Wooden exterior doors are simply beautiful, no matter what type of home you may have.
They have such a warm and classic appeal that many people can't help but love.
Choosing a high grade wooden exterior door made by a professional, who specializes in woodworking, will not only ensure a beautiful piece that would look stunning on your home but also the fact that you will have something that will look pristine through the ages.
In order to help extend the life and beauty of your wooden exterior doors, there are several things to have done prior to installation and a few care instructions that should be carried out on a regular basis.
Oil Based Stain or Paint A natural finish for a door may look very nice and rustic, it's simply not recommended for wooden exterior doors, especially when considering the type of weather it will have to withstand over the years.
Having the door stained or painted with an oil base is by far the best way to go.
Not only will you have the option to have any colour for the door, but you also have the option to keep it as natural looking as possible with a very light stain.
UV Resistant Sealer The next important thing to have done on the door is to have a UV resistant sealer applied.
This will help prevent any fading or warping from humidity and extreme temperature changes.
The sealer must be applied to all sides of the door, including the areas near the hinges, which is one of the areas that many people seem to miss.
Caulking Caulking may seem like an unlikely material to use on wooden exterior doors but it's highly recommended for doors that have particular decorations or windows on them.
The spaces between the door and the window or decoration are perfect for moisture penetration.
By sealing these areas with clear caulking, you can prevent moisture from being absorbed, which may lead to warping or even mold growth.
Cleaning Many people don't consider cleaning doors since they almost never seem to get dirty but to help keep the wooden exterior doors in top condition; it's a good idea to regularly clean them with a soft damp cloth.
Dirt particles can build up on a door, which may scratch or dull the finish of the door.
If the doors have not been resealed over a long period of time and happen to become very wet or covered with snow, it's recommended to dry it off with a soft cloth.
Keeping the doors wet for long periods of time may eventually warp them.
Regular Care Some things to do on a semi-regular basis are resealing and surface care.
Although it's certainly not necessary on a yearly basis, it is recommended to check and reseal the surface after some fair use.
This will ensure that the door has remained its shape well and to prevent it from absorbing moisture from the elements.
With these few tips and care instructions, you can surely enjoy the beauty of wooden doors for many years to come.
While they are a very inviting sight for visitors, they are also a great investment for increasing a home's value far more than any other type of doors that may be available on the market today.