What to Expect when Ordering a Custom Door

What to Expect When Ordering Windows and Doors

At Knotty Woodcraft, we know that taking on a home renovation or new build is a big step. It’s exciting—but it can also come with a lot of moving parts. One of the best ways to avoid stress is by understanding lead times early, especially for custom-crafted elements like windows and doors. Here’s what you need to know to keep your project running smoothly.

What Are Lead Times?

Lead time is the amount of time between placing your order and receiving the finished product. For windows and doors, lead times can vary based on complexity, seasonality, supplier timelines, and more.

Factors That Affect Lead Times

Customization
At Knotty Woodcraft, nearly every product is custom-made to your specifications. From sizing and wood selection to finish and hardware, that extra attention to detail takes additional time—but it also ensures a high-quality result that fits your home perfectly.

Solo Operation
Knotty Woodcraft is proudly a one-man shop, which means every step of your order—design, building, finishing, and communication—is handled directly by me. This ensures a personal level of care and craftsmanship that larger operations can’t always match. However, it also means my production calendar can fill up quickly, and lead times may be longer depending on current workload. I always aim to give realistic timelines and keep you updated every step of the way.

Manufacturer’s Schedule
If your project includes sourced components (like specialty glass or hardware), their manufacturing and shipping timelines can affect the overall delivery schedule. High-quality suppliers typically build to order, and during busy seasons, their lead times may increase.

Supply Chain Conditions
Material availability is another key factor. While I work hard to plan ahead and minimize disruptions, global supply chain delays or raw material shortages can occasionally impact production.

Seasonal Demand
Lead times often extend during peak building seasons like spring and summer. If you're planning a project during these months, placing your order as early as possible is the best way to stay on track.

Average Lead Times for Windows and Doors

Custom-built windows and doors typically take 6 to 12 weeks from the time of order to completion. For more intricate or specialty projects—or during particularly busy times—lead times may extend to 16 weeks or more. The earlier we discuss your project timeline, the better I can help you plan accordingly.

How to Plan for Lead Times

Here are a few key tips to make sure your project stays on schedule:

• Place Orders Early
  Once you've finalized your design and chosen your materials, the sooner you place your order, the more flexibility we’ll have in scheduling production.

• Communicate with Your Contractor
  Staying in sync with your builder helps avoid scheduling conflicts and ensures that the delivery of your windows and doors lines up with the overall build timeline.

• Explore Stock Options
  If your timeline is tight, I may have standard or in-progress builds available sooner than fully custom orders. I'm always happy to discuss what's currently in the works.

Why Lead Times Matter

Delays in receiving key elements like doors and windows can throw off an entire construction schedule. Being aware of the factors that influence production and planning accordingly will help you stay on track—and reduce the stress of unexpected hold-ups.

A Personal Touch You Can Count On

At Knotty Woodcraft, you’re not dealing with a large, faceless company—you’re working directly with the person building your project. I take pride in delivering exceptional quality with a high level of communication and honesty. That said, because I manage every aspect of the business myself, my availability is limited to how much I can produce at a time. I appreciate your understanding and patience, and I’ll always strive to provide accurate timelines and clear expectations.

Let’s Build Something Beautiful Together

Whether you need handcrafted windows, custom doors, or unique millwork, Knotty Woodcraft is here to help bring your vision to life. Reach out today to discuss your project, get a lead time estimate, or ask questions—I’d love to hear from you.