Wood filler for deck

What's the best wood filler to use for filling in holes on a deck? I have a few holes in the deck to fill, around 3/8. I am using solid deck stain. I've never had any luck filling holes in deck horizontal surfaces (esp the decking itself). Tried once with exterior wood filler and it didn't last a year due to the weather, expansion and contraction. Might try drilling and filling with plugs cut from similar wood using poly or exterior glue...that would help with stain match as well. What are the holes from? how much traffic does that area get? how much weather? Originally Posted by marksr What are the holes from? how much traffic does that area get? how much weather? The holes are from putting a railing post in the wrong place. That's why they're exactly 3/8 The holes are on the face board where the post attaches (not sure of the correct term here). The area gets a lot of sun. If I plug the hole, would I use a dowel rod or something else? I guess dowel rods aren't PT though. After searching the web, I realize they make 3/8 Plug Cutter bits... guess my own question was answered on make the plugs. What's the best way of knocking them in and getting them to blend in? Thanks. The normal way to put a plug in is to apply glue to it, tap it lightly into the hole and trim it flush with a saw. On a deck, I don't know how well you're going to make them disappear but lining up the grain and cutting them from the same species wood as the deck itself is a good start I doubt you'll get an invisible repair [unless you use a solid stain] but the plugs probably won't be as noticeable as you think.

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