Short answer: A wood garage door needs its finish kept up, because the finish is what keeps water out. Clean it gently, look it over each season for peeling, cracks and soft spots, and refinish when water stops beading. Keep the bottom edge dry. Wood that soaks up water or gets thick new coats can get heavier, which throws off the balance, so have a professional check it after big changes.
A wood garage door adds warmth and character that's hard to match. It also asks more of you than steel. Wood moves with the weather, takes in moisture and needs its finish renewed every so often.
The good news is that a simple routine keeps a wood door looking good and working right for a long time. Most of it is looking, cleaning gently and staying on top of the finish before water gets in.
Paint or stain isn't just for looks on a wood door. It's what keeps water out of the wood. When the finish wears thin, the wood soaks up moisture, swells when it's wet, shrinks when it dries, and over time can crack, warp or rot.
Sun is the other enemy. UV light breaks down stain and paint, especially on doors that get strong afternoon sun. That's often where the finish fails first.
A few times a year, close the door and look it over inside and out. Check:
The water test is simple. Sprinkle a little water on the door. If it beads up, the finish is still working. If it soaks in and darkens the wood, it's time to refinish.
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Gentle is the rule. Use mild soap, water and a soft cloth or brush. Rinse lightly with a hose and let the door dry. Avoid pressure washers on wood. They can raise the grain, force water into joints and strip the finish. Skip harsh cleaners and bleach unless the finish maker recommends a specific product.
How often depends on your climate, sun and the type of finish. When the water test fails or you see peeling, plan to refinish.
If the door has a lot of peeling or damage, ask a professional or the door's maker what's right for it before stacking on more coats.
This is the one most people don't think about. Garage door springs are set for the weight of the door. Wood can get heavier as it takes in moisture, and thick new coats of paint or added trim add weight too. A door heavier than its springs are set for is an out of balance door.
An out of balance door works the opener harder and wears parts faster. Signs include a door that feels heavier when you lift it by hand, drifts down when you let go, or moves unevenly. Our guide to signs your door is out of balance explains how to check it carefully.
Don't adjust the springs to make up for it. Spring work is for a professional. After a refinish or any change that adds weight, have the balance checked.
Call when you see soft or rotted wood, a warped panel, a split section, a door that no longer closes flat, or any sign the balance has changed. Leave springs, cables and bottom brackets alone. A yearly tune-up looks over all of it, lubricates moving parts and tests the balance. Here is what a tune-up actually checks.
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It depends on sun, weather and the finish used. Sprinkle water on the door. If it beads, the finish is working. If it soaks in and darkens the wood, or you see peeling, it's time to refinish.
It's best not to. Pressure washing can raise the grain, strip the finish and force water into joints. Use mild soap, water and a soft brush, and rinse lightly.
Wood can take on moisture, and new coats of paint or added trim add weight. Springs are set for the door's weight, so a heavier door can go out of balance. Have a professional check it rather than adjusting the springs yourself.
Usually, yes. Finishing all sides and edges helps keep moisture from getting in unevenly, which can lead to warping. Follow the door or finish maker's directions.