Door Polish Colours for Wooden Doors: Natural, Light Oak, Teak, Walnut, Mahogany and Dark Brown Shades, How Timber Changes the Result, Matching Floors and Furniture, Testing Samples and Care

Main shade families

• Natural and clear. Shows the true timber colour and grain.
• Light oak and honey. Warm, light, modern.
• Teak and medium brown. Classic and versatile.
• Walnut and chocolate. Rich and formal.
• Mahogany and red-brown. Warm and traditional.
• Ebony and dark brown. Dramatic, hides marks.

Timber changes the result

Stain is translucent, so the same stain looks different on sheesham, kail, deodar or veneer, and open grain absorbs more. Always test on the same timber, preferably the back of the door or an offcut. A sample card is only a guide.

Matching floors and furniture

Doors that match the floor feel seamless, while doors a shade darker than the floor add definition. Harmonise with furniture tones or choose a deliberate contrast. Keep one wood family per room for a calm look.

Light and room size

Lighter shades open small rooms and reflect light, and darker shades suit large rooms and add warmth. Look at colours in daylight and evening light, and check how they work with wall paint.

Finish and gloss

Clear coats can be matt, satin or gloss. Gloss deepens colour and shows grain, while satin is more forgiving. PU polish suits main doors and melamine suits interiors. See door polish.

Testing and approval

Ask the polisher for a sample on your timber, view it dry in daylight, then approve before the whole door is done. Colours darken slightly as they dry and age. Keep the sample board.

Care

Wipe with a damp cloth, avoid harsh cleaners and touch up scratches early. Re-polish every 3 to 5 years on exposed doors. Strong sun can fade and lighten dark shades. Fitting should be done by a trained carpenter or fixer, and the frame and wall checked for level before the door is hung.

Indicative costs

These ranges show common figures per door including labour.

Prices move with brand, model, size and stock. Use these ranges to judge a quote, then compare the exact model and what is included.

A short checklist

Choose a shade family, test on your timber, view in daylight and approve a sample. Keep the product names for later touch-ups. A final note on wear: polished doors darken slightly with age, light and handling, particularly around handles, so a shade that looks slightly light when fresh may settle to the colour you wanted. Ask the polisher about this and keep a small sealed jar of the stain or polish for touch-ups, labelled with the date and the timber. To save money, polish only the faces that show and seal the edges and tops with clear coats. Ask for the number of coats and the product type in writing, and request that the polisher works in a dust-free space with the door laid flat, since dust and drips spoil even the best colour.

Frequently Asked Questions