Best hacks on how to fill large gaps in wood

Mechanical damage, rotting, or even woodpeckers can lead to the deterioration of huge holes in wood. Large holes in your wood piece would make it look unattractive. It would be preferable if you developed a method for filling the holes. But how do you do it? This article will provide a step-by-step tutorial on how to fill large gaps in wood to make the piece look as good as new.

How do you fill large holes in wood?

No matter the type of wood fixture we have, degradation could happen at one point or another. At times degradation could be the large holes forming on your wood piece. However, that doesn’t mean we throw away the piece of wood.

Using wood fillers combined with craft sticks and other ways is the common and the best way of filling large holes in wood. Wood fillers often comprise wood dust combined with a binder that dries and a thinner, and sometimes a pigment.

At other times, wood fillers can compose of synthetic materials that will often accept wood finishing products. Then, wood fillers will cover the holes and make the wood furniture or wall look as good as new.

Tools Required when using the methods of filling large holes in wood

• Putty Knife
• Hacksaw with a blade of metal
• Hammer (preferably wooden)
• Wood drills or milling cutter
• Sandpaper
• For safety, arm yourself with goggles and gloves.

Methods of filling Large Holes In Any Piece of Wood

1. Using sawdust and wood glue.

This method works best for both small and large holes. It is the basic process of making wood fillers. It works by mixing sawdust and white wood glue in equal parts, which produce a paste that you can use to fill in gaps.

Moreover, you can use this method by;

• applying a thick layer of wood glue to the hole
• filling it with sawdust
• then sealing it with a thick layer of wood glue on the top.

Using this method, ensure that the sawdust and wood glue color match the initial piece of wood. This method is convenient because both sawdust and wood glue can be sanded and painted once dry.

Steps by step way of filling the hole with sawdust and wood glue

1. When the hole penetrates through the wood, tape off the base using a thin piece of wood or cardboard.
2. Mix the selected equal parts of sawdust with wood glue thoroughly.
3. Fill the hole with the mixture, allow it to dry, and then sand and paint it.

2. Using dowels and wood glue.

Using wooden dowels and wood glue is one of the unique methods of filling large holes in wood. This method is efficient for large and cylindrical holes, like if you created a too big hole with a power drill or a drill press.

Dowels are mostly used to fill relatively deep and narrow holes that are circular. In this method;

• cut a dowel down to the required size,
• give it a few score lines to let the wood glue adhere,
• cover the dowel with glue, and put it in the hole.

This procedure can also be applied to somewhat larger holes. To extend the overall circumference, glue or tie multiple dowels together.

Steps by step way of using dowels and wood glue

1. If the hole penetrates through the wood, seal the backside off with tape.
2. Cut down a wood dowel that is the same length as the hole.
3. Score the dowel along its length severally to make the glue adhere and then cover it in glue.
4. Shove the dowel into the hole, rotate it a few times to let the glue spread; if necessary, fill in any remaining gaps with the wood glue.
5. Allow it to dry before you sand and paint it.

3. Using Epoxy.

Epoxy is a wood filler for large holes. It is easy to use because it is pliant and easy to handle. It is commonly made from polyester and wood pulp mixture.

When using epoxy, you mix it like dough and mold it like clay even after it has dried. Then, when it hardens, you can carve it just like any wood. Two-part epoxy is ideal for fixing door jambs, moldings, baseboard, wood trim, and wood sills.

The best thing about epoxy is that you can drill or screw into it later if you need it in the future. Moreover, the benefit of using epoxy to fill large holes is that it creates a very tight bond, a strong seal, and it is temperature and weather-resistant, and very permanent too.

However, quality epoxy is expensive, and therefore if you require a lot of it, you will spend a lot of money. Also, it is impossible to sand and paint epoxy.

Steps by step way of using epoxy

1. Mix two-part epoxy depending on the directions.
2. Apply it on the hole as fast as possible and smooth it out before it dries.
3. Allow it to dry.
4. It needs 24 hours to dry. You may try to sand it thereafter, though it won’t work well.
5. When the hole is deep and wide, you can fill it with sawdust before applying a thin layer of epoxy over it. This will help you reduce the cost.

