Interesting and Unconventional Door Designs from Around the World
on Friday, 10 May 2013 00:57 in BlogThe world of architecture and design has always embodied the phrase "good artists borrow, great artists steal." Many of the most beautiful buildings on the planet take a hefty inspiration from an existing structure, and then the concept further than anyone imagined. This article will hopefully help you do the same thing on a smaller scale, your home's exterior wood doors. We'll be looking at a few different architectural inspirations for doorways with an emphasis on designs that can be easily adapted for your home. We'll look at some classic European style doors, some elaborate Spanish designs, and how you can bring a touch of classical Japanese refinement into modern home out west. Hopefully these ideas will be the inspiration you need to find the ideal exterior wood doors for your home.
Traditional Old World Exterior Wood Doors for a Timeless Rustic Style
Rustic décor can play out as a new world ranch house comfort, popular across Canada, but the other intriguing direction is old world class with enduring appeal. Rustic kitchens that take a mix-and-match approach to old and new world styles can look great and feel sturdy and enduring in a reassuring way. If you want to take that theme throughout the home wood furnishing can cover part of the distance, but classic exterior wood doors and window frames complete the look. These traditional doors lend a sense of stepping back to a simpler time when you walk through the front door, but open to reveal a contemporary castle inside. It's a great way to strike the balance between old and new that makes the mix-and-match rustic look so popular. A range of stains and varnishes can look great with stucco or stone exteriors too.

Spanish and Mediterranean Style Doors Help Summer Last All Year
If you like the prospect of a solid and sturdy wood door to lead out to your patio Mediterranean inspired doors can imbue some warmth inside and out. Characterized by oversized archways, tile work, and highly textured engraving, the right exterior wood door can conjure up the south of France or Spain in your backyard. Perfect for lush gardens these doors help create the sense of a garden as a truly isolated and relaxing space within an otherwise busy or hectic home. Mediterranean inspired exterior wood doors can make a great backdrop for garden parties, evenings lounging outside with a glass of wine, or a weekend brunch in the sunshine. These doors are also a great option for patios that use a lot of warm natural stonework. These traditionally thick exterior wood doors can be given a dark stain that provides an earthy contrast to the stonework.
Japanese Shoji Sliding Doors for the Contemporary Backyard
For the contemporary home the more sophisticated feeling of Shoji sliding exterior wood doors might be right for you. Although these doors stretch back hundreds of years across Japan and Asia, they are relatively new in the west, and can be used to create a very popular and chic east-meets-west vibe for your back yard, patio, or garden. These exterior wood doors are perfect for pool houses, garden sheds, or verandas that you want to turn from an eye-sore into a trendy feature. Additionally it’s a natural complement for koi-ponds or relaxing small gardens. As with all exterior wooden doors the range of stains and varnishes you can use lets this work without any color scheme you could want, from a warm and earthy wood tone to a very dark black formal shine. Although this look is currently very popular it’s also been around in the west just long enough you don’t need to worry about it going out of style any time soon.

Explore some gorgeous exterior wood doors.
Bringing Style in Through the Front Door: Great looking ideas for exterior wood doors
on Thursday, 09 May 2013 20:53 in BlogThe front door symbolizes first impressions. It's the last touch of your home when you leave for the day, and the first thing that greets you when you get home. It's no wonder more and more people are exploring their options for truly memorable exterior wood doors. The right door can make an impression on guests before they even ring the bell, or it can complement the décor inside the home. This article will look at several interesting styles you can take with your exterior wood doors, including going for a rustic look to match existing themes, incorporating glass to let in more light, and ways to contrast wood with different exteriors. The exterior doors connect your home to the larger world, so hopefully you'll pick up some ideas on how to make that connection memorable.
