Photo: Ника Алексеева

What does a bowed door mean?

wood-finishes-direct.com - Interior Door Warping - How to Avoid - Wood Finishes Direct

How long does a wooden ramp last?

Ramps that are exposed to the elements do not need 'treated' wood. Untreated wood will last outdoors for 10-15 years.

Last updated Mar 23, 2018

How long do vinyl sheds last?

25 to 30+ Year Vinyl Sheds: 25 to 30+ Year Lifespan One of the most popular shed types we build, vinyl sheds are our best option for the lowest...

Last updated Dec 7, 2020

Promotion

Doors are an understated addition to the home that can add quiet charm and character to the overall decor. Available in a wealth of styles and materials, they offer much in addition to their simple function. In the average home, however, interior doors are subjugated to an astronomical level of abuse. As a consequence, if left untreated, they’re given little fighting chance. In addition, exterior doors face damage from weathering and harmful UV rays that will quickly deteriorate their look and condition.

Which brings us nicely around to warping, another issue faced by interior doors. You may see the effects of warping more clearly in the summer, after doors have been left to dry following the wet, windy weather of winter. But just what is door warping?

What is Door Warping?

Door warping is a distortion in wood caused when the fibres change unequally. For example, if a part or side of the wood dries more quickly than another, it can shrink in contrast. Ultimately, this will lead to distortions in the shape of the wood and even cause splitting and cracking in extreme cases. Door warping usually occurs when there is a rise in humidity or damp conditions, causing the moisture in the air to soak into the wood. This is more common in bathroom doors and external doors that are vulnerable to fluctuating weather changes. While this may all sound a bit doom and gloom, there’s really no need to fret. Fortunately, there are methods and tricks you can utilise to prevent this occurrence. They will help to ensure your interior and exterior doors remain just so, an elegant addition to your home.

How to Protect Your Doors

The best way to ensure your doors resist warping is with a high quality finish, namely a door oil or a varnish. These are a simple yet highly effective way to protect your doors. An oil will feed and nourish the wood from inside the wood grain, enabling resistance against moisture. A varnish, on the other hand, will provide a waterproof seal around the wood.

Pre-Application

Before applying a finish, you will first need to determine whether your door is bare or has been previously treated. We recommend using the water test, a handy little test that works by dropping a little water onto the surface of the wood. If it beads, there’s a finish present that will need to be removed. If it absorbs, you’re good to go! Check out our range of wood finish strippers & removers, perfectly suited for the job. If necessary, you may also require the use of a wood filler, designed specifically for repairing minor defects and damage to wood. We would recommend giving your door a light rub down with a finishing pad to ensure a smooth surface that’s ready for the application of your finish. Properly executed sanding is an easy practice to overlook, yet it can make your life a whole lot easier. A thorough job will remove old finishes, as well as opening up the wood grain so that the oil can penetrate and protect the door to the best of its ability.

Will inflation come down in 2023?

Combined with the effect of the Federal Reserve's interest-rate hikes, we expect inflation to recede back to normal in 2023 and thereafter. We...

Last updated Aug 10, 2022

What should I sell on Etsy woodworking?

Serving Trays and Bowls Personalized Cheese Board Wedding Gift Set – Customizable Name or Monogram Cutting Board, Built-In Drawer, 4 Piece Knife...

Last updated Jan 26, 2020

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

The Application

Be sure to stroke with the wood grain.

