Textures. Styles. Pros & Cons.
Have you ever walked through a set of front doors that feature inviting glass window panels? Stepping through that entryway probably felt like a breath of fresh air—the foyer was bright and the entrance was contemporary. Gone are the days of rigid wood doors that feel like barriers between you and your guests. Instead, homeowners and designers are choosing glass front doors that create a seamless transition from one room to the next. However, this simple upgrade may still pose some questions. For example, what are your privacy preferences? What texture of glass suits your style? And, what window panel layout best complements your home? Find answers to all of your questions when you follow our guide—from the need-to-know details about our glass to choosing the right style, we’ve got you covered.
First, it’s important to consider the quality and integrity of the glass before you design a windowed front door. All of our doors—whether it features one small window or is made almost entirely of glass—come standard with clear double insulated, tempered glass that is compliant with ASTM C1036 quality criteria. Plus, all of our styles can be customized with impact-rated glass to meet specific building codes and requirements. Lastly, keep in mind that we provide a 5-year warranty on the the finish and glass.
Once you’ve decided that you want to design a glass front door, the fun part begins. But, your design preferences will be influenced by your privacy preferences. For instance, remember that textured glasses, like Rain and Cotswold, will offer more privacy, while clear glasses will offer onlookers an unobstructed view from the inside and outside. Additionally, consider current design trends. If staying on-trend is important to you, think about using the very popular Clear, Rain, and Aquatex textures. For more inspiration, check out some of our glass options accompanied by styling tips:x
Updating your front door or refreshing your favorite entryway is no small task—there are a lot of questions to consider. From finding the right style to organizing installation day, there are so many factors at play. Luckily though, our team at Clark Hall makes it as seamless as possible. We partner with you from start to finish so that you don’t have to source third-party contractors. Plus, all of our iron doors are completely custom to suit your vision. On the fence between working with a dedicated manufacturing partner or choosing a prefabricated door option? It can be overwhelming, but here are the five questions you should ask yourself before making a decision.
If you live by the phrase “quality over quantity,” then you’ll likely understand the key difference between fully-custom iron doors and prefabricated options. Most prefabricated doors are built in high-quantities and made as quickly as possible using cheaper materials and paint. Typically, these doors also feature sloppy or insufficient welds, low-quality putty to mask imperfections, and an insufficient quality control process. Overall, these manufacturing sacrifices often lead to rust issues and a product that won’t last nearly as long as a handcrafted iron door. At Clark Hall, each element of a door is crafted by experts and artisans who take your piece through an extensive detailing process—and they even perform a 7-step automotive finishing process:
2. How custom is my entryway idea?
Next, it’s important to think about the style and design of the door that you have in mind. Mass produced, prefabricated doors—whether they’re made of wood or iron—are not going to feature bespoke details and personalized elements that make your home stand out, so you don’t have to settle for good enough.
Our individually crafted iron doors are made custom to your vision, matching the unique design of your home. We collaborate with you from the first sketch to identify key design elements including style, silhouette, height, hardware, finish, glass type, and more. Choose from modern, traditional, or ornate styles as a template to kickstart your project, and carry your inspiration over to the patio or wine cellar, too.
3. How long am I willing to wait for my new door to be installed?
As with many things today, shipping and timelines for delivery are a big concern. Oftentimes, it may seem that choosing a prefabricated door would reduce hassle and shorten the time to installation, but that’s not necessarily the case. Most prefabricated doors are shipped from overseas on a container which increases the likelihood of an unpredictable lead time. Not to mention, this method of transportation exposes the door to salty air for long periods of time—again, increasing the risk of rust developing. If you partner with Clark Hall’s team to design a fully-custom iron door from start to finish, you can rest assured that installation will take place approximately 16-18 weeks after the final CAD drawing is approved. One client Charles O. writes, “Because these are custom doors, the turn around time was quoted at 16 weeks and their estimates were on target. The finished product was well worth the wait.”
Want a little more insight into the 16-20 week timeframe? Here’s what you need to know:
4. Am I prepared to invest in regular maintenance if I don’t choose an iron door?
It’s the million dollar question—how much time, patience, and money do you have? A Clark Hall iron door is a permanent solution for your home, requiring nearly no regular maintenance and providing an aesthetic that no other door can match. The hinges, finish, and premium components offer unrivaled longevity and security, too. On the other hand, prefabricated wood doors and low-quality options in other materials are prone to warping, shrinking, contracting, and cracking over time due to wear and tear, weather, and other factors. Despite the upfront investment of designing a fully-custom iron door, keep in mind that the cost over time is close to zero. To care for an iron door, simply clean the surfaces a few times a year with a mild soap, water, and non-abrasive cloth. If your iron door has a scratch, we recommend using our exclusive touch-up kit to cover it up.
