Looking After Your Timber Joinery
How to look after bespoke timber windows, doors, staircases, kitchens and fitted furniture — finishes, weather protection, hardware and seasonal care.
Bespoke timber joinery is built to last — but like any natural material, timber benefits from a little care. This is a short guide to keeping your Dalton Joinery products looking and performing their best, year after year.
Painted and stained finishes
External timber windows, doors and conservatories are factory-finished with high-performance microporous paints and stains, designed to flex with the natural movement of the wood. They typically need a light maintenance recoat every 5–7 years, depending on aspect and exposure. South-facing elevations weather faster than north-facing ones.
- Inspect external finishes every spring and autumn for any small chips or scratches.
- Touch up promptly with the matching paint we supply — small repairs prevent moisture ingress.
- Never use solvent-based gloss on a microporous-finished frame; it will trap moisture and accelerate failure.
Hardware and ironmongery
Hinges, locks and handles benefit from a light annual lubrication with a dry PTFE spray or fine machine oil. Avoid heavy oils and grease, which attract grit. Tighten any visible loose screws — wood does naturally move with the seasons and fixings sometimes need a quarter-turn.
Glass and seals
Double glazed sealed units have a long life but can eventually fail in concentrated heat. If you notice persistent misting between the panes, contact us — we'll replace the unit while keeping your original frame.
Rubber and silicone seals should remain supple. A wipe with a damp cloth twice a year is enough; avoid solvents.
Kitchens, bedrooms and internal joinery
- Dust regularly with a soft cloth; avoid all-purpose sprays directly on the wood.
- Wipe spills immediately, particularly on oiled and waxed finishes.
- For oiled timber, a light re-oil every couple of years restores depth and protection.
- Avoid hot pans directly on worktops; use trivets even on stone surfaces.
Staircases and floors
Hardwood treads benefit from regular soft sweeping or vacuuming with a brush attachment. Re-wax or re-oil only when the finish noticeably dulls. For lacquered staircases, professional refinishing every 8–10 years on a well-used stair is normal.
If something doesn't seem right
Wood expands and contracts with humidity, so small seasonal adjustments — a sticking door in summer, a slightly looser fit in winter — are normal. If you notice anything unusual, get in touch on 01732 763688 or dalton7oaks@aol.com and we'll talk through it. We stand behind everything we make.