A wooden front door can last for many years, but it does need some care.
If you ignore it for too long, the finish can start to fail and the timber can become exposed to the weather.
So, what actually happens if you don’t maintain your wooden door?
The finish starts to wear
Sun, rain and changing temperatures all take their toll on an exterior door.
Over time, the protective finish can become dull, faded or worn.
Once this happens, the timber has less protection from the weather.
Water can get into the timber
When the protective finish has broken down, rainwater can soak into the wood more easily.
Wood naturally expands and contracts as its moisture content changes.
Over time, this movement can contribute to problems such as sticking doors, movement around joints and changes in the appearance of the timber.
The colour can change
Sunlight can also affect a wooden door.
UV rays can fade the finish and change the colour of the timber.
If you have a beautiful oak door and want to keep its original appearance, regular maintenance is important.
Small problems can become bigger ones
This is one of the main reasons to keep an eye on your door.
A small area of worn finish is usually much easier to deal with than a door that has been left exposed for several years.
Regular maintenance can help prevent a small job from becoming a much bigger one.
How often does a wooden door need maintaining?
There isn’t a set time that applies to every door.
It depends on the type of timber, the finish used and how exposed the door is to the weather.
A door under a porch may need less maintenance than one that is fully exposed to rain and direct sunlight.
The best approach is to check the door regularly and recoat it when the finish starts to show signs of wear.
What about oak doors?
Oak is a strong and durable timber and is a popular choice for exterior doors.
However, even a solid European oak door isn’t completely maintenance-free.
A suitable exterior finish and a little regular care will help protect the timber and keep the door looking its best.
What if my door has already been neglected?
Don’t assume that you need a new door.
In many cases, an existing wooden door can be cleaned, prepared and refinished.
The sooner you deal with the problem, the easier it is likely to be.
Look after your wooden door
A wooden exterior door doesn’t need constant attention.
Just keeping an eye on the finish and dealing with worn areas before the timber becomes exposed can make a big difference.
A little maintenance now can help you avoid a much bigger job later.
Need a new bespoke wooden exterior door?
At LSC Joinery & Manufacturing, we make bespoke exterior doors from quality timber, including European oak and Accoya.
If you’re looking for a new wooden front door, or you’d like some advice about replacing an existing door, get in touch with us for a free quotation.
