How do you store spare doors?
The simple answer: store spare doors in a dry, climate-controlled space, either laid flat on a sturdy rack or stored upright with even support, and protect them from moisture, sunlight, and impact.
Proper storage protects door surfaces, prevents warping or cracking, and makes installation easier later. Choices depend on door type (solid wood, hollow-core, or prehung) and how long you’ll keep the spare on hand. This guide outlines best practices used by carpenters, builders, and homeowners to keep doors in prime condition until they’re needed.
General preparation and protection
Before placing doors into storage, it helps to start with a ready-to-store setup that minimizes moisture uptake and surface damage.
- Remove all hardware (handles, hinges, locks) and store hardware in labeled bags or containers separate from the doors.
- Carefully detach doors from frames when possible and lay them flat or on a rack designed to support their full width.
- Clean both faces and edges, and ensure surfaces are completely dry before wrapping.
- Seal exposed cut edges with a paint, stain, or edge sealer to slow moisture absorption.
- Wrap doors in a breathable material such as moving blankets or cotton sheeting; avoid tight plastic wrap that traps moisture.
- Place soft spacers or cardboard between doors if stacking to prevent surface dents and scratches.
- Label each door with its dimensions, finish, and intended room for easy identification later.
Following these steps helps minimize moisture intrusion, surface damage, and misplacement when the doors are needed again.
Storage orientation and system choices by door type
Storage recommendations vary by door construction. Below are the common types and how to store them properly.
Solid wood doors
Solid wood is susceptible to warping and finish changes if it experiences uneven humidity or pressure. Use a sturdy rack that supports the full door length, and keep doors flat whenever possible.
- Store flat on a purpose-built door rack or on evenly spaced pallets that run the door’s full length.
- Avoid leaning doors against walls for long periods; if upright storage is necessary, use braced supports that prevent bowing.
- Keep the storage area at a stable humidity level (roughly 35–50%) and out of direct sunlight.
- Do not stack heavy doors directly on top of lighter ones; place protective sheets between each door.
- Ensure zero contact with damp floors or concrete where seasonal dampness occurs.
Flat storage with proper support and climate control helps preserve the wood’s integrity and finish for years of future use.
Hollow-core doors
Hollow-core doors are lighter and generally less prone to cracking, but they can bow or dent if stored improperly. Treat them with similar care as solid doors, with emphasis on avoiding compression and moisture buildup.
- Flat storage on a rack remains ideal; upright storage is acceptable if doors are well braced to prevent bowing.
- Avoid high stacking pressure; limit the number of doors in a single stack and use protective separators.
- Keep away from damp environments and areas with large temperature swings.
- Label and organize by size to prevent unnecessary handling and movement.
For hollow-core doors, the goal is to prevent deformation and surface damage while keeping the lightweight structure intact.
Prehung doors
Prehung doors include the frame and can be more vulnerable to hinge and jamb damage if mishandled. Store them with care to maintain the frame’s square shape.
- Whenever possible, keep in their protective packaging or wrap to protect the jamb and hinge areas.
- Store upright on a dedicated, stable rack to prevent frame distortion; avoid stacking directly on top of the door edge.
- Keep away from direct sun and heat sources that can warp or dry out the wood differently across surfaces.
- Label clearly with the door size and installation room to speed up the re-installation process.
These type-specific practices help prevent frame distortion and hinge damage, easing installation when the door is needed again.
Environment and protective measures
Beyond how the doors are stored, the surrounding environment plays a crucial role. The following guidelines help maintain door integrity over time.
- Maintain a stable humidity level in the storage area, ideally around 35–50% for wooden doors.
- Avoid direct sunlight and ultraviolet exposure that can fade finishes or dry out wood unevenly.
- Keep temperatures relatively steady, avoiding extreme heat or cold or rapid swings.
- Ensure good ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth.
- Use a dehumidifier or humidity control in damp spaces, and consider desiccants for sealed storage zones.
- Store doors off the floor at least 6 inches (15 cm) to prevent contact with puddles, condensation, or water spills.
- Inspect periodically for any signs of moisture, warping, cracking, or insect activity and address promptly.
Environmentally controlled storage is often the difference between a door that installs flawlessly and one that requires rework after long-term storage.
Common mistakes to avoid
Even with a good plan, storage mistakes can happen. Avoid these pitfalls to keep spare doors in prime condition.
- Storing doors in damp basements or garages with extreme temperature changes.
- Leaving doors stacked too tightly without separators, or leaning them for long periods.
- Wrapping doors tightly in plastic, which traps moisture and can promote mold.
- Forgetting to remove hardware, which can scratch surfaces or corrode during storage.
- Neglecting regular checks for humidity and pests in the storage area.
Steering clear of these mistakes helps ensure doors remain ready for quick installation without surprises.
Summary
Storing spare doors effectively combines proper preparation, appropriate orientation, environment control, and ongoing maintenance. Flat storage on a braced rack is often the safest choice for solid wood and hollow-core doors, while prehung doors benefit from upright storage in protected packaging. Keep humidity steady, shield doors from direct sun, and check for moisture or damage on a regular basis. With a systematic approach, spare doors stay ready for installation, saving time and preventing costly rework.
