How Long Do Custom Steel Windows and Doors Take?

How Long Do Custom Steel Windows and Doors Take? From Design to Delivery

Custom steel windows and doors are made specifically for each project's architecture, dimensions, and design intent. Unlike standard products pulled from a warehouse, every detail—from overall size and configuration to glass, finish, hardware, and divided-light pattern—must be coordinated before fabrication begins.

At Stellar Windows & Doors, our typical lead time is approximately 90–120 days. The exact schedule may differ depending on the project's size and complexity, the products selected, the approval process, and delivery requirements.

Understanding what happens during those 90–120 days helps homeowners, architects, interior designers, and builders plan with confidence. Here is what the custom steel window and door process generally looks like from design through delivery.

Why Do Custom Steel Windows and Doors Take 90-120 Days?

Custom steel windows and doors are not mass-produced in predetermined sizes. Each system is created for a specific opening and project, allowing far more freedom in proportion, configuration, profile, glass, finish, and hardware.

That customization requires several coordinated stages. Measurements and design selections must be confirmed. The shop must prepare and approve shop drawings. The shop fabricates, welds, finishes, glazes, inspects, protects, and prepares steel components for transportation.

Although this process takes longer than purchasing a standard door or window, it produces a finished system customized to the home rather than requiring the architecture to accommodate a stock product.

The Typical Lead Time: 90–120 Days

Stellar Windows & Doors generally has a 90–120-day lead time for custom steel windows and doors.  Because every project is different, consider this a planning range rather than a guaranteed completion date for every order.

Numerous factors can influence the final schedule:

• The number of windows and doors included in the order.
• The size and configuration of each unit.
• Custom shapes, arches, radius, sidelights, or transoms.
• Oversized doors or expansive window systems.
• Specialized finishes, materials, glass, or hardware.
• The time required for design decisions and approvals.
• Delivery location and jobsite coordination.

We determine the most reliable timeline once the project scope and selections are confirmed. For current lead-time information, customers should consult the Stellar team while planning their project.

Stage One: Consultation and Project Discovery

Every custom project commences with understanding the opening, the architecture, and the intended result. During the initial consultation, our team learns about the project type, location, approximate dimensions, preferred style, and performance needs.

This is also when we determine the most appropriate window or door system. A monumental pivot entrance has different structural and operational requirements than a pair of interior French doors. Exterior windows have different glass and performance factors than an interior office enclosure or wine room.

Helpful information at this stage may include:

• Architectural plans or elevations
• Inspiration photos
• Preliminary opening dimensions
• Desired operation and swing direction
• Interior or exterior application
• Preferred steel profile or Stellar collection
• Glass, finish, and hardware preferences
• Target installation or project-completion date

The more complete the information at the start, the easier it is to develop an accurate design and keep the project moving.

Stage Two: Design and Product Selection

Once we understand the project requirements, we refine the design. This is where the window or door begins to take shape within the architecture.

Clients may select from single doors, double doors, pivot doors, French doors, accordion systems, fixed windows, operable windows, interior partitions, wine cellar doors, and other custom configurations. You can also incorporate sidelights, transoms, arched tops, specialty shapes, and coordinated window walls.

Important design decisions may include:

• Overall proportions
• Number and placement of glass panels
• Divided-light or grid pattern
• Frame and jamb profile
• Door handing and swing direction
• Fixed or operable window configuration
• Threshold details
• Glass type
• Finish color and texture
• Hardware style and placement

Because these selections affect fabrication, finalize them before production begins. Changes made later in the process may require revised drawings, new approvals, or schedule adjustments.

Stage Three: Field Measurements and Opening Coordination

Accurate dimensions are essential for custom steel products. Builders and installers should verify that rough openings, finished floor heights, wall depths, waterproofing details, and surrounding materials are coordinated before approving final dimensions.

This stage is especially important for renovations. Existing openings may not be perfectly square or level, and conditions hidden behind trim or older construction can affect the final design. Identifying those conditions early helps prevent avoidable complications during installation.

Stage Four: Shop Drawings and Approval

Before fabrication, shop drawings communicate exactly how the custom windows and doors will be built. Depending on the project, these drawings may show dimensions, panel configurations, grid patterns, swing direction, jamb conditions, thresholds, hardware locations, and other construction details.

The homeowner, builder, architect, or designer should review the drawings carefully. This is your opportunity to confirm the design matches the architectural plans and project expectations before we cut and weld steel.

Prompt, thorough approvals help protect the schedule. If dimensions change or selections remain undecided, the production timeline may need adjustment.

Stage Five: Steel Fabrication and Welding

After you approve the design and drawings, fabrication begins. Skilled artisans prepare, cut, assemble, and weld steel components to create the frame, sash, door leaf, divided lights, and other structural elements.

This stage requires precision. Narrow sightlines and large expanses of glass may appear visually simple, but achieving that refinement depends on accurate fabrication and careful alignment. Corners, joints, panels, and profiles must come together as a unified architectural system.

Complex elements—including arches, radiused frames, oversized configurations, and custom divided-light patterns—may require additional production time because they involve more specialized fabrication.

