NEVER Choose Unfinished Stain Grade Wood

Selecting a paint grade door in lieu of an unfinished stain grade door is a prudent choice. The former can be painted in an hour and forgotten about for years. The latter will require many hours of sanding, staining and lacquering before it can be installed. To be sure, after all of this is completed the installer may experience a sense of satisfaction. Said sentiment erodes into obscurity in a short time when the process has to be repeated due to weather degradation. Paint grade is a prudent choice!

Parker is neither prudent, nor pragmatic. Observe the ardous process of transforming an unfinished stain grade, solid wood door from a chunk of wood to a finshed door.

In spite of this, Parker fell in love in the process. Twice.

Back Door, Before:

Progress 1 - Thank you Jesus

Progress 2 - Stain grade Knotty Alder door, unfinished and vulnerable

Progress Photo 2 - Stained, lacquered and awaiting trim

Progress Photo 3: Parker's first love: stained, lacquered and trimmed

The front door is composed of solid mahogany from the Phillipines.

Progress Photo 1: Sanding

Progress Photos - Staining

The final progress photo follows the 'Before' photo:

.... Parker's second love!