Wood Filler vs Putty: Which Is Better for Hardwood Floors?

It depends on the type of repair and whether the floor will be refinished:

• Wood filler is ideal before sanding and finishing hardwood floors. It fills larger gaps and imperfections, and can be sanded and stained along with the rest of the floor for a seamless look.

• Wood putty is better for minor surface touch-ups like small scratches, dents, or nail holes on already finished floors. It’s not meant to be sanded or stained, but it blends well with existing finishes when color-matched properly.