5. What does the warranty protect against?
Comparing warranties on different door options is essential—you don’t want to be caught unaware after installation. We recommend choosing a door option that comes with a robust warranty, providing piece-of-mind and extensive protection. Clark Hall offers the longest warranty in the industry, and we protect against three key areas:
Again, we encourage you to do thorough research on all of your warranty options before making a final decision. If you have specific questions about how our warranty stacks up against other manufacturers making prefabricated options, please contact us directly.
Choosing the right door for your home is a big decision, and it’s not one that we take lightly. That’s why we work closely with every client to make sure their vision becomes a reality. If you’re interested in learning more about why you should choose an iron door over a prefabricated option, visit our blog for exclusive insights. And, be sure to browse our project gallery to find endless inspiration for your next project.
Your front entrance speaks volumes—it’s the first hello when you greet guests, family, and friends. That’s why it’s important to consider your door’s quality, material, security, and style. Today, most homes feature either wood or fiberglass doors. Less commonly, but certainly more attractive, other homeowners choose an iron door for an elevated, customizable entrance that can withstand the test of time while adding some serious value. In fact, realtors and remodeling magazines show that upgrading your front entryway with a custom iron door has one of the highest cost recoup percentages when compared to other home improvements.
Follow along as we discuss the difference between iron doors vs. wood doors, and touch on the details to consider for each. Whichever door you choose, it’s important that you understand the features and benefits so that you can make an informed decision that enhances your home’s curb appeal.
According to The Spruce, solid wood doors are typically made with a frame-and-panel construction that uses natural woods like a soft pine or a sturdier oak or maple. Wood doors are rarely made from a solid wood slab. On the other hand, iron doors and steel doors are more solid and secure, and they’re sealed and insulated to provide energy efficiency.
After establishing a basic understanding of the materials, it’s important to dig into the details. This will be a helpful list to consider as you weigh your entryway options.
An example of a double iron door that features the traditional aesthetic of classic wood doors.
Every Clark Hall iron door is made specifically for you, giving you the freedom to choose your style, silhouette, finish, hardware, and more. You can even choose to design a contemporary pivot door that rotates on a vertical axis, or spindle — a unique, functional design that’s more challenging to achieve with wood doors.
2. Secure & Durable
Iron doors take security to the next level. Our doors are certified to meet some of the strictest hurricane wind ratings and Florida building codes. From our 14-gauge steel door panels to the steel barrel hinges, each one is built with integrity.
3. Nearly Maintenance-Free
Our iron doors require minimal maintenance to preserve their attractiveness and functionality. We recommend cleaning the surface occasionally with a mild soap, water, and non-abrasive cloth. You can also touch up minor scratches with the touch-up paint that we provide with your door purchase.
If you’re interested in learning more about iron doors, please contact us to schedule a consultation. Our experts are available to share more about the features and benefits, and walk you through our custom design process.There are few door styles that are as unique or striking as a custom pivot door. Perhaps the most compelling feature that attracts clients to this option is how much larger they can make your entryway look. In fact, a pivot door allows you to build a much larger door than a standard swinging single door — not to mention, the eye-catching pivot point creates a conversation piece among guests, family, and friends. Interested in designing your own? Follow along to learn more about their history, anatomy, and benefits.
To provide a basic definition, a pivot door is a swinging door that rotates on a vertical axis, or a spindle. Meanwhile, regular hinged doors are attached to the side of a door adjacent to the wall. Check out the visual comparison below to see how a traditional hinged door differs from a pivot door.
Although modern pivot doors seem to be a contemporary trend, the technology dates back centuries. According to FritsJurgens®, an example of an early pivot door can be found in the ancient city of Persepolis in modern-day Iran. Additionally, there are several indications of this door style found in the Gate of All Nations, a grand hall that was built between 486 and 465 B.C.
Essentially, a pivot door is a pivoting panel that can take on any type of custom design or measurement. Its basic elements include:
Unlike ancient examples, modern pivot doors don’t rotate on an extension of the vertical axis. Instead, they leverage a pivot hinge system and a top pivot that are both invisible on the finished door. Where the pivot is located depends on personal preference and the width of the door. Typically, it’s about 15” from the end, but that may change if the designer or homeowner needs a bigger or smaller opening to walk through.
When you think of modern iron door designs, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? You might say dark finishes, sleek lines, sharp edges, and large glass windows.
While these are all hallmarks of our modern iron doors, no two entryways are ever the same. Each modern door can be completely customized to suit your home’s style—in fact, you can select from five different finishes, various hardware styles, textured glasses, and silhouettes like square top, eyebrow, and round top. We give you the tools to create your own definition of “modern.”
Check out a few of our favorite modern iron door designs featuring five unique visions.
However you define your style, design your own modern door from scratch.
Creating a captivating entrance, these slim profile double iron doors feature minimalist hardware, a contemporary Charcoal finish, and large Arctic insulated glass windows—great for providing a bit of privacy while still allowing natural light to flow into the foyer. These clients dreamed of a simple modern iron door design that complemented their home’s sleek windows, unique architectural elements, and white exterior siding.
