Making Wood Doors Last: What Matters Most

A well-built wood door can last for decades—even through harsh seasons—if you make the right choices from the start. At Rockwood, we’ve seen what helps exterior doors endure, and it begins long before the first coat of finish.

1. Protect from above.
The single most effective way to extend the life of a wood door is a porch or sufficient roof overhang. Shielding a door from direct rain and sun will do more to preserve it than any finish can.

2. Start with the right materials.
Wood species, grade, and cut all matter. Genuine Mahogany is a proven choice for exterior doors, and we also use Sipo, Ribbon Sapele, and African Mahogany for their stability and durability. The right lumber, properly selected and cut, lays the foundation for a door built to last.

3. Choose paint for maximum durability.
When longevity matters most, a painted finish typically outlasts stain outdoors, providing a tougher barrier against moisture and UV damage.

4. Use durable adhesives and sealants.
Exterior-rated glues help keep moisture out and strengthen critical joints, while high-quality sealants and coatings help protect the wood for long-term performance.

5. Focus on proper construction.
Wood doors are built differently from outdoor furniture—their durability depends on tight joinery and keeping water out. It’s especially important that the bottom of the door is built and finished properly, as this is where most weathering and failures occur.

6. Maintain the finish.
Routine maintenance is key to longevity. That means keeping an eye on the condition of the finish and applying a fresh coat of paint or sealant before issues arise. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

7. Respect wood’s natural tendencies.
Wood moves with humidity. It expands and contracts. A well-built door accounts for this movement, allowing it to function season after season without fighting the material’s nature.

Durability isn’t a single step. It’s a series of smart decisions—materials, design, installation, finish, and care—that add up to a door that holds strong and looks beautiful for years to come.