Typical Lead Times Overview
Lead times vary significantly based on door complexity and manufacturer capacity. Here's what to expect:
| Door Type | Typical Lead Time | Best Case | Worst Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock/Semi-Custom (Pre-designed) | 2-4 weeks | In stock: 1 week | 6 weeks |
| Standard Custom (Common sizes) | 6-10 weeks | 4 weeks | 12 weeks |
| Fully Custom (Non-standard size/design) | 10-14 weeks | 8 weeks | 16-20 weeks |
| Complex/Artistic (Hand-forged details) | 12-20 weeks | 10 weeks | 24+ weeks |
| Oversized/Monumental | 14-24 weeks | 12 weeks | 30+ weeks |
What "Lead Time" Actually Means
Lead time typically refers to the period from order confirmation (when deposit is paid and design is finalized) to when the door ships from the factory. It does not usually include:
- Design Phase: The time spent selecting, customizing, and approving the design before ordering (1-4 weeks typically).
- Shipping Time: Transit from factory to your location (1-3 weeks depending on distance and shipping method).
- Installation: Time needed after delivery to schedule and complete installation (1-4 weeks).
For realistic planning, add 4-8 weeks to the quoted manufacturing lead time. A door with a "10-week lead time" will likely arrive at your home in 12-14 weeks from when you start the process, with installation complete in 14-18 weeks total.
Production Phases Explained
Understanding what happens during production helps set realistic expectations and gives you conversation points when checking on your order's progress.
1. Order Processing & Queue
Your order enters the production queue. Position depends on current backlog. During peak seasons (spring/summer), queues are longer.
2. Engineering & Shop Drawings
Engineers create detailed production drawings from your approved design. You may receive shop drawings to approve before fabrication begins.
3. Material Procurement
Raw iron/steel, glass, hardware, and other components are sourced. Specialty items (custom glass, unique hardware) may take longer.
4. Iron Fabrication
The iron frame, panels, and decorative elements are cut, bent, welded, and assembled. Hand-forged details add significant time.
5. Glass Production
Decorative, tempered, or insulated glass is produced. Often happens while ironwork is being fabricated.
6. Finishing
Surface prep, priming, powder coating or painting, and any hand-applied patinas or antiquing. Finish must cure before shipping.
7. Assembly & Quality Check
Glass is installed, hardware is attached, and the complete door undergoes final inspection. Photos may be sent for your approval.
8. Crating & Shipping
Door is carefully crated for shipping. Transit time depends on distance and shipping method selected.
Factors That Affect Lead Time
Several variables can extend or reduce your lead time. Understanding these helps you make informed decisions during the design phase.
📏 Door Size
Oversized doors (over 8' tall or 6' wide) require special handling, larger material stock, and often custom engineering. Expect 2-4 weeks additional time.
🎨 Design Complexity
Simple geometric patterns are faster than organic scrollwork. Hand-forged elements and custom artistic designs can add 4-8 weeks versus standard patterns.
🪟 Glass Type
Standard clear or seeded glass is readily available. Custom leaded glass, specialty textures, or triple-pane insulated units require additional production time.
🖌️ Finish Options
Standard powder coat colors ship fastest. Custom colors require color matching. Hand-rubbed patinas and multi-step antiqued finishes add 1-2 weeks.
📅 Seasonality
Spring and summer are peak seasons for home improvements. Order in fall or winter for shorter lead times and potentially better pricing.
🏭 Manufacturer Capacity
Premium manufacturers with strong reputations often have longer backlogs. Lesser-known manufacturers may offer faster turnaround but verify quality carefully.
Decisions That Speed Things Up
- Choose a Stock Design: Pre-designed doors with established patterns and standard sizes are fastest. Modifications add time.
- Select Standard Sizes: 36" x 80", 42" x 96", and 72" x 96" are common sizes that don't require custom engineering.
- Use Standard Glass: Clear, seeded, or other readily available glass ships faster than custom options.
