Summary:
Handling, installation and finishing your Meranti external door
MERANTI EXTERNAL DOOR – HANDLING, INSTALLATION & FINISHING GUIDELINES
Quality Acceptance
Inspect all doors immediately upon receipt.
Check size, quality, and overall condition before installation.
Any concerns must be raised before fitting the door.
Storage & Conditioning (Acclimatisation)
Store doors in a dry, ventilated area.
Protect doors from:
Moisture
Damp floors
Rain
Doors must be stored flat on three equally spaced bearers.
Allow the door to acclimatise to ambient humidity in the area where it will be installed.
Avoid high central‑heating during installation:
Excessive heat causes uneven shrinkage.
Heating should be increased gradually so moisture evaporates evenly through the timber structure.
Fittings & Installation
Do not install doors in newly plastered or recently bricked areas:
These areas contain high moisture levels.
Moisture increases the risk of deterioration.
Ensure the installation area is completely dry before fitting the door.
Trimming
Width reduction:
Maximum 10 mm overall (5 mm per side).
Height reduction:
Preferably limited to 10 mm overall (5 mm top and bottom).
Cutting method:
Use a plunge saw to control depth when cross grain cutting.
First cut: ±2.5 mm to break cross‑grain slats.
Second cut: full depth to final size.
Always use a fine‑tooth sawblade.
Locks & Hinges
Lock blocks are provided centrally on each edge for mortice or similar locks.
Recommended hanging method:
Use three good‑quality 100 mm hinges.
Timber Movement
Timber is a natural product and will move with temperature and humidity changes.
Warp, bow, twist or cupping is not considered a defect unless movement exceeds 6.35 mm in the plane of the door.
Finishing
These doors are suitable for full weather exposure.
Treat the door before fitting:
They must be thoroughly treated with a minimum of three coats.
Use an appropriate external timber treatment.
Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next.
Make sure treatment is applied to all six sides of the door including:
Hinge cut-outs
Lock cut-outs
Any trimmed edges
Consult your paint supplier for the correct finishing system and follow their instructions carefully.
Re‑treat the door regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Colour Variation
Timber is naturally grown and varies in:
Colour
Grain
These variations are not grounds for exchange or rejection.
Conditions of Sale
The manufacturer/supplier is not liable for:
Incidental charges
Expenses resulting from incorrect handling, storage, fitting, installation or treatment
In the event of a manufacturing defect:
Liability is limited to the cost of the door.
Guarantee
BB and 15P Doors are guaranteed for full external exposure.
Tested in accordance with SANS 6182:2017 – Class 1 Full Exterior Timber Doors.
One-Year Full Value Guarantee
Applies to Esstee meranti‑veneered doors for full weather exposure, provided:
All six sides are thoroughly treated before installation.
Treatment includes:
Trimmed areas
Hinges
Locks
Handle cut-outs
A suitable oil-based exterior wood coating is used.
Doors included:
“Elite” meranti‑veneered panel doors (including bolection)
“Elite” meranti‑veneered unglazed glass-panel options
“Elite” BB and 15P horizontal slatted solid meranti doors
Three-Year Proportional Guarantee
Additional coverage for years 2 and 3 on a pro‑rata basis.
Requires proof of correct maintenance and treatment.
Superficial veneer cracking is not considered a manufacturing defect.
• • Guarantee limited to the purchase value of the door.