We are often asked about the process for staining doors and whether we can recommend specific stain products or colors. While we appreciate the interest, we are unfortunately unable to provide recommendations for brands, stain colors, or products used on our doors.
Some of the doors featured on our website have been stained in-house, while others reflect the choices made by individual customers. For the doors we have stained ourselves, a proprietary color blend was used, which is not available for purchase.
We hope our customers understand our approach regarding stain and color recommendations. There are a few important reasons for this:
- Product availability varies by region, and not all stains are accessible in every area due to local product restrictions.
- Staining outcomes depend heavily on technique and color mixing. Even when using the same stain brand or color, differences in application method, sanding preparation, wood characteristics, and local conditions can lead to very different results. If we were to recommend a specific product and the outcome did not meet expectations, it could understandably lead to customer frustration. Therefore, we avoid making brand or color recommendations where we cannot control the outcome.
Instead, we strongly encourage you to work with a local stain vendor or professional finisher. They can guide you in selecting the appropriate stain product and achieving a color that complements your home and environment.
It’s important to note that we are selling a stain-grade, unfinished door that the customer is responsible for finishing or having professionally finished. We do not sell doors with a guarantee that the finished color will match any of the images shown on our website. Finishing results are influenced by the stain, technique, environment, and wood characteristics.
Although we cannot provide specific stain product or color recommendations, we offer helpful resources to assist you with proper preparation and product selection:
Manufacturer's Finishing Requirements
Following the manufacturer’s finishing guidelines is critical to protect your door and maintain your warranty:
- All debris, oils, and contaminants must be removed before finishing. Professional sanding should be done carefully to avoid sanding marks.
- Follow all stain manufacturer directions for application and sanding between clear coats.
- All exposed surfaces — including the top, bottom, sides, and hardware cutouts — must be properly sealed.
- Use only exterior-grade products that contain UV inhibitors. Using an interior-grade product or a product without UV protection will void the warranty.
- Apply at least three (3) coats of an exterior-grade topcoat with UV protection to all exterior surfaces.
- Dark stains and dark opaque paints are not recommended for doors with high sun exposure. Finishing your door black or any other dark opaque color will void the warranty and may cause warping, cracking, and splitting.
- Exterior door finishes deteriorate over time. Inspect and recoat the finish at least once a year, or more often as needed, to maintain the door’s protective barrier.
By following these guidelines and working closely with a professional, you can help ensure that your wood door maintains its beauty and durability for years to come.