This modern iron door design is truly something to behold. With a larger than life vision, we helped our clients turn their sketch into a custom 50/50 split pivot door that gives way to two distinct entries and a breathtaking view of the waterfront in the back of the home—it’s a really intriguing way to reveal this scenery from the front of the home. And, if the one large glass window isn’t enough, we also added two complementary sidelights to increase the amount of natural light being brought into the foyer.
When a foyer is this carefully curated, you want all eyes on the vibrant wallpaper and avant-garde chandelier. This artistic homeowner opted to complement their colorful entryway with an understated, yet striking modern iron door design. Flaunting an extraordinary silhouette that comes to a subtle point at the top, this single panel iron door does a fantastic job of drawing attention to all of the right places—its clear glass windows even give guests a peek into the home’s whimsical design.
Charming and welcoming, this modern iron door is a single panel entry that boasts large expanses of clear double insulated glass windows, hand forged hardware, and a unique eyebrow shaped archway. Enhancing the luxe, modern look, it’s complete with our exclusive Charcoal finish—this color is stunning when used on homes with gray and white tones. We love how this client put their own spin on modern design, blending it with old-style elegance that’s rare to find in updated homes.
A patio is the perfect place to consider a modern iron door design. The clean lines and simple, sleek frames help create a seamless transition from the indoors to the outdoors, and they tie a contemporary motif throughout the entire home. This project features large sidelight panels to enhance the light, too—and the subtle hardware makes it feel as though there’s almost no distinction between nature and the next room. We also love how the dark Charcoal finish balances out the white sofas and flooring.
When you’re thinking about giving your front entryway a makeover, consider your door as the focal point of your home. Ask yourself, will a quick coat of paint on my traditional wood door do the trick, or should I invest in a custom iron door that provides more style, security, and longevity?
Tackling an entryway remodeling project is never easy, but it is worth weighing the benefits of iron doors. Here are 6 reasons why choosing an iron door could mean the difference between a nice entryway and an elevated, welcoming exterior.
Unlike traditional wood doors, Clark Hall iron doors are completely customizable to meet your unique preferences and home style. From modern clean lines to intricate and ornate scrollwork, each door is truly one-of-a-kind and tailored to bring your vision to life. Aside from the elevated aesthetics, iron front doors are also a great option for homeowners that have complex sizing needs to account for. For example, if your home has an unusually sized entryway, you might have a difficult time finding a door replacement. However, our iron doors can be custom built to meet any size requirement—in fact, you may even want to add some height or depth to your current entry by adding a bespoke transom or sidelight.
2. They’re Nearly Maintenance-Free.
It’s always beneficial to think long-term. Iron doors require no regular maintenance to preserve their appearance or functionality. And, because they don’t wear as quickly as wood, iron front doors won’t need replaced or restored as often. The only maintenance you need to budget for? Some soap and water. On occasion, clean the iron surface with a mild soap, water, and non-abrasive cloth to remove dust and other small scuff marks.
3. They’re Hand-Finished & Fabricated.
Clark Hall’s experts and artisans work with you from the first sketch to the final installation, exercising complete control over the custom hand fabrication process. You’ll never have to worry about a detail going unnoticed by a third party vendor—we even take each door through an extensive seven-step automotive grade finishing process. Plus, once you invest in a custom iron door, you’ll also be adding value to your property for years to come—whether you choose to stay or sell. Potential home buyers are always looking for a unique statement piece that sets the home apart.
4. They Invite More Light Indoors.
Undoubtedly, light is one of the most important aspects of a modern home. Many homeowners and designers, whether they prefer traditional-inspired designs or contemporary styles, choose to incorporate plenty of windows. Our wide range of glass window styles come standard with clear double insulated, tempered glass. Opt for a more clear texture for optimum light, or go for a textured look for added privacy. Additionally, consider adding a transom or sidelight to your custom iron front door to create a seamless transition between the interior and exterior spaces.
5. They’re Energy Efficient.
All of our iron doors are insulated and fully functional—they may even help you save money on your energy bill. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air leaks around doors account for 18-20% of heat loss in an average home. Combat this with iron doors that help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
6. They’re Extremely Durable & Secure.
If home security is a top concern for you, we understand. That’s why every Clark Hall iron door is certified to meet some of the strictest hurricane wind ratings and Florida building codes. Not to mention, our 14-gauge steel door panels and steel barrel hinges are built with integrity that offers you peace of mind. Whether you’re inside for the night or away on vacation, rest assured that these sturdy iron doors can hold their own against water, high pressure, wind, and other potential threats.
Are you ready to heighten your home’s security and elevate your curb appeal? Check out our portfolio of before and after transformations to gather some inspiration. Or, if you already have a door style in mind, read our article, How to Design a Custom Iron Door for tips on next steps.
3034 Griffith St.
Charlotte, NC 28203
704-987-0777
1403 Capital Blvd.
Raleigh, NC 27603
919-747-4565