In a world of mass production, there’s nothing more luxurious than a custom solid wood door. It’s also the ultimate expression of your personal style. At the same time, the customization process can seem intimidating if you’ve never done anything like it before. You may worry that you don’t have the language to describe what you want, or fear that custom pricing is totally opaque and you won’t know what you’re paying for.  In this article, we’ll address four common misconceptions about custom products. Then we’ll walk you through the entire customization process from start to finish.

Common Misconceptions About Ordering Custom Products

Misconception 1: It’s overwhelming to have so much choice. I don’t even know where to begin.

With over twenty years in the custom door business, we’re here to help guide you in the right direction. Sometimes you don’t know exactly what you want, but you know it has to be something distinctive that helps you stand out. And getting started with the design process can be the hardest part if you don’t already have a clear vision. That’s why we meet you where you’re at, with inspiration and guidance. It’s easy to start dreaming big once you’ve seen what we can do.  

Misconception 2: Custom pricing is confusing. How do I know what I’m paying for?

Our base pricing is the same for both our standard ecommerce designs and custom designs—so you don’t pay more just because an order is custom. And when you get a custom quote, you’ll see pricing for each line item. That way, you know what you’re paying for.

Misconception 3: The design I have in mind is not even possible.

We specialize in making borderline-impossible things a reality. Think your idea is too “out there”? Think again. From larger-than-life church doors to incorporating unique artwork, we’ve done almost everything you can imagine in the last 20 years.

Misconception 4: I don’t know how to describe the thing that I want, and I’m embarrassed that I don’t know the technical jargon.

You can always start with reference photos if you’re struggling to convey what you want with words. And know that our design consultants do the work of translating your desires into technical specifications. Don’t worry about learning the exact difference between chamfer and bevel. Simply be prepared to make choices as you learn your options.

How Ordering A Custom Door Really Works

Now that we've cleared away some common worries and misconceptions, it's time to walk you through what the process of ordering a custom door is really like. Here are the basic steps you'd go through when customizing a door with us at RealCraft. 

Choosing a Design

Maybe you've always loved the historic doors you’ve seen on your world travels. Or maybe you’ve drawn out your vision on paper. Maybe you just feel like your current door design needs a replacement and a slight upgrade. Whatever the source of your inspiration, our design consultants can refine it into a door that fits your home's architecture.

Many of our clients arrive with questions about proportions and style compatibility, like:

• Will a set of double doors overwhelm a Craftsman bungalow?
• Can modern hardware work with traditional panel designs?
• Can I put an arch top door into a standard rectangular opening?
• Will Western Red Cedar carriage doors look too rustic on a Cape Cod façade?

Rest assured that no question is too “out there”—we’ve heard it all. Our case studies and design inspiration pages are here to show you what's possible. And our design consultants provide expert guidance on achieving harmony between your custom door and your home's style.

During this phase, we'll discuss features like sidelights, transoms, and other glass elements, and the panel style. We love it when you share images or plans of your home, because we can make sure the design will integrate seamlessly.

Designer Tip: Consider how your door or doors will look from both outside and inside your home. The best custom doors create a smooth transition between these two perspectives.

 

Selecting Materials and Finishes

The species of wood you choose powerfully influences your door's character. Each carries its own unique grain pattern, color variations, and performance characteristics. You can check out our collection of wood species to familiarize yourself with your options—but know that we can also source additional species upon request.

Our wood finish is a two-product combination that protects and enhances the beauty of real wood. An oil finish is applied first to condition the wood, add vibrancy, and stain with rich pigments if stain finish is selected. Then, we apply a water-based protective seal over the top, that adds a satin sheen and superior protection against the elements.

Your next material selection, if applicable, is glass. From standard clear or frosted glass, Solarban energy-saving glass, or specialty glass like Flemish or Rain Glass, we have dozens of options. We even partner with local glassmakers for custom leaded glass.

Specialty materials, like leather or metal panels, are also available upon request. We’ve incorporated sculpted panels, mosaic end grain motifs, and metal artworks into doors before, so the sky is the limit here.

 

Choosing Hardware

Your door hardware may at first feel like an afterthought, but it’s a crucial design detail. Your door hardware is to your door what jewelry or a watch is to an outfit. The hardware makes your door functional, and ties it together in terms of design.

We offer a range of premium handles, locksets, and hinges, including concealed hinges and smart locks that unlock with your fingerprint. We can source special-order finishes, custom handles, and custom strap hinges or door pulls, too. For carriage doors, you can also add an automated opener for the ultimate garage door system.

 

Reviewing Your Quote

Transparency is central to our quoting process. Your quote shows the pricing for each material and design element. Once you’ve reviewed and approved the quote, that’s when you’ll make an initial deposit.

 

Signing the Shop Drawing

Before production begins, you'll receive a shop drawing with every dimension and design detail. This critical step creates complete alignment between your vision and our execution.

We encourage you to review these drawings carefully, as they represent our contract with you. Any changes after your shop drawing is signed and production begins may impact both timeline and final cost. This is why we also recommend having a professional check the drawing—whether it’s your contractor, architect, or interior designer. Verifying your dimensions and design details before signing makes the process as smooth as possible. If you do need to make a change? That's easy--we’ll provide the first two drawing revisions free of charge.

 

Handcrafted Door Production

Once you sign your shop drawings, our master artisans begin their work. Specialized craftsmen and craftswomen take your design through each phase—from carefully selecting the lumber to setting in the glass and applying your finish.

Production can take anywhere from 8-14 weeks. Your lead time depends on the complexity of the design, special order materials, and other variables. You’ll be appraised of your lead time beforehand so you can plan and schedule accordingly.

Getting Your Door Delivered

Once your door is finished, a custom crate is built to protect it in transit. This is when your final invoice is due. Once it’s paid, you’ll receive a notification from the shipping carrier and select a time to schedule your delivery. It’s important that you’re there to receive and inspect your shipment. You should also make sure that you have help getting the door from the curb into your home, as freight carriers only deliver curbside.

We always recommend hiring a contractor to install your door, but this is also a good time to look over our installation guides. This prepares you for what the install process entails.

From the first design conversation to the final installation, our process is about creating more than just a door. It’s about building a legacy piece that will welcome people into your home for generations to come.

Ready to start the process? Fill out our custom door builder to get a complimentary quote from our sales team.