How to Maintain and Care for Wooden Shop Fronts?

Are you dreaming of opening a beautiful and mesmerizing shop on one of the London streets with exquisite collections on display, alluring the customers to walk in and check out the collection? Well, that’s the power a wooden shopfront in London holds. No offense to frameless glass shopfronts that reflect a modern and minimalistic vibe, but the wooden shop front are associated with rich, royal, luxurious, and sophisticated vibes. 

Besides, the wooden shopfront is back in trend in London because we all can agree that wood has a timeless beauty and a delicate charm. The timber’s texture, material’s aesthetic and features of natural grain only become better with time. However, many shop owners question the wood’s durability, and it is one of the concerns that forces them to think about other options. 

Is it True that Timber Shopfronts Cannot Last Longer?

Many people think that wood shopfronts are less durable than modern aluminium ones. However, that’s not true. With appropriate care and the right treatment, wooden shopfronts can Laster longer, just like the aluminium shop front, with their shine and luster intact (some maintenance might be required to restore the original look). 

We can agree that, like everything else, wood has limitations. Regardless of the stress and hardships it endures, what actually matters is the kind of protection you give, the maintenance you offer, and the steps you take to refresh its life. 

Unlike older times, the latest sealant and finish technology ensures that wood doesn’t fall prey to moisture or fungus, or get ruined by pets. Besides, the timber shopfront requires timely painting or staining services to maintain its appearance as long as you want. Let’s discuss some tips for both contractors who have wooden shop fronts and shop owners who have or are thinking of investing in renovating the shop with a wooden shopfront. 

Tips to Save and Extend the Life of Your Timber Shopfront

Investing in a time shopfront in London is not just about making a statement, but it is also about choosing environmentally conscious choices, true quality, and respecting the tradition. Here’s how you can extend the life of your wooden shopfront: 

• For contractors, ensure that the wooden doors are stored horizontally on a completely flat surface without any direct exposure to other elements. Wood that is exposed to elements prematurely is known to develop problems in the longer run, especially if only one side of the wood is exposed. 
• Keeping or stacking the wood improperly can cause warping, and exposure to elements like sunlight, moisture, and air may further deteriorate the condition and cause further warping. 
• Once the door is installed for fit, remove the door from the hinges and prepare it for staining. 
• Use high-quality 220-grit sandpaper in the direction of the wood’s grain. This will help smooth out any nicks, splinters, or oils that may accumulate during shipping or installation. 
• Clean and wipe the door with a cloth to remove any debris left. 
• You can paint or stain the wooden door any colour you like. Oil-based paint products are best because they last longer, require minimal or less frequent maintenance, and provide protection. 
• The coating is important because it acts as a barrier that protects wood from moisture and sun and adds years to its age. Discuss with your contractor what kind of paint/stain would be suitable. 
• While selecting the paint, consider the one that protects against UV rays, as it diminishes the coating’s protection and exposes the wood to the atmosphere. 
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for painting/staining and cover all six sides of the door, including the hinges. 
• If you are using a polyurethane varnish to seal the wood, use at least three coats. If there are wood or glass shopfronts joints, seal them with clear caulk to add another layer of protection. 
• Once the installation is complete, inspect the timber shopfront for signs of deterioration. If necessary, get it repaired immediately to prevent further deterioration.

How to Maintain Timber Shopfronts?

Here are helpful maintenance tips that can extend the lifespan of wooden shopfronts in London: 

• Keep the Dust Away.

Dust is one of the factors that could deteriorate wood because dusting occasionally can cause the particles to form a layer, which could lead to scratches on the surface. You can use a cotton cloth, micro fiber cloth, or feather duster to dust away delicately. 

If it has been a long time since you last dusted the shopfront, take some time to clean it with warm water and mild soap. Once it is all cleaned up, wipe the water away with a clean cloth to avoid residual moisture. 

• Remember, Humidity is the Enemy.

Humid weather can cause more damage than you could ever imagine. Wood absorbs moisture when the atmosphere is humid, leading to swelling and shrinking. Besides, the wood starts to expand in all directions, and as a result, some pieces may not fit together, and you will have a hard time closing or locking the door. 

That’s why you can use a humidifier with humidistats to maintain relative humid levels. Also, keep the windows and doors open so there is ample ventilation and enough sunlight comes in which is essential to stabilize humid levels. 

• Avoid Exposure to Bright Lights or Sunlight. 

While we just said that sunlight is good, however, direct sunlight is not at all beneficial for wood. Besides, any sort of light with great intensity is not at all good because it can cause a great amount of discoloration and cause it to look patchy. That’s why, draw curtains to protect the wooden shopfront and utilize dim light instead of bright lights. 

• Wax and Oil Regularly. 

Wooden furniture is graceful, but with time, it begins to lose its shine. Waxing and oiling regularly can help the wooden shopfront avoid damage and retain its charm. Here’s how it is done: 

• Clean and dry the wood properly to ensure it is dust-free. 
• Follow the divide-and-conquer strategy. Polishing should be done in parts, so divide the area accordingly to finish the polishing easily. 
• Do not use too much product because it can lead to product build-up. 
• Apply the product, and then buff it well. Leave the area after buffing. 
• Avoid using products with wax protectants or mixing anything, as it can lead to a gooey mess. 
• Polishing may take time, so please schedule this at your convenience. 

The Bottom Line

Investing in a wooden shopfront is not as scary as one may think if you purchase it from a reputable and trusted shopfront provider in London. For instance, Supreme Shopfront provides a range of timber shopfronts in London with customization features. A timber shopfront with your design and your colour, and it will be our responsibility to manufacture it and customize it to keep its integrity intact. Besides, we offer installation, repair, maintenance, and even 24/7 emergency services. Visit Supreme Shopfronts today and get all types of shopfronts in London, including Timber ones, for your shop.