How To Maintain The Farm-Style Appearance Of Your Wooden Garage Door

If you are looking to create a farm-style look for your garage, or have one at your property already, then investing in a wooden garage door is simply a must.

Strong, sturdy and easily customisable to meet your exact requirements, wooden garage doors are one of the best types of garage doors available on the market – the perfect choice for giving your home more of a cutesy, barn-style vibe.

However, as with anything, over time they can become damaged, largely due to the outside elements they’re protecting your home from.

It’s important, therefore, to maintain them as properly and regularly as you can, in order to ensure the look you’re going for doesn’t fade away over time.

To help you do exactly that, here are some top tips to maintain your garage door and keep it in the best possible condition.

1 – Inspect The Opening Mechanism

Since timber garage doors can be operated either manually or electrically, it’s important to ensure the opening/closing mechanism is working effectively.

If it’s an electric-powered door, generally speaking, you should have the mechanism checked and serviced at least once a year by a professional. If you’d rather do yourself though, then you’ll need to check the automatic power unit, the clamps, springs, rollers – pretty much every component of the door’s structure.

Clean any dirt and debris from the moving parts, and make sure that the tracks on which the garage door moves up and down are properly lubricated.

Also, make sure to test the sensory system every few months by placing a small piece of timber under the door and allowing it automatically close. The sensor should pick up the obstruction and immediately cause the door to go into reverse. If it doesn’t, you might need to get some expert assistance.

2 – Keep The Doors Clean

Regularly cleaning both the inside and outside of your garage door will help stop any dust or dirt sticking to the wood and ruining the aesthetic.

Using a mild soap or washing up liquid mixed with hot water, take a soft cloth and wipe both sides of the door down, taking care to remove any grime and dirt.

By ensuring you do this on a regular basis, this will also mean you won’t need to repaint or re-stain the garage door as often. And, while it may not be the most fun job to do, it’s not exactly difficult and will literally only take a few minutes of your time.

3 – Think About Repainting

Whether you’re looking to maintain a farm-style look you have already or you’re trying to redesign your garage to have one, repainting it could give it a fresh look and a much-needed update.

To get a farm-style look, in particular, opt for either a nice chalk white colour. Alternatively, a wood stain would also help give you the look you’re going for.

Once you’ve decided on the colour you’re going for, clean the door down with a sponge and soapy water and then let the door dry for at least three hours. After three hours have passed, you’ll need to sand down the door using medium-fine sandpaper, while also ensuring the automatic opening and closing mechanism has been correctly turned off.

After sanding, you’ll then need to clean the door once again with a dry, lint-free cloth. Then, using a brush, paint the stain on evenly. Depending on how rustic a look you’re going for, the number of coats you do is entirely up to you. Generally speaking though, the more coats you do, the darker the colour will be.

If you’d like any more hints or tips on how to maintain your wooden garage door, please do not hesitate to contact our team at Wessex Garage Doors today.