There are many ways to finish your Montana Screen Door. In our experience, certain species endure better under specific conditions. In order to get the look that you want in a screen door that will last, here are some suggestions for finishing. NOTE: Always fit the door before finishing.
Poplar
If you have a location that is completely covered by a porch roof and you want to paint the door, Poplar is your best option. This is a widely available lumber that ranges in color from light brown to creamy yellow with a straight grain. It is lightweight yet durable hardwood. However, it requires appropriate finishing to boost its longevity.
You will need at least one coat of quality oil-based primer. For the paint, you need an exterior enamel paint to seal the door from moisture. You can either use an oil-based or water-based paint as long as it is exterior. A good reminder here is to paint all sides and edges of the door, which is easiest to do before it is mounted in the frame! This will help to ensure everything is coated evenly.
Pine
We use a clear White Pine that works best in partially covered locations. This straight grain varies in color from pale yellow to a light brown (and sometimes slightly reddish hue). You can either paint or stain Pine in terms of finishing.
If you are staining, be aware of surface scratches that may absorb more stain and not color your screen door consistently. All stained doors must be sealed with an exterior grade (marine) Spar varnish to block out moisture by sealing all the pores. Spar varnish also contains UV blockers which limit the damage to the door from fading from exposure to sunlight.
The same as painting Poplar, we recommend an oil-based primer and an exterior enamel paint. A better paint will not eliminate touch-ups, but will decidedly help maintain a better finish over time. It is always good to check out the paint each Spring to keep it in the best condition possible.
Red Oak
This light brown lumber with a reddish cast is well-known to stain beautifully. You will want to use this in a partially covered location due to the large pores and open end grain. If you stain the screen door, you will note that it has none of the blotching problems that are associated with birch or maple. However, you can simply varnish the door to get a great, natural finish.
Due to the open end grain and large pores, the grain in Red Oak needs to be filled to get an even coat of paint. The end grain will most likely show through paint if you do decide to pursue this method of finishing. And with such a beautiful lumber, most people prefer to stain and varnish.
Sapele Mahogany
Our favorite lumber, Sapele Mahogany can be finished with primer and paint, a varnish alone, or stain and varnish. A golden to dark reddish brown, the interlocked grain can be wavy and holds a great deal of natural luster.
This gorgeous lumber has great weatherability and rot resistance if finished well and can be used in an exposed location. You can paint this screen door with ease due to the fine grain, but it seems a shame to hide the grain pattern and rich coloring!
Douglas Fir
Even though Douglas Fir is softwood, it is considered one of the most resilient due to its strength and durability. It also exhibits good weather-resistant properties. It has one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios, making it a good option for a screen door.
Whether you are looking to paint or stain, the uniformity of appearance and straight vertical grain are beneficial. The yellow to reddish-brown color can give a screen door made from Fir either a rustic or notably modern appearance.