Stage Six: Finishing, Glass, and Hardware

Once fabrication is complete, the steel is prepared for its selected finish. The specific finishing process depends on the collection, material, application, and desired appearance.

The team then coordinates glass and hardware with the finished frame. Depending on the project, glass options may include insulated glass, Low-E glass, tempered glass, laminated glass, textured or privacy glass, and smart glass. Hardware may include custom handles, locks, hinges, pivot systems, pulls, or other functional components.

Every choice must work together. The door's weight and size affect hardware requirements, while the glass specification may depend on whether the product is used indoors, outdoors, or in a climate-controlled space.

Stage Seven: Inspection and Protective Packaging

Before leaving the workshop, inspect completed windows and doors for workmanship, finish quality, glass, hardware coordination, operation, and overall conformity to the approved design.

Custom steel products must also be carefully protected for transportation. Proper packaging helps protect the finish, glass, corners, and hardware during handling and delivery to the project.

For large or complex orders, you may coordinate packaging and delivery sequencing with the builder's installation schedule and jobsite conditions.

Stage Eight: Delivery and Installation Preparation

Plan delivery before the units arrive. Steel windows and doors can be significantly heavier than conventional products, particularly when a project includes large glass panels, double doors, or oversized systems.

The builder or installer should confirm:

• That the openings are complete and ready.
• That finished-floor and threshold conditions are correct.
• That a protected storage area is available if installation will not happen immediately.
• That appropriate equipment and sufficient labor are available for unloading.
• That access to the installation area is clear.
• That you understand the waterproofing and flashing responsibilities.

Many typical steel window and door units require a crew of two to three people for safe handling and installation, although larger systems may require additional labor or lifting equipment. Stellar Windows and Doors does offer iinstallation in Atlanta with our expert team of installers.

How to Keep Your Project on Schedule

The fabrication process cannot—and should not—be rushed, but several decisions can help prevent unwarranted delays.

Begin the Conversation Early

Discuss steel windows and doors during the architectural and construction-planning stages whenever possible. Waiting until the openings are nearly complete can limit design options or create pressure later in the schedule.

Confirm Decisions Before Approval

Finalize finishes, glass, hardware, grid patterns, handing, and other major selections before approving shop drawings. Late changes may affect multiple components of the design.

Provide Accurate Measurements

The appropriate project professional should verify measurements. Fabrication based on incomplete or outdated dimensions can cause major complications.

Review Shop Drawings Carefully

Confirm every opening, dimension, swing direction, and configuration. Fast approval helps, but accurate approval matters more.

Coordinate Delivery and Installation in Advance

Make sure the jobsite is ready, and the installation team understands the product requirements. A completed unit should not arrive before the site can receive, protect, and install it properly.

Lead Time vs. the Complete Project Schedule

The quoted lead time is only one part of the complete project schedule. Homeowners and project teams should also allow time for the initial consultation, estimating, design decisions, field measurements, drawing preparation, approvals, shipping, and installation.

For that reason, a project should not begin exactly 90 days before the desired installation date. The planning process needs to start earlier so the design can be developed carefully and the final order can enter production with accurate, approved information.

Treat delivery and installation as separate milestones. Discussing all three dates—production completion, delivery, and installation—creates a more realistic construction schedule.

Need It Sooner? Ask About In-Stock Standard Sizes

Although every Stellar project can be custom-designed, we also keep select standard-size steel windows and doors in stock. These products can be an option when a project requires a shorter timeline or when the opening can accommodate an available size.

In-stock availability changes based on inventory, dimensions, handing, finish, and configuration. Contact the Stellar team to review options and confirm whether an in-stock unit will work for your project. If a standard size is not suitable, our typical custom lead time remains 90–120 days.

When Should You Order Steel Windows and Doors?

For a project with a firm installation target, begin planning well before that date. Factor in the 90–120-day lead time, plus time for consultation, design development, measurements, shop drawings, approvals, shipping, and jobsite preparation.

For new construction, it is beneficial to involve the steel window and door supplier while architectural drawings and opening details are still being developed. For renovations, early planning provides time to evaluate existing conditions and coordinate any structural or finish work surrounding the openings.

Ordering early also gives homeowners and design professionals more time to make thoughtful decisions, rather than selecting key architectural elements under deadline pressure.

Are Custom Steel Windows and Doors Worth the Wait?

For clients who value craftsmanship, architectural character, and a product made specifically for their home, custom steel windows and doors offer advantages standard products can't match.

The timeline reflects the work required to transform measurements and design ideas into finished architectural elements. From the first drawing to the final inspection, each stage shapes the proportions, operation, strength, and appearance of the completed system.

The result is not simply a window or door that fits the opening. It is a custom feature created to feel integral to the architecture and remain part of the home for years to come.

Plan Your Project with Stellar Windows & Doors

Stellar Windows & Doors works with homeowners, architects, interior designers, builders, and dealers to create custom steel windows and doors for distinctive residential and commercial projects.

Our typical lead time is about 90–120 days, though exact timing depends on project scope, selections, complexity, and delivery requirements. Starting early allows our team to coordinate the details carefully and provide more accurate guidance for your construction schedule.

Contact Stellar Windows & Doors to discuss your project, explore design options, and confirm the current lead time for your custom windows and doors.

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