Frequently Asked Questions
About Quotes and Ordering
How do I get a price and additional information on the doors I like?
You may Call Us at 1-800-359-7557 during normal business hours, Fax your request to 1-334-279-5470, or at the bottom of most of our Web Pages there is a “Quick Contact” form that you can complete and Submit to us to request Pricing or other information on any of our doors.
Do your doors have a Warranty?
You can click on Warranty to bring up a copy of our Warranty that you can print. Warranties are written by lawyers to protect the vendor not the customer and are full of what we call “weasel words” (ours is also) but we try and maintain what we call a “Do Right Policy”. If you have a problem we try to treat you like we would want you to treat us.
Do you have a Decorator, Builder or Architect Program?
Yes, a lot of our customers come to us as referrals from Decorators, Builders and Architects. If you fall into one of these categories and would like to discuss our program you may Call Us at 1-800-359-7557 during normal business hours, Fax your request to 1-334-279-5470, or E-Mail us.
Why don’t you put pricing on your web site?
All of our doors are built to your order giving us the ability to customize the size, shape, wood species, finish, glass or any other details to create the door exactly like you want it. We have found that most of our customers like this flexibility and most orders vary in some respect from the pictures on our web site. Our doors are not imported or mass produced. We can design and build anything out of wood or glass and our staff is accustomed to working with homeowners, builders, designers and architects in this process. We like to get to know our customers and take pleasure in custom designing something especially for them. Click here to see what our customers say about this process.
Do you have a dealer in my area or can I buy direct from your company?
Our doors are available through a number of dealers around the country you can call us at 1-800-359-7557 to find the closest dealer or we will sell to you direct in areas where we do not have a dealer.
Should I buy a Wood Door, Metal Door or Fiberglass Door?
That is a good question. Your front entry door gives a visitor the “First Impression” of you and your home. For people with an eye for detail, wood is the “Real Thing” and a natural choice. Each piece of wood is unique and has its own fingerprint. Designers, architects and decorators will tell you from a pure aesthetics point of view a natural wood door offers a charm that can not be duplicated by other materials. We offer a number of species of wood to build your door from and each gives a different feel and look.
Wood is also the practical choice. In todays world where we are all becoming more aware of protecting our environment wood is the best “Green Choice”. A solid wood door is a superb natural insulator and if finished and maintained properly, wood is extremely durable. Wood is a naturally renewable resource and does not pollute the environment. We are serious about our commitment to the environment and obtain our wood from responsibly managed forests.
Many people have the mistaken belief that fiberglass and metal doors are a better choice than wood because they are often marketed as being maintenance free. The finish on fiberglass and metal doors fade and weather when exposed to the elements just like wood does (get a copy of the warranty and finishing instructions from a fiberglass door manufacturer and read it). The difference is that if you ignore it long enough wood will eventually begin to deteriorate and metal will rust. These doors can be refinished to rejuvenate them. Refinishing a fiberglass door can often present some challenges since most have a molded surface to imitate wood grain which creates problems when trying to sand them.
Can you build my door a different size or out of a different wood or change the glass design?
Yes all of our doors are built to your order giving us the ability to customize the size, shape, wood species, finish, glass or any other details to create the door exactly like you want it. We have our own glass studio with a staff of glass artisans where we custom design and build Leaded Beveled, Textured and Stained Glass. Besides the glass we do for doors we do a lot of stained glass for bathroom windows and churches. We are truly a “One Stop Door Shop” and most of our doors are shipped stained and finished, prehung in a jamb with hardware. We have found that most of our customers like this flexibility and most orders vary in some respect from the pictures on our web site for that reason. We can design and build anything out of wood or glass and our staff is accustomed to working with homeowners, builders, designers and architects in this process. You can send us a picture, rough sketch or even describe what you want over the phone and we will price and draw it for you. You can send a picture or copy of the front elevation of your home and we can design something to compliment your home. We like to get to know our customers and take pleasure in custom designing something especially for them. Click here to see what our customers say about this process.
