Custom Iron Door Specifications for Architects

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Custom iron door specifications describe every element a fabricator needs to build a door exactly as designed: dimensions, frame and leaf profiles, infill, hardware, and finish. Clear, complete details in your drawings reduce revisions and make on-site installation predictable. Our factory works from a written specification and on-site measurement before production begins.

Start with the opening, not the door

A custom door is only as accurate as the opening it fits. Before you draw the leaf, define the rough opening, the finished wall thickness, and the floor condition at the threshold. Note whether the opening is in new block, concrete, or an existing structure, because each affects how the frame is fixed.

Indicate the required clear width and height, and whether these are structural openings or finished dimensions. We recommend confirming all of these on site before production, since walls in older buildings are rarely perfectly plumb or square.

Define the frame and leaf profiles

State the frame profile type, the leaf profile, and the overall depth of the frame. Specify whether the door is single or double leaf, and whether it opens inward or outward. These choices influence stiffness, sealing, and how the door sits against the wall.

Frame depth and wall reveal
Leaf thickness and stile widths
Opening direction and swing clearance

Specify infill, glazing and perforation

Indicate whether the leaf is solid iron, perforated, decorative patterned, or includes glazing. For glass, state the glass type, thickness, and how it is retained. If you need privacy or ventilation, define the perforation pattern and open area in your drawings rather than leaving it to the fabricator.

Show sightlines and any required fire or security ratings in writing, as these may change the construction method.

Hardware, locking and access

List every hardware item: hinges, locking mechanism, handle type, closer, and any access control provisions. Specify the hinge quantity and position, since weight and door height drive these decisions. Coordinate with the electrical consultant early if electric strikes or intercom connections are needed.

Clearly mark which hardware is supplied by the fabricator and which by others, so nothing is missed at installation.

Finish and corrosion protection

For exterior and coastal sites, finish selection matters. Hot-dip galvanizing followed by powder coating is a common approach for iron elements exposed to weather. Name the required finish system and color reference in your specification, and note any special requirements for areas near the sea or high humidity.

Avoid vague terms such as 'painted metal'. Precise finish callouts prevent disagreement at handover.

Tolerances, approvals and installation

Set out how the work will be checked: site measurement before fabrication, a drawing and written specification for client approval, factory production, and installation. Define the acceptable tolerance on overall dimensions and on the plumbness of the frame, and state who is responsible for making good the surrounding wall.

Including these steps in your tender documents helps contractors price the work realistically and keeps the project on schedule.

Frequently asked questions

What information should I provide to a fabricator first?

Provide the opening dimensions, the wall construction, your drawings, and any photos of the existing condition. An on-site measurement is recommended before production starts.

Should the door specification include hardware?

Yes. List every hardware item and state who supplies it, so the door can be fabricated with the correct preparations and nothing is missing at installation.

How do I specify a finish for a coastal building?

Name the corrosion protection system explicitly, such as hot-dip galvanizing followed by powder coating, and give a color reference. Mention the coastal exposure so the fabricator can choose an appropriate system.

Can the door be built to a non-standard size?

Yes. Our work is made to measure, so non-standard sizes are normal. Provide accurate dimensions and confirm them on site before production.

Common mistakes to avoid

Leaving the opening unverified and failing to define the finish clearly are the two most common causes of rework. Always measure on site and write the finish callout in full.

Our recommendation

Send your drawings together with a short written specification and site photos before the design is frozen. Early coordination on hardware and fixing method usually saves the most time.

Summary

Complete custom iron door specifications cover the opening, profiles, infill, hardware, finish and tolerances, and they make installation predictable.

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