The Rustic Look to Complete a Theme
A rustic theme has become increasingly popular to inject a touch of nostalgia or old world charm into our modern homes. A few rustic kitchen elements contrasted with modern appliances and functional spaces has become a kitchen trend that looks great. If you've gone down that route or are considering it you can add rustic touches with the woodworking throughout a contemporary and stylish home to complete the theme. Exterior wood doors for both your main entrance and patio can be done in this style easily and with great impact. Perhaps the best thing about this look is the wealth of personal touches that can make your doors perfectly match any details of your home. Any rustic look will be embracing wood tones, so a wooden exterior door can match almost anything. From a warm golden hue to a dark rich and luxurious shade the doors can easily be made to match any other woodworking in the house. You could take exterior wood doors even further with detail work or inlays that play off other woodworking elements in the home.
Incorporating Glass to Bring the Outside World In
Custom exterior wood doors with glass set into them can create a tasteful and classy alternative to sliding glass patio doors. The wood allows you to match other design elements around the patio in a way you just can't match with doors purchased off the rack. If you have arches or columns the doors can be shaped to mirror them, creating a reflection of your patio style. Similarly if you have any wooden patio furniture, tasteful tables, lawn chairs, or a barbecue bench, the exterior wood doors can match the tone of the wood to tastefully complete the colour scheme.
Doors that Accent Your Exterior
Using exterior wood doors to create the perfect portal into your home doesn’t need to be restricted to houses that extensively feature woodworking. There are lots of great ways to use the flexibility of wood to match existing stonework, stucco, or almost any colour of siding. If you have a light earth tone for the exterior of your house, consider contrasting it with a dark stained front door. This can tie together the earth tones while still being an effective point of contrast. Similarly if you have used stucco consider an exterior wood door that contrasts in colour while playing to the texture with beveling or other engravings. If there is a lot of glass welcoming visitors to your home you can provide a different kind of contrast by embracing a sturdy and solid wooden door in a color that compliments the other exterior colors, making the glass the point of contrast.

Explore some gorgeous exterior wood doors.
Patio Doors That Will Make You Want to Stay Outside
on Thursday, 09 May 2013 03:39 in BlogWith summer sneaking up on us it’s the time to start thinking about sprucing up the patio before barbecue season settles in to stay. If you’re touching up the back patio, don’t skip over the wooden exterior doors. Wood is Canada’s most popular choice when it comes to your porch, patio, or veranda so wooden exterior doors are a logical extension of the classic Canadian back-deck.
This article will showcase some great alternatives to the standard metal sliding glass doors such as traditional cabin-patio style wooden doors, classical old world inspired doors, and contemporary variations on the back door. We hope this article gives you some inspiration for touching up your patio this summer and the difference high quality wooden exterior doors can make, and before you know it you’ll be enjoying the patio of your dreams.
Tradition Updated for the Cabin… or Just Feeling like You’re at a Cabin
Verandas and cabins at the lake are two of the most Canadian traditions. Relaxing with the family outside after dinner, or eating lunch outside before going for a swim are exclusive domains of the veranda. Traditional wooden exterior doors can help create this look at your cottage, or bring it home to your back yard. Wooden doors and prominate wooden beems or roofing are a must for this look. Part of the apeal of this style is the traditional simplicity of cottage architecture. No elborate arches are required, just high-quality hand-crafted woodworking that harkens back to a simplier time. Glass can be incoporated prominately in the wooden exterior doors to blend the beauty of the outdoors with the luxury of a family home. Traditional stains and varnishes are highly recommended. Holding on to the feel of real wood and the comforting reliability of simple architecture is a must.
Old World Style Patio Doors and Exterior Archways
The cabin is just one direction tradition can take you. There is also the refinement of old world inspired outdoor design and the timeless sophistication of a carefully cared for garden. Archways with accented stonework and tasteful wooden exterior doors can be perfect for a wall around a garden or a gate to a pool. Doors with an engraved pattern or an inlay can be that extra touch of manufactured refinement that compliments a lovingly maintained garden. Alternatively metalwork can be used to provide that sense of classical texture. Such doors become focal points that the liveliness of the garden can play off of and contrast with. They can also make entering your garden feel like stepping into another world, cut off from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They work well with stonework, bricks, or stucco finishes.