(Note: When we ship a prehung door we remove the door from the jamb and package the door in a box to prevent damage.)
What species of wood can you use to build my door?
We stock Mahogany, Alder, Oak, Cypress, Spanish Cedar, Ash, Walnut as well as a number of other woods. We have access through our suppliers to most other wood species. We will build your door out of any wood we consider suitable for your situation. You should choose wood based on the durability and stability of the wood and the look you want to create. Please call us at 1-800-359-7557 and we will be glad to make our suggestion for your specific project.
Why do you not warranty flat panel exterior doors?
Our standard construction method for exterior doors is to use a double floating raised panel. Each of these panels are a minimum of 7/8″ thick making the total panel thickness a minimum of 1 3/4″. This Double Floating Panel Construction prevents a panel from splitting all the way through the door. Flat panels in a standard 1 3/4″ thick door can only be a total of 3/4″ thick making them more subject to splitting. Most people also find the look of a raised panel more appealing.
Why do you not warranty Cypress doors against warping or splitting?
Cypress is a wetlands wood and consequently has pockets of moisture in the wood and does not dry evenly. Wood changes shape, expands and contracts when it takes on or gives up moisture. Moisture content changes easily in Cypress often causing surface cracks (called Checks). This change in moisture content can also cause swelling, contracting or warping. Cypress doors are generally used to give an “Old World Look” and are often distressed and finished to look old. Many customers find the defects caused by the moisture changes to add to “the look” and buy them understanding that they are not warrantied.
Since we build everything to an order lead times will vary based on your exact configuration. Â Due to supply chain issues, we are experiencing longer lead times than normal. Please call for current lead times. Â Let us know if you need it by a certain date and we will make every effort to work with you to make it work. Staining and finishing your door usually takes about 2 weeks because of the care we take in this process and the drying time we require between coats.
about shipping
How will my door be shipped?
If you are ordering through one of our dealers you will need to ask them your questions about shipping, delivery and/or installation. We sell direct in areas where we do not have dealers and usually crate and ship these units by common carrier (motor freight line). On some orders when more economical we may decide to deliver on one of our trucks.
Do I have to pay a shipping charge?
On all direct orders that we are not installing there is a crating charge and all orders are shipped freight collect. Your quote should show the crating charge. We will be glad to get a freight estimate for you if needed but you must realize that it is an estimate since these charges are based on size, weight, and location at the time of shipment. After the unit is crated and picked up by the freight line they determine the final weight and size and exact charges can be determined. On freight collect shipments the freight line will want a check for these charges when they deliver unless you have an account with them or have made previous arrangements. If having a check available at the delivery point presents a problem talk with us prior to our shipping and we will be glad to try and help you handle this detail.
What if my entry gets damaged in shipment?
All entry systems are carefully crated and put on pallets and are fully insured. Although damage is rare it unfortunately does occur on rare occasions. You should inspect your shipment and if there is visible damage make sure it is noted on the bill of laden and signed by the driver. Immediately open and inspect the merchandise for hidden damage. Notify us immediately of damage or any shortage and if possible take digital pictures that you can provide us to help determine the best and fastest resolution. Resolution of a damaged order is always the top of our priority list.
about finishing and maintenance
Can Doors By Decora Stain and Finish my door for me?
Doors By Decora operates a custom finish shop and you can order your door finished or unfinished. We have found most of our customers prefer to order their doors stained and finished, pre-hung in a jamb with us cutting for and providing the hardware. We are a certified distributor for most major brands of Door Hardware.
Can Doors By Decora Distress or add texture to my door to make it look old for me?
Todays architecture where many decorators are trying create an Old World or Tuscan look they want their doors distressed so that they look old or weathered. Doors By Decora offers many distressing options. Please call us at 1-800-359-7557 to discuss the look you are trying to accomplish and we will be glad to suggest the best option.
How do I select the color stain and can you match my stain color?
We use mostly MinWax and Campbell Stains and you can click on Stain Colors to see some of our most popular stains. Custom stains are available if we need to match an existing color but will usually have an up charge. Please Call Us to discuss your special requirements at 1-800-359-7557.
