Lead Times for Bespoke Doors in 2025
Samuel MorrisLead Times for Bespoke Doors in 2025: What to Expect and How to Plan Ahead
In 2025, bespoke doors are more popular than ever. From sleek steel internal doors to hand-finished oak and walnut options, homeowners and developers alike are turning to made-to-measure doors to elevate interiors and exteriors with a truly custom feel. But with that level of personalisation comes one critical consideration: lead times.
If you’re planning a project that involves bespoke doors—whether it’s a new build, a renovation, or a simple room upgrade—understanding current lead times is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about bespoke door lead times in 2025, including key factors that affect delivery, how to plan effectively, and what to expect when ordering from top suppliers.
Why Lead Times Matter More Than Ever in 2025
The market for custom doors has expanded significantly in recent years. Rising demand for home customisation, combined with global supply chain shifts and technological advancements in manufacturing, means customers now have more options—but also longer waits.
The Rise of Personalisation
Consumers are moving away from off-the-shelf products and leaning into designs that reflect their personal tastes and needs. Bespoke doors can be tailored in every sense: material, finish, size, hardware, glazing, fire-rating, and design. This level of detail requires careful planning, skilled manufacturing, and often hand-finishing.
Delays in Manufacturing and Shipping
Despite improvements in logistics, manufacturers continue to face occasional shortages in raw materials, longer import times for specialist finishes or components, and rising demand that can bottleneck production schedules.
Understanding the current landscape can help you avoid project delays and make informed decisions.
Typical Lead Times for Bespoke Doors in 2025
Lead times vary depending on the type of door, the complexity of the design, and the materials involved. Here's what you can expect this year:
Timber Bespoke Doors
- Average Lead Time: 6 to 12 weeks
- Common Materials: Oak, walnut, ash, maple, engineered cores with veneers
- Influencing Factors: Wood sourcing, moisture content treatment, hand-finishing, painting/staining preferences
Timber doors remain one of the most in-demand bespoke options due to their warmth and custom finish potential. Whether you're choosing panelled oak fire doors or minimalist walnut flush designs, expect the lead time to stretch closer to 10–12 weeks if your order includes custom glazing, finishes, or bespoke ironmongery.
Bespoke Steel Doors Suppliers
- Average Lead Time: 10 to 16 weeks
- Common Suppliers: OTIF Steel, RK Steel, Steelit, IQ Glass, and smaller artisan fabricators
- Influencing Factors: Frame design complexity, powder coating finish, size, glazing type (single, double, reeded, fluted)
Steel doors are highly desirable in both residential and commercial settings. Whether internal Crittall-style doors or external thermally broken steel doors, expect longer lead times due to welding, glazing sourcing, and powder-coating timelines. Large bespoke patio systems or folding configurations may take even longer.
Sliding and Pocket Bespoke Doors
- Average Lead Time: 8 to 14 weeks
- Influencing Factors: Pocket system type, wall construction compatibility, custom tracks and hardware
Pocket doors are popular in space-saving interior design. While the door itself may have a similar lead time to standard timber doors, the bespoke pocket frame and track integration (especially when fire-rated or acoustic-rated) can add time. Expect 10+ weeks when ordering a full pocket door system.
Fire-Rated Bespoke Doors
- Average Lead Time: 10 to 18 weeks
- Influencing Factors: Certification, intumescent seals, testing compliance
Getting a door fire-certified is no quick process. Even if the design is ready, your supplier may need extra time to ensure all elements meet FD30 or FD60 standards. The door must be built to exact specification and tested. In 2025, with updated building regulations in play, certification is taking slightly longer than previous years.
Glazed Bespoke Doors
- Average Lead Time: 6 to 14 weeks
- Common Glazing Options: Clear, frosted, fluted, reeded, tinted, fire-rated
- Influencing Factors: Sourcing special glass, glass bonding, safety certifications
Glass inserts are often the source of additional delay. Custom shapes or sizes, multi-pane configurations, and decorative or textured glass must often be imported or specially manufactured. Toughened and fire-rated glazing especially contributes to the longer lead times.
What Impacts Lead Times?
It’s not just the door type that determines how long you’ll be waiting. Here are the key variables:
1. Customisation Complexity
The more custom elements you request, the more time the door takes to manufacture. Paint colour matching, custom grooves, engraving, flush detailing, special hardware, or intricate beading all add to production time.
2. Material Availability
Global supply chains continue to impact timber, steel, and glass availability. Exotic woods like walnut or wenge can take longer to source. Similarly, specialist finishes like brushed bronze or antique brass may extend lead times.
3. Supplier Workflow and Capacity
Some suppliers operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others fast-track commercial orders or orders over a certain value. Lead time can depend on where your order sits in the production queue.
4. Certification and Testing
Doors that need to be certified—whether for fire rating, acoustic performance, or security (e.g., PAS24 for external doors)—go through additional testing and documentation, which extends production.
5. Location and Delivery Access
For larger or heavier bespoke doors, especially steel-framed or oversized timber units, delivery and logistics can also impact timing—particularly if delivery requires special equipment or tight access arrangements.
