The Grain and Bolt Care & Maintenance Manual
1. Delivery & Storage
The period between delivery and installation is the most critical for a timber door. Timber is a “living” material that will seek to reach an equilibrium with its environment.
- The Bearer Rule: Doors must be stored perfectly flat on a level surface. Use at least three level bearers that are wider than the door itself. Never lean a door against a wall or store it on its side, as this will induce a permanent bow.
- Acclimatisation: Keep the doors in the room where they are to be fitted for 72 hours before hanging. They should remain in their protective packaging during this time.
- The “Wet Trade” Moratorium: Do not bring doors into a building that has been recently plastered or where screeding has taken place. The high relative humidity in these environments will cause the timber to swell, potentially leading to delamination or joint failure. The building must be fully “dried out” first.
2. Finishing: The “Six-Face” Standard
If your doors are supplied unfinished, they must be sealed before they are hung.
- Recommended Products: For a natural finish on our oak veneers, we recommend Osmo Door Oil or Treatex Hardwax Oil. These products allow the wood to breathe while providing a durable barrier.
- What to Avoid: Do not use water-based finishes or Danish oils on veneered doors. These can cause the veneer to “bubble” or lift from the core, which will invalidate your warranty.
- Encapsulation: You must seal all six faces – the front, back, both long edges, and the top and bottom edges. The top and bottom are open end-grain and act like straws for moisture; failure to seal these is the leading cause of door warping.
- Sanding: If the grain has been “raised” during handling, use a fine 240-grit sandpaper and always sand in the direction of the grain. Wipe away all dust with a lint-free cloth before applying the finish.
3. Cleaning & Daily Care
- The Damp Cloth Method: For routine cleaning, use a soft microfibre cloth dampened with warm, slightly soapy water. Wring the cloth out thoroughly so it is damp, not wet.
- Wipe with the Grain: Always wipe in the direction of the wood grain to avoid streaking.
- Drying: Immediately follow up with a dry, soft cloth to remove any trace of moisture.
- Chemicals to Avoid: Never use abrasive scouring pads, bleach, or solvent-based household cleaners. These will strip the protective oil and dull the timber.
4. Environmental Management
The longevity of your door depends on the “climate” of your home.
- Humidity: Aim to keep your indoor relative humidity between 30% and 50%. Extreme fluctuations (common in winter when central heating is high) can cause the timber to contract.
- Direct Sunlight: Timber is sensitive to UV light. In rooms with high solar gain, consider using blinds or UV-filtering glass to prevent the veneers from fading or discolouring over time.
- Seasonal Movement: It is normal for timber doors to expand slightly in winter and contract in summer. If a door begins to catch, do not immediately trim it. Often, a minor adjustment of the hinges is all that is required to accommodate seasonal shifts.
5. Hardware & Mechanical Maintenance
A door is only as good as the hardware that supports it.
- Annual Lubrication: Once a year, apply a drop of light machine oil or a silicone-based lubricant to the hinge barrels and the latch bolt.
- The “Screw Check”: Periodically check that the fixing screws for the hinges and handles remain tight. Vibrations from daily use can cause these to loosen over time.
- Handle Grub Screws: If your handles feel “wobbly,” check the small grub screw on the underside of the lever. We recommend using a medium-strength thread lock during installation to prevent these from backing out.
Summary Checklist for Homeowners
| Task | Frequency |
| Dusting & Light Cleaning | Monthly |
| Hinge & Latch Lubrication | Annually |
| Screw Tightness Check | Every 6 Months |
| Refreshed Oil Coat | Every 3–5 Years (as wear appears) |
A note on your warranty: Failure to seal the top and bottom edges of the door or the use of prohibited water-based finishes will invalidate the Grain and Bolt structural guarantee. If you are unsure about a specific cleaning product or finish, please contact us before application.