A quality finish is a must for achieving your goals here and we’re happy to say we stock a variety of products that are more than up to the task. Firstly, we have Osmo Door Oil. This is a natural oil and wax based, protective door oil for all softwood and hardwood interior doors. It dries to a lovely, microporous finish that helps prevent warping and is available in satin or raw. Alternatively, there’s Manns Premier Door Oil. Professional grade and based on a hard-wax formula, it’s all in one capabilities are perfect for protecting new, stripped, pine and oak doors. It is also incredibly easy to apply and maintain, making it purpose-built for more frantic domestic and commercial environments. Next, you’re ready to move onto applying your finish. An important point to note before you begin though. Always be sure to be sure to do a test area before you begin any application. Applying a little oil to a small, hidden part of the door will help to ensure you get the look and finish you want and avoid any regrets. Additionally, if the door is veneered oak be sure to check the doors manufacturers guidelines before using oils. In some cases it can invalidate the warranty of the door. Whichever your choice of treatments, however, it’s always advised to start with a good, reliable applicator, such as the Osmo Flat Brush. Give your treatment product a good stir to ensure a consistent coverage before taking the plunge. Dab off any excess and apply with long strokes, making sure to work up the wood grain. Finally, remove any excess oil with a microfiber cloth and leave to dry for 6 hours. Next, you’re ready for the second coat. Crucially, though, make sure to give your door a good once over with a finishing pad. This will help the second coat soak in and ensure you get a great, smooth finish all round. Apply a second coat using the same steps as before. Next, flip the door over and repeat the process with this face, making sure this time to apply your finish to both sides of the door, as well as the top and bottom. Once dry, simply reapply your furniture (by this we mean handles and hinges) to your interior door and reattach to the frame. Your newly treated and protected door is good to go, safe from warping and aesthetically revitalised with a new lease of life.

What's better rebar or wire mesh?

Rebar can be stronger but might be considered overkill for projects While rebar is often stronger than wire mesh, you might find that the level of...

Last updated Jun 17, 2021

How much would it cost to build a 12 by 16 shed?

Cost Estimator by Size SHED SIZE TYPICAL COST RANGE 10×12 (120 sq. ft) $2,400 to $21,000 12×12 (144 sq. ft) $2,880 to $25,200 10×16 (160 sq. ft)...

Last updated Sep 28, 2022

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Post-Application and Maintenance

The hugely desirable quality of wood oils is how stress-free they are to maintain and refinish. Scuffs and minor scratches can be fixed with a good patch repair. Simply sand the affected area with a finishing pad and reapply your door oil. How easy is that?! For day to day cleaning, we suggest the use of Osmo Spray Cleaner. It’s ideal for more day to day cleaning jobs, effectively moisturising the wood and protecting the finish from wear. It even dries to a streak-free finish!

Our Top Tips

A dry, lint free cloth is ideal for door maiinenance.

Make sure to apply your finish to all six sides of the door. A dehumidifier is a worthy purchase for moderating the temperature around your interior doors. Being on your toes and reacting to any signs of warping and swelling early can be a lifesaver. An early prevention is better than seeking a cure. Consider investing in weather resistant wood for exterior doors. Teak, for example, is known to handle temperature changes. It is much easier to apply a finish to an unhung door that’s free of furniture.

Need help with your doors?

For more information about door finishes & treatments , contact our team of resident experts who are always on hand to help with project advice and product recommendations. Alternatively, see our door finishes FAQ page which covers many of our most commonly asked questions. We love to see before, during and after photos of any wood finishing project. If you would like to share your project pictures with us and our followers, you can either send us some photos or share on our Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram pages.

Other great blogs that discuss door oils

wood-finishes-direct.com - Interior Door Warping - How to Avoid - Wood Finishes Direct

Is it better to roll or fold for vacuum bags?

Step 1 : Folding That is the most efficient way to use vacuum bag! This flattens the bag, allowing it to take up much less space in your suitcase....

Last updated Oct 31, 2019

Can you put a thin layer of concrete on top of concrete?

How thin can you pour concrete over concrete? Your new layer needs to be at least 2 inches thick. If it's any thinner than that, it'll easily crack...

Last updated Dec 5, 2018

Promotion

Is Basil toxic to cats?

Basil is one of the most widely grown herbs safe for cats. As any cat owner knows, they love to chew on whatever they can get their teeth on, and...

Last updated Dec 5, 2020

Promotion

What are race ramps?

Race Ramps offers a wide range of ramps to help get vehicles safely up on to trailers or other raised surfaces for transportation or storage, or...

Last updated Jul 5, 2022