Modern, Memorable, and Unconventional: Folding doors bring something new to your garden
Tradition is warm and comforting, but it can be exciting to embrace the new and the contemporary too. No need to get stuck in the past. Trendy folding wooden exterior doors can provide even larger open spaces than conventional sliding doors, truly making the patio a part of your home. When these doors are closed they still let in the light and the beauty of the outdoors, but when you throw them open it’s like you’ve replaced a wall of your home with the great outdoors! The best thing about these wooden exterior doors is the flexibility of other styles and decors you can pair them with. It looks great with a dark varnish in a trendy and modern home, or with a warmer touch it fits perfectly with a classic kitchen.

View photos of beautiful crafted wooden exterior doors.
What Your Wooden Exterior Doors are Saying About You
on Saturday, 30 June 2012 19:44 in BlogYou've probably heard the expression "Dress to impress." Well, it turns out this adage can be applied to more than just your wardrobe! The expression exists because people are conditioned to evaluate others based on a first impression. The same rules apply to our homes. The front door is a person's first impression of your home, so it should represent who you are as a family and where you are in life. Seems like a lot of pressure for a door, but just think about how many moments visitors spend looking at it before you're able to let them inside. If this is their first time at your home, they're getting their first impression of your house from your wooden exterior doors. So, what are your doors saying about you?
If your wooden exterior doors are cracked and peeling...
That says you either don't have the money or the desire to maintain your home. Think about it this way: You might dress in only the best designer labels, but if your visitors are greeted with a weathered and poorly maintained door, they'll assume you're only dressing to keep up appearances. They'll assume that it's much more than your door that is falling apart. Their perception may or may not be reality, but if you don't want people speculating about financial woes, keep that door looking fresh and new.
If your wooden exterior doors are painted a bright color...
Visitors will assume that you're one-of-a-kind. You're not the kind of person who likes to blend in with the background. You may have the same kind of house as everyone else on your block, but you're not going to conform in every way. A bright green or red door can also indicate that you're lively and fun.
If your exterior doors are ornate...
This is a stark contrast from having doors that are cracked and peeling. Most people know that custom exterior doors can be rather expensive, so with an ornate door, you're sending the message that you can afford the finer things in life. But not only that: You're also letting everyone know that you care about maintaining your home.
If your wooden exterior doors are stained...
When you opt for a wood stain instead of paint, you're probably someone who appreciates the beauty of nature. You understand that wood finishes are imperfect by nature, and that's why they're so great. At first glance, someone may assume that you're a nature lover who cares about the environment.
If your doors include glass panels...
There's something very welcoming about approaching a door with glass panels. Visitors can see inside to the foyer, which gives the impression that that the homeowner doesn't have anything to hide. The people who live here are so ready to welcome you inside that they're giving you a peek before they even answer the door.
Up until now, you may not have given much thought to what your doors say about you, but it's time to start thinking. Your wooden exterior doors are a large part of the first impression people get when they visit your home. But, the impression isn't just limited to the home. They're also associating that impression with what they know (or think they know) of your family. If your wooden exterior door is sending the wrong message, it's time for a makeover.
View pictures of stunning wooden exterior doors
Guide to Finishing Options for Your Exterior Wood Doors
on Saturday, 30 June 2012 19:33 in BlogIf you're confused about which finish to choose for your exterior wood doors, you're not alone. There is a seemingly endless assortment, and some only have very slight differences. So, before you make your decision, it's a good idea to get to know these finishes a little better. This handy guide will help you understand which finish is right for your door.
Although there are many types of wood finishes, they all fall into one of two categories: surface and penetrating. Both are exactly as they sound. A surface finish stays at the wood's surface, and a penetrating finish actually penetrates the surface. Surface finishes work well for when you want a thicker appearance, and penetrating finishes give a more natural wood look to your exterior wood doors. Since penetrating finishes don't offer a great deal of protection, they are often used only for interior doors.