How should my door be finished and can I do it?
You can, click on Finishing to bring up a copy of our Finishing Instructions that you can print. If you have a special concern or need further assistance please feel free to call us at 1-800-359-7557. We will be glad to try and assist you any way we can.
How long will the finish on my door last?
No one can really answer this question because of the many factors that can effect the finish on wood, metal or fiberglass doors. When a door is finished, the finish has elasticity which allows it to stretch and contract with your door and painted doors are brilliant. Over time all finishes loose this elasticity and paints begin to fade. Direct long term exposure to the hot sun will speed up this process causing finish to harden and paints to fade or break down. Finish manufacturers no longer warranty how long finish or paint will last for that reason.
How difficult is it to maintain my door and can I do it?
You can, click on Finishing to bring up a copy of our Finishing and Maintenance Instructions that you can print. If you have a special concern or need further assistance please feel free to call us at 1-800-359-7557. We will be glad to try and assist you any way we can.
about installation
Who can I get to install my door?
Doors By Decora offers installation services in an area of about 150 mile radius of our retail showroom in Montgomery, Alabama. Many of our dealers either offer installation services or can recommend a qualified installer. We will be glad to talk to you and help you in finding a qualified installer if you will call us at 1-800-359-7557.
about measurements and technical specifications
Can you help me understand Door Terminology?
Yes, please call us and we would be happy to explain any door terminology that you do not understand.
How do I know what size door I need?
For price quotes you can give us rough measurements but for finalizing your order we need exact measurements. You can click on Measuring For My Door to get a document that you can print that will help explain what measurements you need, the terminology, and how to get these measurements. Please Call Us at 1-800-359-7557 if you need further help. When your order is entered in our system and before we build anything we prepare a complete order approval package including shop drawings and all measurements for you, your builder or installer to review and approve.
How do I determine the door handing (hang and swing) of my door?
You can click on Determining the Handing for My Door to display and/or print a document to help with this information. If you need further help please call us at 1-800-359-7557.
Can you help me with the Technical Specifications to make sure everything is ordered right?
It is important that all of the details of your order are correct. We have over 20 years experience working with customers making sure that we gather all of the detailed specifications to make sure when they get their entryway that it fits and they have all they need for a good installation. This is one of the reasons that most customers have us finish their doors and provide the hardware. When your order is entered in our system and before we build anything we prepare a complete order approval package including shop drawings and all measurements for you or your builder or installer to review and approve.
about door hardware and hinges
Can you help me with my hardware?
Doors By Decora is a certified dealer for Baldwin, Rocky Mountain, Classic Brass, Omni, Acorn, Heritage, L.B. Brass, FSB, Emtek, Schlage, Kwikset, Longleaf as well as most other major brands of cylinder, mortise or multi point hardware. Since we not only sell hardware but we cut the holes in the doors for it, we install it and we service the hardware we install we have the experience to work with and advise our customers on even complex hardware like panic hardware, multi point hardware and door closers. Please Call Us at 1-800-359-7557 and let us help you select the right hardware for your home or business.
What kind of hinges do you offer?
Our standard hinge for exterior doors is a Emtek 4″ X 4″ steel hinge. It is a heavy duty hinge and is available in most finishes but we can also cut for and provide any hinge you want. A lot of hardware companies like Rocky Mountain have nice designer hinges that match their hardware finishes and are also all available.
ordering procedure
Our order procedure is simple, once we have priced out your unit it can be ordered by a fax, E-mail or a phone call. When you place your order we will prepare a complete order approval package with detailed shop drawings and measurements for your review and approval. We will not start building anything until you sign and return this package. Since all of our doors are built to your specifications we require a 50% deposit and the balance is due at the time of shipment. These payments can be made by check or credit card. All orders are shipped freight collect and the freight line will collect the actual shipping charge at the time of delivery. We will be glad to answer any questions you, your builder or decorator may have — just give us a phone call at 1-800-359-7557. It is helpful to have your quote number or order number so we can pull up your information.