Uneven expansion or contraction of component parts within a timber product is the most common reason for it to 'fail' or not perform satisfactorily. These movements are caused by a change in moisture level within a product and to protect against this, the timber must be fully sealed before installation as detailed in the finishing sections below. In addition please be aware of the following;

If a door needs to be trimmed it must be reduced equally from both sides. Each side of a door may be trimmed up to a maximum of 3mm. Further reductions may be possible but please remember that this may result in exposing the engineered core which will then need to be sealed or relipped. Taking more than we recommend off will invalidate the guarantee. Avoid cutting/fitting locks and latches at the rail or glazing bar joint as this will cause weakening of the door. We recommend the use of 3 hinges to offer more rigidity and strength. It is essential that any exposed areas caused by the fitting process are repainted at the time of fitting. These small areas of exposed substrate are sometimes created when cutting or planing. Cut outs for hinges, locks or latches should also be treated.

Trimmed products must be fully sealed prior to hanging- this applies to all surfaces including tops, bottoms and all recesses cut for hinges , locks and handles. Waxes and oils such as yacht varnish, Osmo Oil and Danish Oil are not considered suitable for sealing our timber products and if used will invalidate any guarantee should the timber product subsequently fail. Please do not use water-based paint or sealant as it may penetrate the veneer and may cause bubbling to occur. Altered products must be re-sealed as above in areas where timber has been exposed during alterations. Products should be sealed with a solvent-based paint to any areas where the paint has been removed. To obtain the best finish lightly sand, de-nib and wipe clean all surfaces before initial sealing and before final coat is applied.

It is recommended that, when using a finishing system, the same manufacturer/brand is used. Mixing products can lead to reactions and won't fully seal the door. We strongly recommend purchasing our Aftercare Paint Package for your selected door.

Store flat on 3 cross bearers longer than the width of door, or on the pallet on which they were supplied, in a dry well-ventilated area. Do not store in the following locations;- next to a working radiator, in a room where "wet" trades are present, in direct sunlight. Lifting door from stack- do not drag as this will cause face damage. It is recommended to use a second person when moving a door. All timber products must be correctly treated without delay and prior to fitting. It is most important that all timber products are completely and fully treated before fitting, including all faces, edges and any 'cut outs' such as locks etc. If the door requires trimming to fit, it should be reduced in size equally from both sides when fitting. Mortice locks fitted at rail joints can result in removal of one or more dowels or cause serious damage to a mortice, so weakening the joint. Mortice lock cavity should be kept to a minimum size and not fitted at a rail joint. As timber is a naturally grown product subject to change due to variations of humidity and temperature, we try to ensure that the timber has been prepared to make it suitable. It is obvious that we cannot know all the circumstances surrounding every situation in which our products are stored and installed, and we therefore cannot give any guarantee against shrinkage, warping or splitting.