Types of Penetrating Wood Finishes:
Danish Oil – This is a common finish used on interior doors. The oil is mixed with some varnish, so it has a bit of a sheen (and isn't suitable for food prep surfaces).
Linseed Oil – Of all the penetrating wood finishes, this one is the most popular for use on exterior wood doors. It's also used on exterior wood siding and log cabins.
Tung Oil – Tung oil is sometimes used for exterior wood doors, but it is most often found on interior food prep surfaces.
Types of Surface Wood Finishes:
Lacquer – This is a classic choice for interior wood doors, but it doesn't provide the level of protection that most people want for their exterior wood doors.
Polyurethane – Polyurethane is among the most popular finishes because it can be used indoors and outdoors, plus it can be tinted to give the wood a warmer or cooler tone. It's also easy to apply because it can be brushed or sprayed.
Shellac – Shellac is an option for exterior doors, but it isn't a popular one. It can be difficult to work with because it dries extremely fast. It must be applied with a brush; shellac cannot be sprayed.
Varnish – Varnish is a very versatile choice for exterior wood doors because it can be found in varying levels of sheen and hardness. It can also be brushed on or sprayed.
Grain Filler – Since grain filler has zero protective value, it is usually just applied under a top coat. It does help fill in the grain, though, so you'll have a smooth surface for painting.
Acrylic Urethane – Acrylic Urethane can easily be brushed or sprayed, and it doesn't have the strong odor that polyurethane does, so it's a popular choice for those who want to finish the wood themselves. It's good for indoor or outdoor projects, and produces a smooth and easy-to-clean surface.
Catalyzed Clear Topcoat – This is generally not part of a DIY project because catalyzed clear topcoats can be hard to apply. It's a two-part process that includes a catalyst, which helps make the surface very durable. Because of the added durability, this finish would be a suitable choice for exterior wood doors or other outdoor projects.
The wide world of wood finishes can be a bit overwhelming, but when you take a close look at the list, you'll notice that there are only a few choices that are designed to withhold the wear and tear that exterior wood doors will inevitably encounter. And here's one final tip: always remember to write down the kind of finish that suits your purposes before wandering the paint aisles at the store to prevent becoming overwhelmed or frustrated during the selection process. Knowing what you need will save you time, energy, and a return trip to exchange the wrong product.
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How to Paint Exterior Wood Doors
on Saturday, 30 June 2012 19:20 in BlogWhen you're looking to paint your exterior wood doors, any old paint that you might have lying around in the garage just won't do. You need to choose the right kind of paint specific to your door, taking things like the present condition, pre-treatments, and type of wood into consideration. In addition, the paint you choose must be able to withstand a lot of abuse since it's going to be exposed to the elements 24 hours a day. It'll need to stay fresh and new looking through many a rain and snowstorm. Read through the guide below to determine how to paint the door you have according to its history and condition.
Brand New Doors
If it's a brand new door that has never been painted, you'll need to start out by coating it's exterior with a water-based latex primer, and then add your top coat. Latex provides a blister-resistance that will help keep your paint from bubbling and cracking.
Previously Painted Doors in Good Condition
If your door has already been painted, but it's free of blemishes (including cracks, mildew and flaking), you'll need to apply two coats of paint: either oil-based or latex will work. However, if you know that the paint that was previously applied was oil-based, you'll need to use a primer before adding your two coats of paint.
Previously Painted Doors in Poor Condition
Cracking and flaking are inevitable after many years of using your exterior wood doors. These unsightly blemishes occur from the surface of the wood expanding and contracting along with changes in the weather. This causes stress on the paint's surface, which will eventually result in a crack. Large cracks cause the paint to flake off.
