Almost all water-based fillers shrink slightly upon drying. For a professional finish, expect to fill, let it dry, sand, and then do a second 'fine' fill.
The Spec: "'Stainable' Wood Filler"
"The filler claims to accept wood stain to match natural timber."
Filler lacks grain structure. Even 'stainable' versions often dry a different shade to the surrounding timber. They work best if you plan to paint the skirting, not stain it.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Bartoline Ready Mixed Wood Filler White 500g – Durable & Easy-to-Use Filler for Interior & Exterior Wood Repairs
Bartoline
This is a staple in many joiners' vans for a reason. It is exceptionally affordable and nice and soft to work with. For standard painted skirting boards where you just need to hide pin holes and hairline cracks in mitres, this is the cost-effective choice.
The Good
- Excellent price point for the quantity
- Very easy to sand down smooth
- Adheres well to softwood skirting
The Bad
- Is prone to slight shrinkage on deeper holes
- Standard white colour can be stark against natural woods
Installer Tip:
Use a damp sponge to wipe off excess filler before it dries. It saves you hours of sanding later and keeps the profile of the skirting moulding sharp.
Priced at £2.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonWood Filler White 500g – Interior & Exterior Quick-Drying, Weather-Resistant Wood Putty with Flexible 3" Filling Tool
APHY ENTERPRISES
Whilst more expensive than the budget option, this tub offers a robust, weather-resistant formula and includes a flexible filling tool. It is ideal for homeowners who don't have a full kit of tools yet and need a reliable, all-in-one solution for skirting maintenance.
The Good
- Comes with a decent applicator tool
- Formulated for both interior and exterior use
- Resist moisture better than cheaper alternatives
The Bad
- Significantly higher price per kg compared to trade brands
- Overkill for simple pin holes in dry bedrooms
Installer Tip:
This filler is weather-resistant, making it a safer bet for skirting boards near external doors or in bathrooms where condensation occurs.
Priced at £8.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonEverbuild Multipurpose Wood Filler – Suitable for Indoor and Outdoor Use – Sandable – Light Stainable – 250ml
Everbuild
When you are on a tight schedule, waiting for filler to dry is a nuisance. Everbuild works brilliantly here, being touch-dry in 15 minutes and sandable in 30. It is also one of the better options if you intend to varnish rather than paint, as it takes stain reasonably well.
The Good
- Incredibly fast curing time speeds up the job
- Low odour and solvent-free
- Waterproof once fully dry
The Bad
- Smaller 250ml tub for the price
- Sets quite hard, so ensure you sand before it becomes rock solid
Installer Tip:
Because this sets fast, only mix or take out what you can use in 5-10 minutes. If you are filling a large gap, build it up in layers rather than one big lump to prevent cracking.
Priced at £4.16 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Should I use wood filler or caulk for skirting boards?
How do I get a smooth finish on skirting board filler?
Can I use wood filler on rot in skirting boards?
Do I need to prime wood filler before painting?
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