Is it OK to stain and varnish the outside of an exterior door that gets some sunlight?

[scott_z500]

Of should I paint it white? I don't want to have to shave the door next summer. The door in question is under an awning, and behind a white storm door that does not trap air, so it should be OK, but I just want to throw out the question, just in case I really shouldn't do this. The stain I plan on using is MinWax "Golden Oak" and it is a medium brown...

My preference is because I can stain and varnish better than I can paint, and I do prefer the look of stained wood. That and as far as I can tell varnish does hold up a lot better than paint.

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Just be sure to use a spar varnish as it will hold up better outdoors. Mine is done that way and is still looking good after 26 years. Maybe three times I gave it another coat.