How to Fill in Wood Walls

Nail Holes

• Nail holes and other small imperfections can be filled with wood filler or a wax filler stick that matches the wood's color. If you can't get a filler to match, you can stain the filler after it has been sanded smooth. A small dot of clear finish will mask any glaring differences in surface sheen. If your wood is painted, simply use spackling compound to fill the holes, sand when dry, then spot prime and paint to match.

Cracks

• Wood's natural tendency to dry out and shrink over time causes cracks and splitting along the grain. If the wood has a natural finish, most cracks will be discreet and don't need to be filled. If a new, light-colored crack opens up in a dark board, use a small brush to work a little wood stain into the crack to make it blend in. Cracks in painted wood can be painted to match. If the paint is a light color and the crack is more visible, you can fill it with latex caulk, then paint it to match.

Missing Sections

• Missing or damaged sections of wood can be replaced with a wood patch -- a Dutchman. You may need to remove the entire board so you can cut the ends precisely for a tight fit. You can stain and finish the patch or prime and paint it to match the existing finish.

Tips

• Don't feel like you need to eliminate every flaw from your wood walls. The natural and inevitable history of wood is that it ages, changes and gathers flaws -- character, if you will -- that should be appreciated. If a section of wood is irreparable and you cannot find wood to match, look for matching material in closets, back hallways and behind appliances and cabinets.