How to Care for Your New Door

Storage Before Installation

• Store your door flat in a dry, well-ventilated space.
• Avoid direct sunlight, heat sources, or damp environments.
• Never store in a room with wet plaster or fresh renovation work, allow at least six weeks drying time.

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Installation

• Use an experienced door installer. A well-fitted door will operate smoothly, seal correctly, and last significantly longer.
• If your door comes with a weatherbar, make sure a high-quality waterproof sealant is used when fixing it in place to prevent water ingress.

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Finishing Your Door

• The primer your door arrives with is not fully waterproof, so it’s extremely important to apply the final finish either before installation or, at the latest, the day after installation. Please ensure this is done before any rain or moisture exposure, as this can cause issues with paint adhesion, lead to swelling and twisting of the timber, and in worst cases, result in warping.
• Finish your door with a high-quality, weather-resistant oil based paint or stain. Our doors and frames are delivered primed with a professional, industrial-grade primer (nitrocellulose-based) that is generally compatible with most paint systems. However, some more specialist products are designed to work specifically with their own Exterior Wood Primer & Undercoat. Please make sure you follow the instructions on the side of the tin.
• Finish both sides and all four edges, including hinge, lock, and letterbox cut-outs.
• Apply at least three coats of finish for full protection.
• Avoid dark-coloured paints and staines. Doors exposed to direct sunlight can absorb heat which can lead to cracks in the timber, twisting and warping.

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Ongoing Maintenance

• Inspect your door regularly for signs of wear or damage.  
• Lightly sand and reapply a coat of your chosen finish at least once a year.  including hinge, lock, and letterbox cut-outs.
• Promptly address any small cracks, splits, or chips by sanding and refinishing the affected areas.

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