Custom Steel & Iron / Resources
Explore design choices, ornamental iron doors, maintenance, technical details, and the steps behind a custom order.
Configurations, decorative details, glass, finishes, and hardware.
Choose a single door, a double-door set, or an entry with sidelights and a transom. Sidelights are fixed panels beside the door; a transom is a fixed panel above it. The final configuration is coordinated with your opening and approved drawings.
Share inspiration photos, sketches, or a preferred ornamental design with our team. We can discuss the scroll pattern, decorative details, and proportions for your custom iron door, then document the agreed design in the drawings before production.
Discuss your preferred color and finish with Prestige, including matte black, bronze, and patina looks. For coastal exposure, our Marine Guard upgrade is a multi-layer coating system: steel inspection and preparation, cleaning and blasting to profile the surface, a zinc-rich corrosion-inhibiting primer, an epoxy moisture barrier, and the selected powder coat, oven-cured to bond and harden the finish. This provides added protection in high-humidity and salt-air environments; maintenance is still required. Confirm the selected finish, samples, and applicable Marine Grade warranty terms with our team before production. Screen colors may differ from the finished product.
Glass options include clear, Glacier, rain, and frosted looks. Clear glass provides open views, while textured or obscured glass can provide greater privacy. Impact glass and Low-E options are also available. Review samples and confirm availability, the privacy level, and the appropriate glazing for your selected door. For impact performance, the complete door configuration must match its applicable approval; changing the glass alone does not establish an impact-rated assembly.
Options include decorative pull handles, thumb-latch handles, locks, and coordinating hardware finishes. We can prepare custom holes for compatible owner-provided handles and electronic locks. Share the hardware model and preparation specifications before approving the drawings so our team can coordinate dimensions, operation, and locking requirements.
Slimline steel designs emphasize narrow profiles and larger glass areas, while traditional iron designs often feature ornamental scrollwork and more substantial detailing. Both can be customized; compare the selected construction, glass, finish, and application with our team.
Coordinate frame patterns, proportions, glass, and finishes with Prestige for a consistent design. Interior and exterior assemblies can have different weather, thermal, and hardware requirements even when they look similar.
Construction, security, pricing, operation, and everyday use.
An ornamental iron entry combines a substantial metal door and frame with suitable glass, hinges, and locking hardware. Security depends on the complete assembly and its installation; the material alone is not a guarantee against forced entry.
The frame, door structure, glass retention, hardware preparation, and attachment to the building work together. Review these elements as a complete system rather than judging a door by its appearance or weight alone.
Hinges support the door’s weight and help maintain alignment with the frame and locking hardware. Their suitability, condition, and installation matter, particularly for heavy doors and outswing configurations. Prestige uses ball-bearing hinges on its ornamental iron doors; confirm the hinge details for your selected unit.
Select a locking system compatible with the door preparation and intended use. Pull-handle designs may use a deadbolt and roller catch, while other designs use a thumb latch or another coordinated lockset. A roller catch holds the door closed but is not a security lock. Commercial applications may require different hardware and operation.
The glazing must suit the application and applicable safety requirements. Tempered safety glass and insulated glass assemblies are common options; confirm the exact glass specification for your unit. Tempered glass is not the same as an impact-rated door assembly.
Ornamental iron doors offer a substantial entry, distinctive detailing, and a durable alternative to wood. Steel does not rot, split, or delaminate like wood, although its protective finish still requires care. The design can enhance curb appeal and may appeal to future buyers; a specific resale-value increase or lifetime service life is not guaranteed.
Energy performance depends on the selected construction, glass, seals, installation, and climate. Features can include closed-cell polyurethane insulation in suitable hollow components, insulated dual- or triple-pane glass where specified, Low-E coatings, and weatherstripping. Confirm which features and documented ratings apply to your exact door rather than assuming every configuration includes them.
Thermally broken options are available. A thermal break uses an insulating material to interrupt the metal connection between the exterior and interior, reducing heat transfer through the frame. It can be useful in cold or warm climates, depending on the complete system and project requirements. Discuss climate, exposure, and available performance information with Prestige; energy savings are project-specific.
Our previously published starting guidance put many single doors at approximately $900–$3,000, depending on size. Treat this as an indicative reference, not a current guaranteed price. Configuration, dimensions, scrollwork, glass, hardware, steel gauge, finish, delivery, and installation can affect the total. Contact Prestige with inspiration photos and approximate dimensions for a current project-specific quote.
