Woodpeckers can be a real nuisance when they start hammering away at your deck. Before long, those tiny beaks leave behind holes that need to be properly repaired. Besides being an eyesore, large holes can compromise the deck’s structure if left unrepaired. Fortunately, there are effective wood filler solutions for sealing and restoring damaged areas.
But with so many filler products on the market, which one is best for filling large holes caused by persistent woodpeckers? This blog will break down your options and provide tips for getting the job done right.
Causes of Woodpecker Damage
Understanding why woodpeckers target specific structures can provide clues on addressing and preventing future issues. Some of the main motivations for their drilling include:
Drumming and Communicating
Like many birds, woodpeckers communicate through noise. In spring especially, their rapid pecking is a way to attract mates and declare territory boundaries. Hard wooden surfaces enhance the echo of their drumming.
Nesting
Woodpeckers bore large round cavities in wood for safe nesting locations. Homes near forests are particularly susceptible from late winter to summer during nesting season.
Foraging for Food Like Insects
Wood-dwelling insects provide a food source that woodpeckers energetically extract. Older wooden structures with crawl spaces may harbour carpenter bees or termites worth investigating.
Assessing the Damage
Properly evaluating the extent and specifics of woodpecker holes goes a long way in selecting the most suitable wood filler for the job. Some factors to consider include:
Size of holes
Are they small punctures or extensive missing wood? Larger fill areas demand harder-working products.
Depth of holes
Shallow holes under 1/4″ can often be filled with standard wood putties. Deeper cavities require gap-filling solutions.
Number of holes
Isolated spots or a heavily damaged area may mean choosing larger batch sizes of filler.
Location of holes
Are they easily accessible or high-up? Safety is a priority, so think about reach and stable surfaces.
Wood Filler Options
There are a variety of wood filler formulations for distinct hole sizes and wood types. Selecting the right one starts with establishing the extent and specifics of the damage. The following are some common solutions:
Epoxy Filler
For small holes generally less than 1/4″ deep, epoxy wood filler stands out as an excellent choice. These fillers strongly bond to wood surfaces and protect against water damage moving forward. They are two-part compounds that harden fully when blended. Some precision is required during application, but with practice, it becomes quite easy to use for sealing minor pecking marks.
Wood Putty
A familiar standard for woodworkers, wood putty, makes light work of shallow filling projects. Its soft and pliable texture spreads smoothly over cracks and into tiny holes. However, putty has more potential to shrink upon drying or crumble if located in high-traffic areas. Plus, its blank tone demands that it be painted over for a natural appearance. Still, for minimal maintenance holes less than 1/8″ deep, wood putty does the job with minimal surface preparation needed.
Wood Filler + Glue + Sawdust
For a creative do-it-yourself solution, one can mix their wood-toned filler using wood glue, sawdust from a matching wood species, and a small amount of water. When packed tightly into holes, the combo bonds like dense clay while keeping real wood’s grainy, authentic look.
Spray Foam
Larger holes exceeding 1/4″ depth or width demand a gap-filling material like spray foam. Upon dispensing from the can, this product expands to fully coat the void’s contours in “open cell” or insulating forms. The flexible yet durable fixture works as an insulator and gap sealant. Only the minimum quantity needed should be installed to prevent an excessive bulge from forming. Once cured, simply carve away over-spray with a utility knife for a flush trim.
Steps to Apply Wood Filler
Proper surface preparation and application technique matters a great deal when it comes to achieving a professional-looking repair. Following these guidelines delivers results any woodworker can feel confident about:
Preparing the Surface
The first order of business before filling is to ready the damaged area. Using a utility knife, gently clear any rotted or crumbly wood remnants surrounding the hole’s edges. This establishes smooth boundaries for the filler to flush against. Blow or brush away dirt, dust, or debris left in the hole to permit optimal adhesion. Lastly, rough up the hole’s interior with 80-grit sandpaper for the wood filler to better “bite” onto.
Applying the Filler
Follow the mixer or usage instructions exactly as stated on the wood filler container. For example, certain epoxies require squeezing two fill bottles onto a mixing tray in precise ratios. Once thoroughly blended, firmly pack the compound into the hole using a wooden toothpick, putty knife, or other small tool. Work it neatly into all corners and crevices.
Finishing Touches
Upon completely drying the wood filler, lightly sand the patch with fine-grit paper until flush. This smoothens any residual raised edges. Next, prime and then paint the whole repaired area with exterior wood paint designed for decks to fully protect and blend the spot.
Conclusion
Whether used for lounging, entertaining guests, or general relaxation, your deck is an important part of your home. Protecting its structural integrity while achieving an aesthetically pleasing finish is key. With a little knowledge, dealing with woodpecker holes on decks need not spell the end of smooth wooden surfaces.
Just be sure to also address what was attracting the birds in the first place. With preventions also put in place, decks can withstand nature’s avian assaulters and continue serving homeowners with years of enjoyment to come. Remember – there’s always an effective wood filler solution for large woodpecker holes on decks!
