By Deborah L. O'Mara
Wood doors–both interior and exterior–are available either unfinished or with a factory finish. Making the right choice between the two may make a difference in the longevity of the product and in the homeowner's satisfaction.
Finishing wood doors in the field was common in the past. Today, however, manufacturers prefer that the work is done under controlled conditions in the factory to ensure consistent quality and to extend their warranty to the job site. Finishing a door is an exacting procedure that takes the right combination of treatment and preservatives.
Industry manufacturers and distributors promote factory finishing for a number of reasons, especially quality control. Manufacturers want to make sure they have a handle on production–from start to finish–to obtain the best possible results. When a wood door is preserved, treated and finished in the factory, the manufacturer applies exacting processes suited to the product. Improved appearance, durability and environmental compliance are other advantages that factory finishing provides over job-site finishing.
"Factory finishing of wood doors is the best option for getting consistent, high-quality results," says Brian Buckles, vice president of operations, Algoma Hardwoods Inc., Algoma, Wis.
In the factory, doors are finished in a controlled environment with specifically designed lighting, dedicated equipment and waste disposal systems that significantly increase the chance that final appearance, long-term durability and environmental compliance is met. "After factoring in the economics of lower cost from utilizing efficient, automated systems in a factory versus hand finishing, it is an easy choice to specify factory-finished wood doors," Brian says.
An open-and-shut case?
A professional remodeler or carpenter can do in-the-field finishing, but since they will not have the same control over the environment or materials as the manufacturer, they must take extra care:
- Temperature and humidity have a major effect on drying and must be considered.
- Surfaces must be thoroughly dry and free from dust, dirt, grease, wax, chalk and other contaminants. Dust and dirt can be removed by a gentle scrubbing or hosing. Oils, waxes and grease must be carefully removed with paint thinner.
- Mildew must also be removed prior to finishing.
- Any surface roughness should be sanded and wiped clean.
- Doors must be stored in upright and wrapped with a protective covering.
Robert Wilson, an independent carpenter who does custom remodeling work in Chicago's historic Norwood Park community, has a somewhat different opinion. Bob likes to finish his doors in the field. He believes that he is knowledgeable enough to do it properly and sometimes might want to work with the finish in order to prepare it for paints and stains. And he has the time to do quality finishing. However, he says, "I can go either way. I understand why manufacturers might want to finish in the factory to control the quality."
Field-finishing or factory-finishing: The choice is up to the builder or remodeler. In either case, the goal should be to provide the highest quality to the end customer.
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