Faqs

Timber & Finish Information

External Door Care Guide

Timber is a natural material. Movement, expansion and contraction are normal characteristics of solid timber doors and are influenced by sun exposure, moisture, and environmental conditions.

Understanding your installation environment is essential when selecting both timber species and finish. The performance and longevity of your door will depend on the level of exposure and ongoing maintenance.

The following guidelines reflect standard practice across the Australian timber door industry.

Finish Options

Our external doors are available in two finish types:

• Pre-Primed (Ready for painting)
• Natural Timber (Ready for staining, oiling or painting)

1. Pre-Primed — Ready for Painting

Pre-primed doors are supplied with a primer base coat, ready to be finished in your chosen paint system.

The door must be fully painted and sealed on all sides before being exposed to weather. We recommend using an oil-based enamel system for external applications.

Important:
Very dark colours — particularly black — are not recommended for sun-exposed doors. Dark colours absorb heat, which can:

• Increase timber movement
• Reduce coating lifespan
• Affect long-term durability

If selecting a dark colour, the door should be installed in a well-protected position.

2. Natural Timber — Ready for Oiling, Staining or Painting

Natural timber doors are supplied unfinished.

Before exposure to weather, the door must be fully sealed on all sides using a high-quality exterior oil, stain, or paint system suitable for external joinery.

We recommend an oil-based penetrating system that allows the timber to move naturally.

Not recommended:

• Polyurethane
• Lacquer
• Film-forming or hard-set coatings

These finishes restrict natural movement and may reduce durability over time.

Ongoing maintenance and periodic recoating will be required, depending on exposure conditions.

Timber Species

We offer the following timber options across our range:

• Red Oak
• White Oak

Exposure Level Definitions

• Protected — Door is sheltered from direct rain and sun, such as under a porch, verandah, or deep recess. Minimal direct weather exposure.
• Moderate Exposure — Door receives some direct sun or rain but is partially sheltered. Typical of standard residential entries.
• High Exposure — Door faces direct sun, rain, and wind with little or no overhead shelter. Common in coastal or north/west-facing positions.

Species Notes

• American White Oak — A closed-grained hardwood with naturally enhanced moisture resistance compared to many open-pored species. Thorough priming and sealing of all surfaces remains essential for external applications. Suitable for protected entry door positions when correctly maintained. Regular inspection and recoating will help prevent weathering, surface checking, and moisture-related movement.
• Red Oak — A porous, ring-porous hardwood that absorbs moisture readily. Best suited to protected positions only. Not recommended for moderate or high exposure without exceptional and frequent maintenance, particularly in Queensland's humid and high-UV conditions.

General Maintenance Note
All external timber doors, regardless of species or exposure level, require periodic inspection and recoating. Failure to maintain the finish — particularly on end grains and bottom rails — will void most manufacturer warranties and significantly shorten the life of the door.

Ongoing Maintenance

External timber doors require regular inspection and maintenance.

We recommend checking periodically for:

• Dryness
• Cracking or movement
• Peeling or coating breakdown
• Discolouration

Maintenance frequency will vary depending on:

• Sun exposure
• Weather conditions
• Coastal environments
• Timber species
• Coating system used

Regular maintenance is an essential part of owning a natural timber product and will help preserve both appearance and performance over time.