How Long Does a Timber Door Last?

19/08/2022

Timber doors can last from 10 to 70 years. How long a timber door lasts often depends on the following: 

  • Climate 
  • Direct exposure to sunlight and rain 
  • Timely maintenance and application of new coating 
  • Other factors such as frequency of usage and recent physical impacts 

Aside from maintaining the door’s decent appearance, it’s also important to ensure that its knob, lock set, panels, jamb, frame, hinges and other parts remain intact and strong. This way, break-ins will be difficult or impossible and that the door will always open and close properly. 

Why do people still choose timber doors? 

Although other options are available such as steel and fibreglass doors, many people still choose timber doors. One main reason is that they’re always a safe choice. In addition, they add a traditional element to all types of homes (including newly built ones). 

However, timber doors require additional maintenance to keep them looking at their best (and complement the homes’ elegant style). For instance, your front or exterior timber front door might require a once-a-year sanding and paint touch-ups. And once the door looks dull and faded, it’s a  good time to apply some coating or polish (e.g. varnish, lacquer, polyurethane). 

And when the timber door starts to show signs of wear, it might now be the time to refinish it. This task requires taking the door off its hinges, removing the knob and other fixtures, stripping the old finish, sanding the surface and applying layers of exterior coating. 

Or, you can also replace the timber door especially if you want a new style or the door has already been a few decades old. You can find solid timber doors that can match or complement the theme of your home exterior. You can also request for some customisations so that the door will truly be perfect for your home. 

The door helps build a favourable impression. Although it often just fades into the background, the door still serves a valuable purpose especially when it comes to aesthetics and security. It’s always good to pay attention to the doors you have in your home from time to time and see whether they require some touch-ups already or a replacement.