Sun + Lake Breeze
UV near the lakefront accelerates varnish breakdown.
Severity
Sun Door Refinishing
Born in Mandeville • 20+ Years • Hundreds of Northshore doors refinished
Hyper‑local Expertise
Small‑town charm with big Louisiana weather. We restore wood doors in Sun to a deep, durable finish that stands up to UV, humidity, and sudden storms.
Pricing Guidance
- Single solid wood door: typical range $700–$1,200 depending on exposure and condition
- Double doors or door + sidelites: typical range $1,200–$2,000
- Severe sun/rot repair, ornate details, or color changes may increase scope
These are guidance ranges. We’ll confirm an exact quote after a quick look at exposure, existing finish, and hardware.
Why It Matters in Sun
Afternoon Storms
Moisture sneaks into failed finishes and lifts the film.
Severity
Annual Maintenance
Light coats prevent costly strip‑and‑refinish cycles.
Severity
Architectural Fit
Color and sheen should suit Old Mandeville’s character.
Severity
Neighborhoods We Serve
- Village of Sun
- Country roads
And many more across Sun and the Northshore.
Recent Projects in Sun
Before
After
Mandeville Mahogany Door Restoration
Mahogany Door Refresh near the lakefront (No Gel Strippers—Ever) Twelve summers near the lakefront will do a number on any door. This mahogany one had gone dull and flaky—classic UV + humidity combo. What we did: Pulled the hardware, masked everything clean. No mess, no scratches. Finish removal: no gel strippers, ever. Just careful hand-sanding to keep lines crisp. Sanding ladder: 120 → 180 → 220 → 320 with the grain. Quick raise-and-knock for whiskers, light conditioning on tired spots. The finish: We used a three-coat marine varnish made for brutal Louisiana weather: Thinned penetration coat to lock into the fibers Build coat, sanded smooth for grip Show coat for depth and clarity. We also sealed the top and bottom edges—the step most people skip, and the one that keeps moisture swings in check. The result Warm color back, ribbon grain glowing, and a clear, tough finish that looks like furniture but handles storms. Lake Pontchartrain sun? Ready. Humidity and sideways rain? Also ready.
View details in Gallery
Before
After
Historic Cypress Door Refinishing
This classic cypress door, original to a 1920s Old Mandeville home, had seen decades of wear from Louisiana’s punishing climate. The once-warm wood had dulled, and the textured privacy glass was surrounded by a frame weathered by sun, humidity, and time. The homeowner, committed to preserving the charm of their Lake Pontchartrain cottage, asked us to restore the door’s natural cypress beauty while enhancing its durability against the elements. Our cypress door refinishing process began with a full sanding of the failing finish—removing old varnish and embedded grime without compromising the integrity of the original wood. The Restoration Process Once sanded, the door revealed its signature cypress grain—tight, rich, and naturally resistant to moisture. We treated the wood with a conditioning agent to restore its internal balance, then hand-sanded the surface to a smooth, consistent texture. For color, we applied a light custom stain that highlighted the natural tones of the wood while complementing the home's historic green siding and white trim. Three coats of marine-grade varnish were then brushed on by hand, creating a protective seal that offers long-term UV and moisture resistance—ideal for the Gulf Coast climate. Finished With Craftsmanship This refinished cypress door now glows with warmth and character, bringing timeless curb appeal back to the home’s front entry. The textured privacy glass was cleaned and retained as a nod to its original function, maintaining both security and historic charm. SEO Keywords Included:
View details in Gallery
Before
After
Cedar Door Sun Damage Repair
This beautiful western red cedar door on a Covington home faced southwestern exposure and had endured eight years of Louisiana's intense afternoon sun, resulting in severe photodegradation that turned the naturally rich cedar from its characteristic reddish-brown to a weathered silver-gray. The UV damage had penetrated deep into the wood fibers, creating a chalky surface texture and making the door vulnerable to moisture infiltration and insect damage. The homeowner loved cedar's natural beauty but was discouraged by quotes from other contractors suggesting complete door replacement. Our cedar restoration expertise allowed us to completely reverse the sun damage and restore the door's natural beauty while providing superior protection against future UV exposure. The restoration process began with assessment of the depth of photodegradation using specialized techniques to determine how much material needed to be removed. Gentle pressure washing removed surface contamination without damaging the wood fibers, followed by careful sanding with progressively finer grits to remove the gray, damaged wood and reveal the healthy red cedar underneath. Cedar requires special handling due to its natural oils and resin content - we used specialized cedar stain formulated to penetrate deeply while allowing the wood to breathe naturally. The UV protection system includes advanced light-blocking technology that prevents future photodegradation while maintaining the cedar's natural appearance. The transformation restored the door's warm, rich color and protective qualities, extending its life by decades.
View details in GalleryBefore
After
Mahogany Double Door Entry Restoration
This magnificent mahogany double door entry graced a luxury Mandeville estate and represented the pinnacle of fine woodworking with solid Honduras mahogany construction, hand-carved rosette details, and traditional raised panel design that had welcomed guests for eighteen years before Louisiana's relentless climate took its toll. The doors faced southeast exposure and had endured years of morning sun, afternoon thunderstorms, and the constant 70-90% humidity that challenges even the finest wood finishes. The mahogany had faded from its original rich reddish-brown to a weathered gray, and the protective varnish had failed completely, leaving the premium wood vulnerable to moisture damage and insect infiltration. The homeowner, who had invested significantly in these custom doors, wanted complete restoration that would showcase the mahogany's natural beauty while providing superior protection for decades to come. Our luxury door restoration process began with comprehensive assessment of the mahogany's condition - fortunately, the quality construction and dense wood had prevented deep damage despite the finish failure. The restoration required complete stripping using specialized techniques that preserve mahogany's natural oils and rich color potential while removing all traces of failed finish. Hand-carved details received individual attention using custom tools to reach every crevice without damaging the intricate work. The refinishing process included mahogany-specific conditioning and multiple coats of specially formulated stain that enhances the wood's natural depth and richness. Our marine-grade varnish system provides maximum protection against Louisiana's challenging climate while maintaining the elegant appearance appropriate for a luxury entrance.
View details in GalleryMaintenance in Sun
Almanac Tip
Lakefront & High Sun
Coat interval
~12 months
Intense UV near Lakeshore breaks down varnish faster—keep it glowing with a light refresh.
Rule of thumb: inspect after summer storms and before peak sun.
Almanac Tip
Shaded & Inland
Coat interval
~18–24 months
Less direct sun means longer between coats, but don’t skip inspection after storm season.
Rule of thumb: inspect after summer storms and before peak sun.
Almanac Tip
How We Maintain
Method
On-hinge service
We don’t remove the door—thin protective coats, taped hardware, and a quick, tidy turnaround.
Rule of thumb: inspect after summer storms and before peak sun.
Also nearby: Covington Door Refinishing.