How to Plan Around Bespoke Door Lead Times
The golden rule in 2025? Plan early. With lead times often stretching beyond 10–12 weeks, last-minute ordering can hold up your entire project.
Design and Finalise Early
Try to finalise all design decisions at the beginning of your build or renovation. Many suppliers will only begin production once all details are confirmed and the deposit is paid. Any changes after this point may push delivery back.
Ask for Realistic Estimates
Speak with your supplier about realistic lead times upfront. Don’t just ask for “standard lead time”—ask for specific lead times for your door type, with your chosen options. Request timelines in writing.
Choose Your Supplier Wisely
Not all bespoke door suppliers operate the same way. Some work with in-house manufacturers and control the full process; others are resellers dependent on third-party production. Choose one who communicates clearly and has a reputation for reliability.
Reserve Your Slot
Many suppliers will allow you to book a production slot ahead of final measurements, especially for new-build properties where openings aren’t ready yet. This allows your door to stay on track even if other works are ongoing.
Consider Temporary Solutions
If doors are holding up your move-in or fit-out date, some clients opt for temporary internal doors while they wait for bespoke versions. It’s not ideal, but it can keep the schedule moving.
What About Express Options?
Some suppliers have introduced "Quick Bespoke" or semi-bespoke ranges with shorter lead times—typically 2 to 4 weeks. These may include:
- Pre-set door styles with limited customisation (e.g., just colour or handle choice)
- Standard size options with minor adjustment
- Modular steel door designs with off-the-shelf glazing
If you’re in a hurry, ask whether express options are available and how much they differ from full bespoke.
Lead Times by Supplier in 2025 (Estimates)
| Supplier | Product Type | Average Lead Time |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Doors Ltd | Timber, glazed, fire-rated | 6–16 weeks |
| OTIF Steel | Internal steel doors | 10–14 weeks |
| RK Steel | External steel doors | 12–16 weeks |
Always confirm directly with the supplier for up-to-date timelines.
Can You Speed Up Bespoke Door Lead Times?
In some cases, yes. Here’s how:
- Pay upfront: Full payment may secure faster scheduling.
- Simplify specs: Choosing standard glazing or stock finishes can reduce time.
- Pre-plan site prep: Having accurate site measurements and prepared openings avoids delays from post-order adjustments.
- Work with a showroom: Visiting a showroom like Interior Doors Ltd lets you view samples and finalise selections faster than emailing back and forth.
Final Thoughts: Patience Pays Off
While 10 to 16 weeks may feel like a long wait in today’s fast-paced world, bespoke doors are worth the patience. These aren’t just doors—they’re statement pieces, functional barriers, and long-term investments in your home or commercial space.
By planning early, understanding what impacts lead times, and working with a reliable supplier, you can keep your project on track and get the custom doors your space deserves.
Need Help Choosing Bespoke Doors?
At Interior Doors Ltd, we specialise in high-quality bespoke doors across Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, and beyond. Our range includes oak and walnut internal doors, fire-rated options, glazed pair doors, and stunning bespoke steel doors—many of which can be seen at our local showroom.
Our team will guide you through your options, help you plan for lead times, and make sure your doors arrive right on schedule.
📍 Visit our showroom or browse online at www.interior-doors.co.uk
📞 Speak to our team today about your project lead times
How Interior Doors Ltd Helps You Navigate Lead Times
At Interior Doors Ltd, we understand how crucial timing is to your project. That’s why we go beyond simply offering a range of doors—we provide timeline transparency and planning support from day one.
Here’s how we help you manage bespoke lead times:
1. Transparent Timelines
We’ll give you accurate estimates for every order type, based on real-time production capacity—not just vague promises. You’ll always know what to expect.
2. Design Consultations
Whether in person at our showroom or virtually, we help you lock in all the key specs early: from finish and size to hardware and fire certification.
3. Streamlined Approvals
We move fast once your order is confirmed. Our in-house team processes technical drawings, handles supplier communication, and updates you regularly so you stay in control.
4. Access to Express Options
Need something quicker? Ask about our express timber and glazed ranges. We can help you achieve a stylish custom look with shorter lead times.
5. Showroom Support
Sometimes it's easier to make confident choices when you can see, feel, and compare options in person. Our Berkshire showroom features full-size displays of bespoke timber and steel doors, including glazed and fire-rated options.
Final Thoughts: How to Avoid Delays in 2025
In the world of bespoke doors, time is one of your most valuable resources. In 2025, planning ahead isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
Here’s your checklist to stay ahead of delays:
- ✅ Finalise your designs early
- ✅ Choose a reliable supplier with a clear process
- ✅ Confirm all technical details before placing your order
- ✅ Build lead time into your project schedule
- ✅ Ask about fast-track or express options if needed
Whether you’re working on a dream home or a commercial build, bespoke doors are an investment in long-term style and quality. With good planning and the right partner, long lead times don’t have to derail your plans—they just become another well-managed part of the process.