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

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

Timber Performance & Exposure Guide

The level of exposure a door can tolerate will vary depending on the timber species, finish system and environmental conditions. Industry standards recommend overhead protection for all external timber doors, with the degree of protection required varying by timber species and site conditions. 

THIS TABLE IS A GENERAL GUIDE ONLY

If you are unsure which timber is most appropriate for your project, please contact us prior to ordering.

Finish Options

Our external doors are available in two finish types:

Pre-Primed (Ready for Painting)

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

We recommend using a high-quality exterior paint system suitable for timber joinery.

Very dark colours — particularly black — are not recommended for sun-exposed doors. Dark colours absorb heat, which may increase timber movement, reduce coating longevity and affect long-term durability. If selecting a dark colour, the door should be installed in a well-protected position.

Natural Timber (Ready for Oiling, Staining or Painting)

Natural timber doors are supplied unfinished, ready to be oiled, stained or painted.

We recommend a high-quality exterior oil, stain or paint system suitable for timber joinery.

Oil-based penetrating systems are generally preferred as they allow for natural timber movement and long-term performance.

Water-based or film-forming coatings (including polyurethane, lacquer or similar hard-set finishes) are not recommended for external timber doors, as they restrict natural timber movement and may reduce durability over time.

Ongoing maintenance and periodic recoating will be required depending on sun exposure, weather conditions and environmental factors.

Sealing Requirements

All external timber doors must be sealed on all six sides prior to installation.
This includes the front, back, top, bottom and both vertical edges.

Failure to properly seal a door before exposure to weather may result in excessive moisture movement and may affect long-term performance.

Ongoing Maintenance

External timber doors require periodic inspection and maintenance.

We recommend regularly checking your door for signs of dryness, cracking, peeling, surface checking or discolouration. Maintenance frequency will vary depending on sun exposure, weather conditions, coastal environments, timber species and coating system used.

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