- Accept Standard Finishes: Satin black, oil-rubbed bronze, and other popular colors don't require color matching.
- Finalize Design Quickly: Every round of revisions adds days. Come prepared with clear requirements.
Rush Orders & Expediting
Sometimes you need a door faster than standard lead times allow. Here's what's possible and what it costs:
Rush Order Options
| Expedite Level | Time Savings | Typical Premium | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority Queue | 1-2 weeks | 10-15% | Usually available |
| Expedited Production | 2-4 weeks | 20-30% | Depends on capacity |
| Rush (Maximum Speed) | 4-6 weeks | 30-50% | Limited, not always possible |
| Expedited Shipping | 3-7 days | $500-2,000+ | Usually available |
When Rush Orders Don't Work
- Physical Constraints: Some processes can't be accelerated. Welding, finish curing, and quality control require minimum time regardless of payment.
- Capacity Limits: If a manufacturer is at full capacity, money can't create additional production capability overnight.
- Material Availability: If specialty glass or unique hardware isn't in stock, rush fees won't make suppliers manufacture faster.
- Quality Trade-offs: Avoid manufacturers willing to cut corners to meet unrealistic deadlines. Quality issues cost more than waiting.
If a manufacturer promises delivery in 2 weeks for a fully custom iron door, be skeptical. Either it's not truly custom, corners will be cut, or they're not being honest. Custom iron doors require time to manufacture properly. Rushing beyond reasonable limits risks quality problems.
Common Delays & How to Avoid Them
Even with good planning, delays can occur. Here are the most common causes and how to prevent them:
Design Phase Delays
- Incomplete Measurements: Wrong measurements require re-manufacturing. Have a professional measure or triple-check yourself. The clock doesn't start until measurements are confirmed.
- Design Indecision: Multiple revision rounds delay order placement. Make key decisions (size, style, glass, finish) before engaging deeply with a manufacturer.
- Approval Bottlenecks: If multiple stakeholders (spouse, architect, HOA) must approve, coordinate in advance to avoid sequential delays.
Production Delays
- Material Shortages: Supply chain issues can delay component availability. Ask about material stock status before ordering, especially for specialty items.
- Change Orders: Requesting changes after production starts can set the project back weeks. Finalize design completely before approving shop drawings.
- Quality Issues: If quality problems are discovered during production, the manufacturer should fix them—this adds time but protects you.
- Manufacturer Problems: Staff shortages, equipment breakdowns, or mismanagement can delay your order. Check references and reviews for reliability history.
Shipping & Delivery Delays
- Transit Damage: Doors must be carefully crated and shipped. Damage in transit requires return and remake. Choose manufacturers with proven shipping track records.
- Delivery Scheduling: Residential freight delivery requires someone present. Coordinate schedules early to avoid week-long waits for redelivery.
- Weather: Severe weather can delay trucking. Build buffer time into your schedule, especially during winter and hurricane season.
✓ Professional field measure before ordering ✓ All design decisions finalized before deposit ✓ Written timeline with milestones from manufacturer ✓ Regular progress check-ins ✓ Delivery date confirmed and installation scheduled 2+ weeks after expected arrival ✓ Buffer time built into overall project schedule
Planning Your Project Timeline
Smart project planning means working backwards from your desired completion date, building in appropriate buffers, and coordinating with other trades.
Sample Timeline: 10-Week Lead Time Door
| Week | Phase | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| -4 to -2 | Research & Selection | Browse designs, contact manufacturers, get quotes |
| -2 to 0 | Design & Measurement | Finalize design, professional measurement, get HOA approval if needed |
| 0 | Order Placement | Sign contract, pay deposit, confirm timeline in writing |
| 1-2 | Shop Drawings | Review and approve production drawings |
| 3-9 | Manufacturing | Check in at week 5-6 for progress photos |
| 10 | Quality Check & Shipping | Approve final photos, confirm delivery date |
| 11-12 | Shipping & Delivery | Receive door, inspect for damage |
| 13-14 | Installation | Professional installation, final walkthrough |
Coordination with Other Work
- Opening Prep: If the door opening needs modification, have framing work completed 2+ weeks before expected door arrival.