When you're dealing with exterior wood doors that have cracks and are peeling, you're in for a few challenges. If you simply paint over the old paint, you will still see the flaws beneath regardless of how perfect the paint job is. Before grabbing your paint brush, scrape off all the paint in your problem areas. Then, put on some eye protection and sand the door until it is completely smooth. Consider using some wood filler if the cracks aren't huge, or if you have a few dings that can't be sanded down without bowing the surface. If the damage is extensive, or if it goes well beyond the top layer, consider replacing the door. Replacing sections of wood requires a more advanced knowledge of carpentry.
After sanding, clean and dry the door, and then you're ready to prime. Apply one coat of a high-quality latex primer and then two coats of oil-based or latex paint.
Dealing with Checks and Crumbles
Just like cracking, checks occur as a result of changing temperatures. The main difference is that they often happen as a result of improper prepping. While cracks are usually large and pronounced, checks are more subtle. Think of them as hairline fractures in your exterior wood door's surface.
Since there isn't enough of a rift in the surface for a scraper to be effective, simply sand the area until it is flat. Clean and dry the surface, and then apply primer. After the primer dries, your door is ready for two coats of latex or oil-based paint.
As you can see, exterior wood doors can be quite challenging to paint once they've been damaged. That's why it's a good idea to maintain a smooth surface by painting your doors before they begin cracking, peeling, checking or crumbling.
Learn more about exterior wood doors.
How to Maintain Your Home's Exterior Wood Doors
on Thursday, 17 May 2012 14:58 in BlogIt's no secret that buying a wooden exterior door is an investment in your home. It's not the cheapest type of exterior door you can buy, but it will probably last many years longer than most other types of doors. Unlike other more flimsy mediums, exterior wood doors are built to stand the test of time. But, the best part about owning a wooden exterior door is probably the fact that it can be repaired. If you have a fiberglass door, there isn't much you can do about chipping or deep gauges that may end up on the surface. Exterior wood doors are a home investment that can last a lifetime, if they're properly maintained.
Polishing
Polishing is the first step you'll take to maintain the look of your wood door. Over time, you'll find that the finish gets dull and needs a little refresher. This is completely normal, especially for the outside portion that is getting direct sunlight and being exposed to the elements. Polishing exterior wood doors is easy. All you need is a good furniture polish and a dust rag. If you have any dirt or other marks on the door, clean them off with a wood-approved cleaner before polishing your door. For this, you can use the same cleaner you use for your hardwood floors.
Maintaining Finish
Even if you polish your door regularly, the finish will fade over time. Exterior doors that are protected by a storm door and mostly sit in the shade will last many years before you have to worry about restoring the finish, but doors that are often exposed to the elements may need to be spruced up a little sooner. To restore a dull or cracking finish to its former luster, you'll need to start by sanding off the outside layer, and then wiping away all dust with a clean damp cloth. Then, you simply apply two coats or more of a fade-resistant (this is crucial for an exterior door) exterior polyurethane with an ultraviolet inhibitor (this will protect the finish from fading in the sun, much like sunscreen for your door).
Maintaining Paint
If your door is painted instead of stained, you may encounter some of the same problems. Some colors and brands of paint fade quicker than others, but you should be able to get quite a few years out of each coat of paint. Follow the instructions for maintaining finish above, but just pick out the paint color you want. Be sure to get an exterior paint with some ultraviolet protection.
Trimming Swollen Wood
This maintenance method is at the bottom of the list because it will probably be many years before you have to worry about trimming down swollen wood on a new door. However, if you have an older door, you might notice that the wood has expanded. Maybe there was water damage or maybe it absorbed excess humidity in the air, but your door is no longer closing as it should. You'll need some woodworking tools to pull this one off, so if you aren't comfortable trimming the swollen wood off of your exterior door, hire a professional to do it for you.
When you buy a wooden door, you're buying a product that is truly built to last. They are designed to brave the elements for years with very little care and maintenance required. However, if you've had your exterior wood doors for a few years already, you should at the very least consider polishing them. A little maintenance will go a long way.
To explore your options, you can browse through pictures of some stunning wooden exterior doors.
