Many homeowners prefer the look of wood doors for their entryways. Not only are they beautiful, they bring a natural, timeless appeal to any home. From traditional oak and mahogany to a more rustic knotty pine or alder, wood doors can complement just about any style of architecture, marked by durability, insulation, security, and noise reduction.

However, wood doors do require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best and functioning the way they should. Check out these tips on how to properly care for your wood door in Dallas:

1.  Seal Your Doors

You should always seal your wood doors before or immediately after they are installed. This will keep them protected from the elements; plus, a properly maintained wood door increases curb appeal and market value.

2.  Clean Your Doors Regularly

Once a season, clean your stained wood front door. You should:

• Brush off the surfaces with a dry rag or dust brush.
• Use a wood polish (for stained doors) to bring out the glow. Never use acidic products like lemon oil.
• Use a glass cleaner or mixture of water and vinegar to clean any glass areas.
• Clean the hardware using warm water, mild soap solution and a cloth.
• Dust away cobwebs on a weekly basis to keep it looking good and to keep spiders from nesting.
• Do some touch-ups where paint has chipped or faded.

3.  Look Out For Issues

While inspecting your door, you may come across some troubling issues, such as:

• Raised wood grain: This is a sign that the finish is failing.
• Discoloration: This is a sign that moisture is getting in.
• Cracks in the surface: Damage has occurred, compromising the energy efficiency and security of your door.
• Peeling paint or top coat: You may need to do some restoration work.
• Dry or rough finish: Your door may need to be sanded and refinished. You can remedy this by sanding it down with a 120, 150, or higher grit sandpaper.
• Light haze to the finish: Humidity can cause some clear finishes to blush, caused by moisture trapped under the finish.

4.  Perform Wood Door Restoration If Needed

If you have to restore your door, you will have to remove it from the frame first. Here are the basic steps:

• Strip old finish with chemical stripper.
• Sand the door with a 220 grit sandpaper to remove surface imperfections and marks.
• Wipe down the surface to remove all dust.
• Apply stain with a brush; let dry.
• Apply three coats of exterior polyurethane or spar varnish with a UV inhibitor.

Of course, at some point, your existing wood door will fall victim to time, age, and the elements. In the event you need a new wood door for your Dallas home, enlist the help of professionals who can help you choose the perfect style. Contact us today at 214-973-0373.