Is it okay to store a door on its side?
Storing a door on its side for extended periods is generally not recommended. The safest options are to store it flat on a dry, level surface with even support or to store it upright with proper bracing, depending on door type and climate.
Why storage orientation matters
Doors are susceptible to warping, twisting, or bowing when exposed to uneven humidity, weight distribution, or pressure across their faces. Gravity can cause stresses to accumulate along the door’s panels and edges, especially during long storage. Solid wood doors respond most to moisture movement, while hollow-core and engineered doors can deform under improper support. Correct storage helps preserve fit, finish, and operation when the door is eventually installed.
Best storage practices
Here are the recommended storage methods and precautions in practical terms:
- Flat storage on a dry, level surface: Lay the door on clean flooring or a sturdy work surface, supported across its length by evenly spaced spacers (stickers) to prevent sticking and to promote air circulation.
- Upright storage on edge with bracing: If space is limited, store the door vertically on its edge using a freestanding rack or braced supports. Provide top and bottom supports and padded contact points to prevent bowing or denting.
- Keep off the ground and away from moisture: Elevate doors from concrete or damp floors using pallets, blocks, or shelving, and avoid plastic coverings that trap humidity.
- Climate control and coverage: Maintain moderate humidity (roughly 30–50% RH) and stable temperatures. Cover doors with breathable fabric rather than plastic to prevent moisture buildup.
- Stacking and rotation: If storing multiple doors, place thin spacers between them to prevent contact, and rotate doors periodically during extended storage to avoid deformation.
In practice, these measures help minimize stress on the door’s rails and stiles, reducing the risk of warping and finish damage over time.
Special considerations by door type
Solid wood doors
Solid wood is particularly sensitive to humidity-driven movement. Flat storage is preferred to minimize uneven expansion or contraction. If upright storage is necessary, ensure even, full-length support and avoid heavy loads or point pressure along any single area of the door.
Hollow-core and engineered doors
Hollow-core and engineered doors are lighter but can still warp or delaminate if exposed to moisture or uneven support. Store flat when possible, and if stored upright, use a rack designed for doors with adequate bracing and moisture control. Keep them away from direct sunlight and damp environments to preserve cores and finishes.
What to avoid when storing doors
Avoid orientations and environments that invite uneven stress, moisture buildup, or impact damage. The most common pitfalls include the following:
- Storing on its side for long durations, which can encourage warping or twisting
- Leaning against a wall without proper supports, allowing bowing over time
- Storing in damp basements, unheated garages, or places with rapid humidity swings
- Stacking heavy doors directly on top of others without spacers or padding
By following best practices and avoiding these mistakes, you minimize the risk of damage and ensure the door remains true to fit and function when installed.
Summary
In short, storing a door on its side is not ideal for long-term storage. Flat storage on a level, dry surface or upright storage with proper bracing offers the best protection against warping and damage. Tailor the approach to your door type and climate, keep humidity steady, and use appropriate supports and spacers. With careful handling, doors stay true to their intended fit and finish until they’re ready to be installed.
Can you store doors vertically?
Make sure your door is stored horizontally, it is in all of its protective packaging and it's on a flat surface which is completely protected from moisture. Storing doors vertically can cause deformities and damage and try to avoid storing in a room that has excess moisture.
Can you store doors on their side?
It is far better to lay the door flat on the ground. It is important to distribute the weight of the new door over the biggest surface area possible. Storing doors on their edges will lead to a lot of concentrated pressure on the joints of the door. This in turn can lead to the doors warping or breaking.
What is the best way to store doors?
The best way to store doors is to lay them flat and off the ground on a level surface in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, ideally one with controlled climate. To prevent scratching, place a protective material like cardboard or felt between each door if stacking them, but avoid stacking too high. If storing doors vertically, ensure they are properly supported at both ends to prevent bending.
Storage location and preparation
- Keep them dry: Store doors in a cool, dry location away from moisture sources like radiators, water, and high humidity areas, such as recently plastered rooms.
- Control climate: For long-term storage, use a climate-controlled space that maintains a relative humidity of 25% to 55% and a temperature between 50∘F50 raised to the composed with power cap F50∘𝐹 and 90∘F90 raised to the composed with power cap F90∘𝐹.
- Avoid direct sunlight: Protect doors from direct sunlight to prevent discoloration, especially unfinished wood doors.
- Protect from damage: Keep doors in their protective packaging, especially the plastic wrapper, to protect them from moisture and scratches. For unfinished doors, this is crucial as they lack a protective finish.
Positioning and support
- Store flat: The best method is to store doors horizontally on a level surface to prevent warping.
- Raise from the ground: Use supports like blocks or slats to keep doors at least a few inches off the floor to prevent moisture absorption from condensation.
- Stacking: If stacking, place protective materials like cardboard or felt between each door to prevent scratches and damage. Do not stack them too high, as the weight can deform the bottom doors.
- Vertical storage: If storing doors vertically, make sure they are supported at both ends and do not lean them at a sharp angle for extended periods, as this can cause them to bend.
What to do before storing
- Inspect upon delivery: Before storing, inspect doors for any transit damage and have them replaced by the company if necessary. Many companies will not cover damage that occurs during storage.
- Consider sealing: If you plan to store unfinished wood doors for more than a week, seal all sides with a non-water-based sealer to protect them from moisture damage.
How should prehung doors be stored?
Like all wood, doors should be stored in a cool, completely dry area away from the elements and moisture. Hot air and dry, cool air can both warp wood and make it brittle and more likely to splinter. Conversely, high humidity levels can cause water to seep into the wood and make it soft and breakable.
