How to Hide Gaps in Wood

Fill gapsand cracks with real wood.

It's common for wood to split. It dries out, cracks, separates and leaves a gap. Putty is not always appropriate for cracks, splits or gaps. It just doesn't have the holding or filling power of real wood. To properly fill and cover gaps, use real wood from the same species. You can permanently hide any gap in wood and, in the process, stop it from cracking or splitting even further.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Scrap wood
• Band saw
• Stationary sander
• Glue in glue bottle
• Hammer
• 100-grit sandpaper
• Hand block
• Stain pencil (optional)

Instructions

1. Measure the width and length of the gap with a measuring tape. Using the measurement, draw the approximate size and shape of the gap on a separate, matching piece of scrap wood of the same species.

2. Cut the drawing out on a band saw. If it is too big to fit into the gap, use a stationary sander to surgically sand the piece of wood thin on one side. Test the fit by inserting the edge of the piece into the gap.

3. Hold the piece on the stationary sander to sand it thinner on one side, until the edge of it fits into the gap.

4. Inject glue into the gap with the tip of a glue bottle. Place the thin edge of the wood into the gap. Use a hammer to tap it hard into the gap. When the wood is started into the gap the full length, hit it hard. It's okay if it breaks off. Hit it several times until it flattens and drives into the gap as far as it can go. Let the glue dry for one hour.

5. Sand over the top of the smashed wood with 100-grit sandpaper on a hand block. Sand parallel to the direction of the wood until the new filler piece of wood is blended and flush with the surface of the existing wood. Use a matching stain pencil to color in the area if it has a stain.

Tips & Warnings

• Use resin glue if possible. It comes in different colors to match existing wood, and dries harder than traditional wood glue. If you don't have a band saw or stationary sander, use a knife to cut off a piece of scrap wood for a gap filler. Sand it down with a hand sanding block.

• Always wear safety glasses when working with wood.