How Long Does It Take to Get a Custom Entry Door? 8-12 Week Timeline Explained

How long does it really take to replace your front door with a custom one? Is it weeks? Months?

On average, a custom entry door project with Energy Swing takes about 8–12 weeks from consultation to installation.

At Energy Swing, we’ve helped thousands of Pittsburgh-area homeowners design and install custom entry doors. Because we’re able to handle everything in-house, from consultation to installation, we can give you a clear, realistic timeline and help you avoid the common frustrations that come with custom work.

In this article, we’ll walk through each step, explain what affects the timeline, and share what you should ask before committing to a company.

Why Do Custom Entry Doors Take Longer Than Standard Ones?

Unlike “off-the-shelf” doors you might see at a big-box store, a custom door is designed to fit your home like a glove. At Energy Swing, we often say: every door is like a thumbprint.

Here’s what makes a custom door different:

• Sizing: Custom width, height, or jamb thickness for a perfect fit.
• Design Options: The ability to choose interior and exterior colors, decorative glass, side lights, and hardware to fit the taste and architecture of your home exactly.
• Craftsmanship: A door custom-sized for your home avoids the “patched-together” look that happens when installers try to force a stock door into a nonstandard opening.

Cutting into headers or filling gaps with trim might sound like a shortcut, but it can compromise both appearance and structural integrity. A custom door ensures beauty, durability, and performance for years to come.

So, What’s the First Step to Getting a Custom Entry Door?

Your first step is an in-home consultation with an experienced design consultant. During this visit, the team:

• Evaluates your existing door opening and surrounding structure (brick, siding, etc.).
• Identifies any issues caused by weathering, water leaks, sizing constraints, or wear.
• Asks about your pain points: sticky latches, awkward swing direction, or draftiness.
• Design your door on an iPad so you can see options in real time.

One of the best parts? You’ll get a visual mockup of your new door on a photo of your home so you can see how it looks with your brick, siding, and lighting before making a decision.

Timeline: Typically 1–2 visits that last 1–2 hours each.

Want to prepare? Browse styles ahead of time in our Design Center to speed up the process and get your instant price range before ever talking to a consultant.

Finalizing a Custom Entry Door Design & Quote: How Long It Really Takes

For many homeowners, the quote can be provided the same day as your consultation if decisions are straightforward. More complex projects, like unusual sizing or special installation conditions, may require a day or two to confirm pricing with the operations manager and manufacturer. 

This doesn’t usually set your project back long. Our in-house team works directly with ProVia to resolve unique sizing needs.

Typical turnaround: Same day to a few days.

On Average, How Much Does a Custom Entry Door Cost?

Here are the price ranges for popular door types found in most Pittsburgh homes:

This table gives you a starting point, but if you want to understand the real cost drivers, like materials, installation complexity, and custom features, check out our full breakdown of entry door pricing factors in Pittsburgh.

How Long Does Door Manufacturing Take?

Once your design is finalized and a final measure is complete, 7-10 days after you sign your contract, your door goes into production at the ProVia facility in Sugarcreek, OH.

• Average production time: 6–8 weeks

• Materials: Fiberglass and steel doors both generally fall into this range.

• Delays: Complex features like transoms, custom glass, or built-in mini-blind can add 1-2 weeks.

When Will Delivery and Installation Happen?

Energy Swing’s open communication keeps you updated and informed every step of the way. Our team coordinates delivery and installation directly. Here’s what to expect:

• Notice: You’ll get about two weeks’ notice by phone once your door arrives at our facility.
• Scheduling: Our Operations Manager, Jeff, will give you a call to schedule a date for your installation. There is flexibility based on your availability if you need to push the install out a little longer.
• Prep: We'll flag anything you need to move )like a table or wall decor) during the final measure so the work area can be prepared the day of installation. 

How Long Does Installation Take?

With our ProVia-certified, employee installation crew, your new entry door is installed in one day, usually within a few hours.

Here’s what goes into our efficient and secure entry door installation:

• Teams specialize only in door installations.
• We remove the old frame down to the studs, rebuild, and secure the new door.
• Crews won’t leave until your door is fully secure and weather-tight.

This is especially important in Pittsburgh’s unpredictable weather. Our crews can even set up protective tarps to keep the process on track during rain.

Have more questions about the install day? We answer the most common ones in this guide to window and door installation.

What Can Slow Down the Process?

While most projects stay on schedule, a few factors can cause delays:

• HOA approvals or permits not being secured early. Doors cannot go into production before they get approved.
• Seasonal demand (spring and fall are the busiest in Pittsburgh).
• Special glass configuration, such as unique shapes.
• Severe winter conditions (though most doors can still be installed year-round).

Energy Swing helps avoid these issues by handling paperwork upfront, maintaining proactive supplier relationships, and keeping you updated every step of the way. 

Can You Get Your Door Faster than 8-12 Weeks?

In rare cases, a door may come in earlier than expected. But in general, true custom doors can’t be rushed. If you need a door urgently (for example, after storm damage), the opening could be secured with a temporary fix, or a preconfigured door might be the best short-term solution for safety. 

What Questions Should You Ask a Door Company About Timelines?

Not all companies are transparent about how long projects really take. Some competitors might promise “4 weeks” only to call with delays, stretching the process to 10 weeks or more.

When evaluating contractors, ask:

• What’s your typical timeline from consultation to installation?
• Do you handle installation with employee crews or subcontractors?
• What could cause delays, and how will you communicate them?

Being upfront about expectations is key to avoiding surprises.

Typical Timeline with Energy Swing

Here’s a quick look at the average timeline from start to finish:

Next Steps to Start Your Custom Entry Door Project

Now that you know what to expect from a custom entry door project step-by-step, you can feel confident about the timeline, the process, and the payoff.

If you’ve been putting off replacing your front door because of uncertainty around how long it might take, you’re not alone. Many Pittsburgh homeowners worry about delays, miscommunication, or unclear expectations, especially with custom work.

But with Energy Swing, the experience is different. From design to installation, everything is handled in-house to keep your project moving and your expectations clear. Your next step is simple: schedule an appointment with one of our custom door specialists.

When you're ready to invest in a door designed specifically for your home, we’ll be here to guide you through every step with no surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Entry Door Timelines

How long does it take to get a custom entry door installed?
On average, the full process takes 8 to 12 weeks from consultation to final installation. This includes time for design decisions, precise measurements, manufacturing, and scheduling.

Why does a custom entry door take longer than a standard one?
Custom doors are built to your exact specifications, including size, design, hardware, and color, whereas stock doors are pre-made. The added time ensures a perfect fit and finish.

Can you install custom entry doors in winter?
Yes! While winter weather in Pittsburgh can be challenging, our crews are trained to work year-round, even in cold or rainy conditions, using protective tarps and efficient installation methods.

What should I do to prepare for the installation day?
Clear any furniture or decorations near the door and make sure someone is home for access. Our team will confirm all details during your final measure and give a prep checklist if needed.

How much notice do I get before installation?
We typically give about two weeks’ notice once your door arrives at our facility. You’ll have the option to schedule at your convenience within our available windows.

What if my HOA needs to approve the door design?
Let us know during your consultation. We’ll provide the visual mockups and specs your HOA may need, and we recommend submitting these early to avoid project delays.