Learn more about exterior wood doors.
5 Things to Consider Before Buying Wooden Exterior Doors
on Thursday, 17 May 2012 14:47 in BlogJust as you would create a shopping list before you head out to the grocery store, you should create a list of features you want in your wooden exterior doors before you open your wallet. This will help you narrow down the selection to include only the doors that are right for your budget, style and home. The good news is that you've already decided on buying wooden doors as opposed to fiberglass or some other material. So, we've already narrowed the selection down some.
Budget
Wooden exterior doors can be a bit more expensive than other types of doors because they are made of a solid natural resource. But, they are also more substantial and have greater insulating properties than other doors, so you're getting more for your money. Wooden doors vary in price based on many factors (including type of wood, shape, installation and design). If money is no object, you can go for an extremely dense wood with an arched shape and an ornate design - and have someone install the entire thing for you. On the other hand, if you're on a tight budget, you'll want to scale it back a bit.
Type of Wood
The type of wood will dictate the look of the door. If you get a knotty pine or a distressed wood, it'll give your home a rustic feel. Or, if you opt for a richly stained mahogany, your house will instantly seem more traditional. One important fact to consider when choosing the type of wood for your door is density. Less dense woods like pine tend to also be less expensive, but their insulating and noise canceling properties are reduced. If you want a very dense wood, like mahogany, expect to pay a premium.
Shape
If you're replacing an existing door on a tight budget, your best bet is probably to just choose the same kind of door. Otherwise, you could spend a lot more on framing. If you have a few extra bucks or if you're building your home from the ground up, you can consider a fancy shape like an arch or maybe a double doorway.
Installation
Entry doors are usually sold as door systems, which just means that they come pre-hung in a frame and sometimes are even predrilled for the knob and deadbolt. If you are handy, you may consider grabbing a friend to help you with the installation. If you don't trust yourself, it's okay to hire a contractor. As long as you're just replacing an existing door of the same size, it shouldn't be a major expensive project. Another thing to note about installation: there are left and right hinged wooden exterior doors. Take the time to choose the right one for your space. There's nothing worse than being stuck with a door that opens the wrong way.
Design
Again, if you're on a budget, stick with the simplest design. If not, you can go wild picking out different finishes and décor options. You might choose a stained glass window with metal accents or an intricately carved solid wood door. If you have the funds, you can get really creative here. Just keep in mind that most suppliers don't stock the fancier wooden exterior doors, so it'll probably have to be custom made - which means adding a few weeks on to your wait time.
Whether you're building a new home or just replacing your old door, picking out wooden exterior doors can be fun if you know what you want. It's kind of like picking out new kitchen cabinets, except this door will be seen by all who visit and pass by on the street. Now that you have an idea of what kind of wooden door to shop for, it's time to hit the home improvement stores.
To explore your options, you can browse through pictures of some stunning wooden exterior doors.
Learn more about exterior wood doors.
3 Ways Wooden Exterior Doors Increase Your Home's Value
on Thursday, 17 May 2012 14:26 in BlogIf you knew of a way to instantly increase your home's value without spending tons of money on labor or materials, would you jump at the chance to make it happen? You would? Well here's the big secret: replacing your battered run-of-the-mill entrance doors with wooden exterior doors is an inexpensive, quick, and easy way to add value to your home! Truthfully, there are an infinite number of ways to increase your home's curb appeal. Buying and installing wooden exterior doors is just one way to up your home's worth, but you have to admit, it's a pretty simple one.
Here are three ways that wooden exterior doors increase your home's value:
1. Curb appeal - Everyone knows that a house that looks good from the outside will more easily attract potential buyers to the inside. Having an artfully crafted wood door visible from the outside of your home will let everyone (nosy neighbors included) know that you take pride in your home and you care about quality craftsmanship. If you want to go the extra mile, you can have fancy accents, like wood carvings, stained glass or metal accents, added to give your door a more ornate and expensive look. Your door will be the envy of the neighborhood!
