How to Store Doors Properly to Prevent Warping
There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing a new door warp before it’s even installed. Door warping and shrinkage are common issues when doors are stored incorrectly, particularly before fitting. At Doorphoria, we regularly advise homeowners, trades and developers on the best ways to store doors safely to protect their shape, finish and long-term performance.
In this guide, we explain what causes doors to warp and share practical storage tips to help keep your doors in top condition before installation.
What Causes Door Warping and Shrinkage?
The main cause of door warping is exposure to changes in temperature and moisture. Timber naturally expands and contracts depending on humidity levels. When a door absorbs moisture unevenly, the fibres swell and can cause twisting or bowing. When moisture is lost too quickly, doors may shrink, leading to gaps or misalignment once fitted.
This issue is particularly common when untreated or primed doors are not properly sealed before installation. Without adequate finishing, moisture can enter or escape the door unevenly, increasing the risk of movement. This applies to both internal and external doors, but is especially critical for external doors exposed to weather conditions.
Different materials respond differently to environmental conditions. Solid timber doors are naturally more sensitive to changes in moisture and temperature, while engineered internal doors, along with composite and laminate constructions supplied by Doorphoria, are specifically designed to improve stability and reduce the risk of warping when fitted and finished in line with the recommended guidance.
Following Manufacturer Finishing Guidelines
To ensure long-term performance and prevent issues such as moisture ingress or uneven movement, it’s essential that all untreated or primed doors are fully finished in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations before installation. This applies to both internal and external doors, and is especially important where doors are exposed to changes in temperature or humidity.
We recommend reviewing the relevant finishing guidelines for your door range before fitting:
Deanta Products Finishing Guidelines
LPD Products Finishing Guidelines
PM Mendes Products Finishing Guidelines
Following these guidelines carefully helps protect your warranty and ensures your door performs as intended over time.
Best Door Storage Tips to Prevent Warping
1. Store Doors Flat and Fully Supported
Doors should always be stored flat on a level surface. Storing doors upright or leaning against a wall can cause them to bend under their own weight over time. Use evenly spaced bearers or battens underneath the door to provide full support, and place protective padding between stacked doors to avoid surface damage.
2. Keep Temperature and Humidity Consistent
Store doors in a dry, well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight, radiators and damp areas such as garages or basements. Sudden temperature changes can cause timber to expand or contract unevenly, increasing the risk of warping. Where possible, keep doors in conditions similar to the room they’ll eventually be installed in.
3. Rotate Doors During Long-Term Storage
If doors are being stored for several weeks or months, rotating their position occasionally helps prevent pressure points and uneven stress. This is particularly important for heavier doors and larger sizes.
4. Retain Protective Packaging (But Check for Moisture)
Most doors are supplied in protective wrapping designed to prevent damage during transport. Keeping this packaging intact can help protect the door surface, but it’s important to check regularly for trapped moisture or condensation, which can do more harm than good.
5. Choose More Stable Door Constructions
Some door types are naturally more resistant to movement. Engineered, composite and laminate doors are designed to improve stability and reduce the risk of warping compared to untreated solid timber. If you’re storing doors in a busy site environment or rental property, this can make a noticeable difference.
Choosing Doors That Perform Long Term
Proper storage plays a big role in preventing warping, but door construction also matters. Selecting well-made doors from a trusted supplier helps reduce issues later on. Our range of internal doors includes options designed for strength, stability and everyday use in both domestic and commercial settings.
Need Help or Advice?
If you’re unsure how to store doors correctly or need guidance on choosing the right door type for your project, our team is happy to help. Doorphoria supplies doors nationwide with reliable UK delivery, supporting projects across Halifax, Huddersfield, Leeds, Manchester and beyond.
For expert advice, feel free to contact us at sales@doorphoria.co.uk.