For the best epoxy, I would recommend wood putty or similar products. It is created with real wood to work well with woodwork projects with stains and topcoats, making it ideal for mantels, trim, and cabinets.

It is best for both interior and exterior applications because it forms a very tight bond that is weather resistant. In addition to that, it can resist shrinking and expand along with the wood as it expands.

However, wood putty takes a very long period to dry. It might also change colors as it dries, depending on the weather and light conditions. Also, putty might cause harm to raw wood; therefore, you should apply it on top of a sealant.

Steps of applying wood putty as a filler

1. Apply the sealant first if the wood is raw.
2. Mix your putty well to have an even and smooth consistency.
3. Use a trowel or spackle applicator to fill the hole.
4. You can fill the hole several times if it is conspicuous.
5. Allow it to dry.

4. Using toothpicks and wood glue.

This method is almost similar to the one where we use dowels and wood glue. However, the difference is, toothpicks are much shorter than dowels, making them best for fewer deep holes. Although, if the hole is vast, you can glue the toothpicks together to increase their diameter.

This method can be applied to both interior and exterior wood fixtures. The glue used is easy to sand and paint, dries fast, and is cost-effective.

Steps by steps of way of using toothpicks

1. If the holes pass through the wood, tape off its base.
2. Bunch several toothpicks together depending on how wide the hole is, using glue.
3. Put some wood glue in the hole, take the glue-covered toothpicks, and put them in the hole.
4. Fill in any more gaps with more wood glue.
5. Allow the glue to dry, sand it and paint it.

6. Using Spackle.

This is a kind of putty made of gypsum plaster consisting of glue and calcium sulfate. It is the best for fixing minor interior wood problems and filling small and large cracks and holes in drywall, baseboard, door jambs, and trims.

The reason why spackle is ideal for filling large holes is that it is thick. In addition to that, it comes in many colors, dries very hard, sands well, and can be painted.

However, its drawback is that it is not weather-resistant, not easy to apply stain, it might shrink, and you may be required to apply several coats.

On the other hand, it is very cost-effective.

Steps by steps ways of using spackle

1. Prepare the area with light sanding and wipe with a clean rag or cloth.
2. Apply enough spackle to fill the hole and cover the area completely.
3. Shove the spackle into the hole with the putty knife and wipe off the excess.
4. Allow it to dry completely, then sand as required and clean with a damp cloth.

7. Using Acrylic Caulking with Silicone.

This kind of large holes wood filler performs well with exterior wood due to its moisture resistance. This is an excellent external wood filler for large holes, cracks, gaps, and even medium-sized holes. It is ideal for exterior use since it is moisture resistant, and it is easy to apply using a caulking gun.

It is the ideal method for simple repairs when you are not required to sand or paint anything after. However, caulking is not affordable, and it’s not best for filling huge holes.

Steps by steps ways of using acrylic caulking

1. Clean the area.
2. Apply the caulking.
3. Allow it to dry.

8. Using Polyester Paste.

This kind of wood filler works the same way as epoxy, but the method of application varies. First, a wood hardener is applied with a brush to strengthen the wood, followed by a resin.

Typically, this wood filler needs at least two coats. However, it begins to harden in 15 minutes, and it is ideal for rotten, degraded wood.

Polyester paste requires a somewhat toxic hardener. You can paint and sand it, but it doesn’t allow stains.

Moreover, all the above methods will require you to have specific tools:

Tips to Note when filling the large holes

• Always overfill the holes to have a little bit of material to sand back and make it flush.
• If you are in doubt, use the easiest method that will get the job done.
• The main aim of filling large holes is to replace the missing material as it had never left.
• Ensure that you get high-quality wood glue that will not disappoint you.
• Take time to consider your finish because many of these methods are noticeable in the end.

Conclusion.

To sum up, note that, no matter the method you choose after you fill the hole, you will level the surface again. Therefore, ensure that you use a sanding block to level your fill.

Leveling will help create a smooth and even surface where the hole has been filled. Nonetheless, follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer and seek professional assistance if need be.