Depending on the design, glass panels may be fixed or operable. Operable glass can open independently of the main door for ventilation, access for cleaning both glass surfaces, or speaking with a visitor while the main door remains closed. Confirm operability and the associated latching details for your selected design.
Handles can be supplied with the door, or you can propose your own. Many standard handles and electronic locks can be accommodated, but compatibility is not universal. Provide the selected hardware specifications before CAD approval so custom drilling and other preparation can be coordinated before production.
Larger pull handles create a pronounced architectural detail and can be coordinated with a deadbolt and roller catch. Thumb-latch styles are another option. Discuss preferred brands, including Baldwin or Weslock, and confirm availability, dimensions, and compatibility with Prestige before purchase.
Matte black, dark bronze, and aged bronze patina are popular choices. Other colors can be discussed with our team. Your entry door does not have to match every window frame: a black iron door can sit comfortably alongside white windows when it suits the overall architecture.
Protect the finish and keep the door operating smoothly.
Iron and steel can corrode when moisture reaches exposed metal. A protective finishing system helps resist corrosion, but chips, scratches, salt, and environmental exposure still require attention. The exact coating process depends on the selected product; confirm the finish specification with Prestige. Aluminum can also corrode, but it does not develop iron rust.
Clean monthly, and at least twice monthly in coastal or high-humidity areas. Increase cleaning when salt, pollen, or other residue builds up. Inspect the finish quarterly for chips, scratches, and rust, and address damage promptly. Regular care is a condition of the limited warranty.
Finish life depends on sun, moisture, salt exposure, porch protection, and maintenance. Assess the finish for approved re-sealing or repainting every 3–5 years, or sooner if dull or faded. Some doors have gone about 15 years before repainting, but that is not a service-life promise. Apply a compatible protective exterior sealant or wax every six months after cleaning and drying, following its directions. The limited finish warranty is five years for standard finish, eight years for Marine Grade, and three years in High-Salinity Areas, subject to the written terms. Obtain Prestige’s written approval before repainting or altering the factory finish.
Remove loose debris with a soft, dry cloth. Gently wash the iron with a cloth dampened with warm water and a few drops of mild soap. Remove soap residue with a clean, water-dampened cloth and immediately dry all surfaces, corners, and scrollwork. Avoid hosing down the door, abrasive cleaners, ammonia, bleach, and acidic products. Apply glass cleaner to a cloth for the glass only, keeping it off the iron and finish.
Inspect quarterly and repair damage promptly using Company-approved methods and compatible materials. For localized damage, the care instructions specify gently removing surface rust and loose paint with 120–220 grit sandpaper or a suitable rust-removal tool, keeping preparation confined to the damaged area. Clean away debris, prime exposed metal with a compatible rust-inhibiting primer, then apply matching touch-up paint in thin coats with the required drying time. Obtain written approval before altering or repainting the factory finish.
Lubricate hinges and moving parts annually or as needed, following the installed hardware manufacturer’s instructions. Suitable options can include silicone spray, white lithium grease, or 3-in-One oil. Apply sparingly at accessible hinge joints, operate the door, and wipe off excess. On double doors, also lubricate the inactive slab’s top and bottom flush bolts; gently operate them and do not force a stuck latch. Do not lift the door or remove hinge pins unless a qualified installer performs the work.
Steel thickness, swing direction, and product-specific requirements.
Gauge describes steel thickness: a lower gauge number means thicker steel. Prestige’s published ornamental iron specification uses a 12-gauge frame, which is thicker than 14- or 16-gauge steel. Confirm the applicable specification for your chosen system; slimline steel products and other assemblies may use different profiles and construction. Gauge is one factor in the complete door design, not a standalone performance rating.
An inswing door opens into the building; an outswing door opens outward. Inswing is common for residential entries, while outswing may suit patios or particular project requirements. Choose the direction around clearances, weather exposure, intended use, and applicable requirements, then confirm it on the approved drawings.
Yes. Prestige offers Florida-approved, impact-rated steel and iron doors suitable for coastal Florida homes. Our team will help you select a configuration that meets your project’s requirements and coordinate the appropriate finish for salt-air exposure. Marine Grade Finish is required in high-salinity environments, along with regular care to protect the finish.
Confirm overall frame dimensions, swing and handing, glass, hardware preparation, finish, installation details, and applicable approvals or performance documentation for the proposed configuration.
Wine cellars, home offices, and connected living spaces.