- Painting/Stucco: Exterior work around the door should be completed before or planned for after installation, not during.
- Electrical: If adding lighting, doorbell, or smart lock wiring, coordinate with electrician to rough-in before door installation.
- Flooring: Interior flooring near the entry should be completed before installation to ensure proper threshold height.
- Security System: Plan for door sensor installation as part of the door installation process.
Shipping & Delivery
Getting your iron door from the factory to your home requires careful handling. Here's what to expect:
Shipping Methods
- Freight/LTL (Less Than Truckload): Most common method. Door is crated and shipped on a pallet. Typically 1-3 weeks depending on distance.
- White Glove Delivery: Premium service includes indoor placement and debris removal. Worth the extra cost for heavy doors and to verify condition immediately.
- Will Call/Pickup: Some manufacturers allow customer pickup to save shipping costs. Only practical if you're local and have appropriate transport.
Receiving Your Door
- Be Present: Someone must be home to receive residential freight delivery. Plan for a delivery window (often 4-6 hours) and get the driver's contact for updates.
- Inspect Before Signing: Check the crate for damage before accepting delivery. Note any damage on the delivery receipt before the driver leaves.
- Open & Photograph: Open the crate within 24-48 hours (per most manufacturer policies) and photograph any damage for warranty claims.
- Storage: If installation isn't immediate, store the door in a dry, level location. Keep it in the crate until installation day to protect the finish.
If your door arrives damaged, document everything with photos immediately and contact the manufacturer the same day. Most have 24-72 hour damage reporting requirements. Delays in reporting may void damage claims.
Coordinating Installation
The final step is professional installation. Proper coordination ensures a smooth transition from old door to new:
Scheduling Installation
- Book Early: Schedule your installer when you order the door, not when it arrives. Good installers book 2-4 weeks out.
- Confirm Door Arrival: Get tracking information and confirm delivery before installer's scheduled date. Reschedule if there are delays.
- Weather Contingency: Have a backup date for installation in case of rain or extreme weather. Your entry will be open during installation.
- Access Requirements: Ensure the installer can access your entry with their equipment. Clear pathways of landscaping, vehicles, and obstacles.
Installation Day Checklist
- Clear the Entry: Remove furniture, décor, and breakables from inside and outside the entry area.
- Secure Pets & Children: The entry will be open for several hours. Make arrangements accordingly.
- Have Payment Ready: Final balance is typically due upon completion. Confirm acceptable payment methods in advance.
- Plan for Inspection: Before the installer leaves, test the door operation, check the finish, and verify hardware function.
Don't sign off until you've tested: door swing in both directions, all locks engage and release smoothly, weatherstripping seals completely around the perimeter, glass is clean and undamaged, finish has no scratches or chips, and threshold is properly sealed. Any issues noted during walkthrough should be addressed before final payment.
Start Planning Your Iron Door Project
Browse our gallery and begin your design process. The sooner you start, the sooner your beautiful new iron door arrives.
Browse Iron Door DesignsSetting Realistic Expectations
A custom iron door is worth the wait. These are hand-crafted, built-to-order products that become permanent fixtures of your home. Rushing the process rarely saves meaningful time and can compromise quality.
Plan for 12-20 weeks from initial contact to installation complete for most custom iron doors. Add time for complex designs, peak seasons, or unforeseen delays. Start the process early, finalize your design decisions upfront, and communicate regularly with your manufacturer to ensure a smooth experience.
Ready to start your iron door journey? Check out our buyer's guide for tips on selecting the right manufacturer, or visit our financing guide to plan your budget. Use our Cost Estimator to get started with your project planning.