Skip to content

Custom Iron Doors • U.S. Support • Free Contiguous U.S. Shipping

Cart

Installation Guide

Installers checking a rough opening for an iron door

STEP 1 — Prepare and Verify the Rough Opening

Before bringing the iron door frame into position, inspect the rough opening carefully. The sill area should be flat and structurally sound, while both sides of the opening must be plumb. Check the top of the opening to make sure it is level, and measure both diagonals to confirm that the opening is square.

For a typical pre-hung iron door, the rough opening should be approximately 1 in. wider overall and ½ in. taller overall than the overall door unit size, including the jambs and threshold.

Example:
For a 72 in. W × 96 in. H door unit, the recommended rough opening would be approximately 73 in. W × 96½ in. H.

Always confirm the final opening dimensions against the approved shop drawing for the specific door before modifying the structure.

Avoid creating an excessively large opening. Too much clearance around the frame can make proper anchoring and alignment more difficult and may reduce the stability of the finished installation.

Applying sealant at a door threshold

STEP 2 — Seal the Threshold Area

Before setting the frame into the opening, clean the subfloor and threshold area thoroughly. Remove dust, loose debris, and anything that could prevent the sealant from bonding correctly.

Apply a continuous exterior-grade silicone sealant beneath the full threshold area. The seal should extend across the entire width of the opening without major gaps or breaks.

This creates a continuous barrier beneath the threshold and helps reduce the possibility of air or water entering below the frame.

Installers positioning and leveling an iron door frame

STEP 3 — Position, Level and Secure the Frame

With adequate manpower, carefully move the complete iron door frame into the prepared opening and place the threshold onto the sealed base.

Center the frame within the opening and temporarily stabilize it. Check the sill for level and check both jambs for plumb before tightening the mounting points.

Begin securing the frame at the upper and lower mounting locations first. Make small adjustments as necessary, using appropriate installation shims where required, before fastening the remaining mounting brackets.

Continue checking the frame during installation. The jambs should remain straight, the frame should stay square, and the spacing between the frame and the opening should remain reasonably consistent.

Do not fully tighten all fasteners before the frame has been correctly aligned.

Workers hanging and adjusting double iron door panels

STEP 4 — Hang and Adjust the Door Panels

Once the frame is secure and verified, the door panels can be installed.

Due to their weight, each panel should be handled by at least two qualified installers. Carefully align the hinges and lower the panel into position without damaging the frame or finished surfaces.

After installation, open and close each panel several times to confirm smooth movement, proper clearances, and correct alignment.

For double doors, also test the upper and lower flush bolts on the inactive panel to ensure proper engagement.

Worker installing a glass panel in an iron door

STEP 5 — Install the Glass Panels

After the door panels are fitted and adjusted, install the glass assemblies according to the door configuration.

Support each glass panel carefully, position it evenly in the opening, and secure it with the supplied retaining components.

Before fully tightening, make sure the glass is seated correctly and not under excessive pressure. Finish by checking that the perimeter and all retaining hardware are secure.

Workers checking door alignment and glass after installation

STEP 6 — Perform the Final Alignment and Operation Check

After the frame, panels, glass, and hardware are fully installed, perform a complete operational check.

Open and close each door several times to confirm smooth movement without binding or scraping.

Before completion, verify consistent door gaps, correct panel alignment, smooth operation of locks, handles, and flush bolts, secure glass and hardware, stable hinges and mounting points, and a firmly supported and sealed threshold.

Make any final adjustments before removing tools and protective materials.

Important Installation & Handling Notes

Iron doors, frames, and glass assemblies are extremely heavy. Never attempt to unpack, move, lift, or install these components alone. A minimum of two capable installers should be involved whenever heavy door components are being handled. Larger configurations may require additional personnel or mechanical lifting equipment.

Finished iron surfaces should remain protected throughout construction. Avoid placing finished door components directly against concrete, masonry, metal tools, or other hard surfaces that may scratch or damage the coating.

If the surrounding home is still under construction after installation, protect the door from mortar, plaster, paint, construction dust, metal grinding debris, and impact from tools or equipment.

Installation conditions vary between projects. Always review the project-specific shop drawings, applicable building requirements, and hardware instructions before installation.

READY TO START YOUR PROJECT?

Start Your Custom Iron Door Project

Tell us about your opening, application, style, and functional requirements. 
Our U.S.-based team can help develop a custom iron door for residential or commercial use.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR DOOR
Solid black modern entry door at a snowy stone house
Single ornate iron door with a curved top at a stone house
Black double iron doors with diamond lattice glass panels
Black double glass iron doors opened beneath a porch