Steel and glass partitions can define an office or separate living areas while maintaining light and sightlines. Discuss the layout, door operation, frame pattern, and privacy glass with Prestige. Acoustic performance must be evaluated for the specific assembly rather than assumed.
Wine cellar enclosures can be designed around the room’s dimensions and architectural style. If the room is climate-controlled, involve the cooling-system designer early to coordinate sealing, insulation, and condensation requirements. A decorative enclosure alone does not establish thermal performance.
Do not assume that a steel and glass partition is soundproof. Glass construction, seals, door gaps, and surrounding construction affect acoustic performance. Request assembly-specific information if sound control is a project requirement.
Approvals, payments, delivery, and warranty information for custom door projects.
Inspiration photos or sketches, a photo of the opening, preliminary measurements, project location, and any plans or opening specifications.
For replacement projects, a qualified door installer should verify the opening. For new construction, provide the specifications from your plans or contractor.
Yes. Mark requested changes on the CAD drawings and return them for updating before final approval. Production starts after final CAD approval and receipt of the required deposit. Prestige will try to accommodate minor revisions during production when possible, but changes must be confirmed before you rely on them.
Production begins once the final CAD drawings have been approved and the required 50% deposit has been received. Major credit and debit cards, checks, and cash are accepted; financing options may also be available. Ask our team to confirm the available arrangements for your order.
After production, Prestige sends detailed final photos for approval. The remaining 50% product balance is required after approval and before release for shipping. The order is then secured in a custom iron-framed pallet for shipment. Installation remains unpaid until the door is installed and approved; multi-day installations may require a deposit.
The supplied order document estimates approximately 3–4 months from order to delivery. Confirm the current project-specific schedule with Prestige; manufacturing and freight delays can occur, and timeframes are not guaranteed.
Yes. We offer delivery directly to your home, jobsite, warehouse, or another preferred destination with suitable access and an appropriate receiving area. After final photo approval and receipt of the remaining balance, the door is secured on an iron-framed pallet for shipment. Our team coordinates arrangements and provides an estimated arrival time and tracking information as they become available. You or your installer must be available to receive the shipment and arrange suitable unloading assistance and equipment. Oversized units may require special equipment and two or more people to unload safely. Delivery, storage, special handling, and other additional charges are confirmed for your order. Warehouse pickup is also available if you prefer to collect the order yourself.
Yes. If you prefer to collect your order yourself, we can arrange warehouse pickup and help locate warehouse storage when needed. For orders sent to a warehouse for collection, pickup is required within two business days of arrival unless separate storage arrangements have been confirmed. We provide advance notice and pickup instructions. Warehouses may start charging storage fees after the third day; storage charges are the customer’s responsibility. Prestige covers standard warehouse in-and-out handling charges when applicable. The warehouse pickup deadline does not apply to an order being delivered directly to your site.
Confirm the applicable product approval and installation details for your exact system, dimensions, configuration, and project location with Prestige before final specification.
For eligible exterior iron doors installed in the United States or Canada, the limited warranty covers structural integrity for 10 years; factory finish for five years standard, eight years Marine Grade, or three years in High-Salinity Areas; insulated-glass seal failure for three years; and defects in supplied hardware for one year. Periods begin on delivery and apply to the original purchaser, subject to full payment, proper installation, maintenance, and the written conditions and exclusions. Glass coverage is for seal failure causing permanent obstruction from dust or moisture between panes, not breakage. Notify Prestige in writing within 30 days of discovering an alleged defect and provide proof of purchase. Prestige selects repair, replacement, or refund for a covered defect; removal, installation, reinstallation, freight, and transportation costs are excluded.
Marine Grade Finish is required in High-Salinity Environments. The warranty defines these as properties within one mile of a coastline, tidal waterway, or other saltwater source, or otherwise exposed to direct or frequent salt spray or salt-laden air. The finish warranty period in a High-Salinity Area is three years, subject to its conditions and exclusions. Clean at least twice monthly and more often as exposure requires; coastal corrosion exclusions and maintenance obligations still apply.
No. Commercial glazing scope, submittals, schedule, installation, and payment requirements are coordinated separately with the commercial team and general contractor.
Send inspiration photos, approximate opening dimensions, your project location, and any plans or photos of the existing opening. Include catalog references and requests for particular glass, colors, handles, or other details. Consultations and showroom visits are available to help refine your selections. This information helps our team prepare an initial quote; final manufacturing dimensions must be verified before approval.