2. Insulation - Compared to the flimsy and hollow fiberglass doors that are popular today, wooden exterior doors provide much more insulation. That's because they are made of a solid chunk of wood. Replacing old windows and getting a wooden exterior door will help keep the heat and air conditioning from escaping from your home, which adds value to you now, and it adds value for potential buyers in the future. If you want the most insulation possible, get a solid door instead of one with a window and be sure to put weather stripping along the bottom to keep the draft outside.
3. Noise barrier - Because these doors are crafted of solid wood, it's not quite as easy for sound to travel through. It's kind of similar to how the heat and cold don't pass through the door. So, if you live in a busy neighborhood with a lot of noisy kids, you have another small layer of protection between you and all the commotion. This works on the flip side too. If you have a loud family and don't want your neighbors to hear you so easily (or maybe they've complained that they are hearing every little spat you have with your spouse), a wooden exterior door can help provide a stronger layer of insulation between your family and the outside world. It doesn't soundproof your home by any means, but every little bit helps, right?
If you're looking to increase your home's value, you could opt for new siding and windows or a new kitchen and bath, but those things cost a significant amount more than getting a simple wooden door. So, if you're on a tight budget, this is a good place to start. But, if you're doing a major overhaul (including siding, new kitchen, new bath, etc.), this is also one thing you won't want to skip.
To explore your options, you can browse through pictures of some stunning wooden exterior doors.
Learn more about exterior wood doors.
How to Make Exterior Wood Doors Look Their Best
on Thursday, 19 April 2012 09:30 in BlogInstalling beautiful exterior wood doors on a property is something that many people consider an investment, which is why it is important to maintain the doors regularly. Proper maintenance for wooden doors is not only important for leaving a wonderful lasting impression, but also as a means of extending the life of the door for as long as possible and avoiding to make costly replacements.
Exterior doors are important household pieces that many owners think little about, especially when it comes to cleaning and care. Although exterior wood doors are built to last through almost any kind of weather, like anything else they require occasional maintenance and care so that they are able to stay strong over the years, and still look as beautiful as the day they were installed.
Regular Cleaning
Regularly cleaning the doors can help keep up their appearance and prevent them from succumbing to stains, scratches, or even mold build up. One of the easiest things that you can do is to simply wipedown the doors with a soft damp cloth. A mild soap can also be used, but make sure there is no warning label on the soap regarding use on wood, and be careful not to soak the door. A slightly dampened cloth should work well.
Cleaning the doors once every month or two will quickly and effectively clean off dust and dirt particles, which is especially noticeable during and after winter months. If the particles are left to build up over time, they may scratch the surface, leaving the door more vulnerable to moisture damage and resulting in mold or warping.
Door Sealers
For the best protection and care for exterior wood doors, it is also important to apply a new coat of high quality wood sealers every few years. Since outdoor elements, and especially the UV exposure over a year, work to wear down the strength of the door coating, it is generally recommended to apply a fresh new coat every 3-5 years or so.
There is a wide variety of door sealers available on the market, and each one will differ from one type of wood to another. The majority of sealers for exterior wood doors will be oil-based and each one will change the overall look from high gloss to matte. If there is ever any doubt about which one will work best over time, ask an expert who knows about wood and wood care.
General TLC
Finally, the best advice that anyone can give for keeping exterior wood doors looking their best is overall carefulness from year to year. Whenever possible, try to avoid getting the doors scratched or knocked by heavy objects since it may not only affect the overall strength of the wood and hinges, but also makes the wood more vulnerable to moisture each time the door's finish is penetrated. When you're moving large or awkwardly shaped objects in and out of the house, take a moment to cover the door with some padding or a blanket. This will help prevent some of the most common dents and scratches that doors tend to get over time.
By following these few simple steps, the look and quality of an exterior wooden door will last well through the ages and safeguarding your satisfaction and enjoyment of them for many years to come.
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