Should I Opt for Pre-Finished Oak Doors?

Thinking of oiling your new oak doors yourself or would you like to skip the hassle and the doors to arrive pre-finished?

The time has come to take the plunge and buy new oak doors. You’ve chosen your favourite style, and you’ve opted for stunning solid oak. But one final decision remains. Should you choose untreated or pre-finished oak doors? Here’s how to tackle that last question, with four simple points for your consideration.

1. Time restraints

Is time of the essence? If you want to put your new doors in place right away, pre-finished oak doors are a good choice. They’ll arrive pre-prepared and ready to be hung in your door frame without delay. In contrast, untreated doors will need to be cared for before they are put to use, which will require some time and effort on your part.

2. Budget considerations

If budget is high on your priority list, it’s worth spending time weighing up the pros and cons of untreated and pre-treated oak doors. While the pre-treated option adds an extra cost to your order - at a total of £40 per door - remember that you’ll have to buy your own protection wax or oil if you choose untreated.

3. DIY prowess

The DIY approach isn’t for everyone. If you’re happy with a cloth in hand, it’s worth considering untreated doors. Hardwax oils are simple to use, even if you’re lacking in DIY prowess. We have also created a handy guide 'How to stain oak doors' which should offer you some useful advice. If you’d prefer to avoid a little elbow grease, pre-finished oak doors will save you the time and hassle.

4. Learning the ropes

Whether you choose untreated or pre-finished oak doors, there’s no avoiding the fact that maintenance will be needed from time to time. Sooner or later, you’ll have to get to grips with the ins and out of using hardwax oil to preserve your doors. Untreated doors ensure you learn the ropes right from the word go, so you’re confident when the need for maintenance arises. But don’t worry - your doors won’t need much attention. If you spot a scratch on the surface of your door, simply use a cloth to rub hardwax oil into the affected area.

What next?

Now you’ve weighed up the pros and cons of untreated and pre-finished oak doors, it’s time for the fun part - taking the plunge and making your purchase! From Victorian four panel solid oak to French stable doors, there’s plenty to choose from. So take your time and enjoy browsing our range of internal and external doors.

If you’ve still got questions about pre-finished and untreated doors, our friendly team are always on hand. Just give us a call on 01455 388922, send us an email or use our helpful live chat option for immediate advice. We’re here to help with all door-related decisions!