It is easy to repair a damaged deck board using a wood filler. Wood filler (known as wood putty) works like a wood epoxy or joint filler, but is specifically used to fill in small cracks, and holes on wood surfaces. As it can be used either inside or outside it is especially useful on wood decks to repair holes and cracks. Even if your deck is in basically good shape, a wood filler can smooth out any imperfections and make it look like new.

Using a wood filler to repair your deck is an easy DIY task. Just following these three easy steps will show you how to repairing deck boards with wood putty.

1. Choosing a Wood Filler:

There are two primary types of wood filler; water-based wood filler and solvent-based wood filler. Water-based wood fillers adhere easily to surfaces and clean up easily, but they’re best for light applications. If you need to do some heavy duty repair, consider going with a solvent wood fillers. These fillers contain actual wood and are capable of being sanded, drilled and stained. If you want to achieve a perfect blend, solvent-based fillers are the best choice. If properly applied, the filler will be completely unnoticeable after the job is finished.

2. Preparation:

Before beginning, clean the deck thoroughly to remove any dirt, debris or mildew. A mild soap and water solution can do the trick in most cases. A pressure washer is most effective. Oxygen bleach solutions are also extremely effective in removing stubborn dirt and stains. Remove all dirt and contaminants from your deck, and make sure that the wood surface is completely dry before you proceed.

3. Repairing Deck Boards with Wood Filler

Using putty knife place a dab of wood filler directly over the crack or imperfection that you wish to cover. Firmly spread the filler over the blemish, filling it in as much as possible. After covering the imperfection, use the putty knife to skim across the surface and wipe away the excess filler.

Allow the filler to dry completely before your proceed. Small patches may dry within a couple of hours, especially in the presence of sunlight, but larger areas may require a full day or more to dry. Do not attempt to rush the process.

When the filler dries, sand the area to smooth out the wood .You can sand the wood by hand using a medium-grit sandpaper, or an orbital sander. If the wood on your deck still looks uneven after sanding, add more filler and repeat the process until you achieve a perfectly even surface. If you plan to paint your deck, make sure to apply a primer first.

See related articles:

Dry Deck

Deck Floor Joist Sizes and Spacing

Deck Piers and Footings

How to Build a Safe Deck

How to Install Lattice Around a Deck