Wondering how long aluminium composite doors take to arrive? Learn typical lead times for your aluminium composite door & what affects delivery times.
What You’ll Learn:
- How long it really takes to get your door
- What might speed things up—or slow them down
- Tips for planning around your project timeline
- What to expect on delivery day
(Estimated Reading Time: 5-6 Minutes)
Introduction
Timing is everything when it comes to home improvements—especially with a made-to-measure door. Whether you’re juggling trades or just keen to get your new entrance installed, knowing how long an aluminium composite door will take to arrive can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explain the typical lead times for aluminium composite doors, what can speed things up or slow them down, and how GFD Homes keeps you in the loop every step of the way.
Quick Answer: 4–6 Weeks, on Average
Most aluminium composite doors from GFD Homes—specifically the Smart Signature and Smart Designer ranges—are delivered within 4 to 6 weeks from the point of order confirmation.
This includes:
- Full made-to-measure manufacturing
- Custom colour and glazing options
- Optional side/top panels
- Quality assurance and delivery prep
GFD works closely with Smart Systems, one of the UK’s most trusted aluminium manufacturers, to ensure a reliable, smooth turnaround.
What Affects Door Lead Times?
While most orders fall within the 4–6 week window, a few variables can impact your timeline:
1. Customisation Level
The more bespoke your order, the more time is needed to manufacture:
- Special RAL colours
- Dual colour finishes
- Custom glazing
- Side/top panels
- Non-standard threshold types
Standard doors in standard colours can be faster.
2. Time of Year
Busy seasons like spring and early summer often come with longer queues. Early planning = smoother delivery.
3. Product Range
- Smart Signature Doors tend to have slightly shorter lead times due to streamlined options
- Smart Designer Doors include more configuration choices and accessories, which may add a few days
4. Supply and Fit vs Supply Only
- Supply-only orders are prepped and dispatched ASAP once built
- Supply and fit orders also require survey, fitting schedule, and coordination—this may add 1–2 extra weeks, depending on your location and installer availability.
Order Timeline Breakdown
Here’s a typical schedule once you place your order:
| Week | What Happens |
| 1 | Order confirmed and passed to factory |
| 2–3 | Fabrication begins (cutting, glazing, prepping) |
| 4–5 | Assembly, QC, packing |
| 5–6 | Dispatch, delivery arranged (or install scheduled) |
You’ll receive regular updates from GFD’s team and can contact customer support anytime for progress tracking.
Can I Get a Faster Lead Time?
In some cases—yes.
Ask us about:
- Fast-track colour options
- Pre-surveyed openings for instant order confirmation
- Stock glass units vs custom glazed panels
Need a door urgently? We’ll do our best to help—but most lead times are set by Smart Systems’ production capacity.
Lead Times vs Other Door Types
| Door Type | Lead Time | Notes |
| Aluminium Composite | 4–6 weeks | Made-to-measure, custom colour + glazing |
| uPVC | 3–5 weeks | Faster, but less flexible + lower lifespan |
| GRP Composite (off-the-shelf) | 1–2 weeks | Limited customisation, standard sizes only |
| Timber | 6–12 weeks | Dependent on finish, treatment, joinery |
Aluminium sits in the sweet spot: fully custom, but much faster than traditional joinery.
How Will I Be Notified About Delivery?
Once your door is manufactured and passes quality control:
- You’ll receive a dispatch email with delivery details
- If supply-only: our team will provide tracking
- If supply & fit: we’ll coordinate directly with you for installation
Our system gives proactive updates, so you’re never left wondering where your order is.
Do I Need to Be In for Delivery?
Yes—for both delivery and installation.
On delivery day, you’ll need:
- A clear space for the door and frame
- Someone to inspect and sign for the goods
- To report any issues (if any) within 24 hours
For fitted doors, our team will confirm arrival time, tools needed, and full installation scope ahead of time.
Conclusion
Aluminium composite doors are made to order, but they don’t keep you waiting. With an average lead time of 4–6 weeks, Smart doors from GFD Homes strike the ideal balance between custom craftsmanship and real-world deadlines.
Still unsure? You might ask:
- “When should I place my order if my build finishes in 2 months?”
- “Can I match my door delivery to my window fitting date?”
- “What happens if my builder delays after I’ve ordered?”
Let’s help you plan your project timeline with clarity and confidence.
🛒 Browse the full collection at www.aluminiumcompositedoors.com.
📞 Or call 01642 309576 for expert guidance and a no-pressure quote.
In a rush? Why not contact us via Whatsapp
👉 Explore our full range of aluminium composite doors
Browse our Articles to Learn More
- Aluminium Composite Doors in Bad Weather: How They Perform
- Why Aluminium Composite Doors Outlast the Rest
- Stylish Aluminium Composite Doors: Colour Ideas You’ll Love
- Trade Aluminium Composite Doors: looking for trade prices? Visit our trade site, The Trade Village
Common Questions About Lead Times
1. Can I delay delivery if my project isn’t ready?
Yes. Let us know ahead of time, and we can hold your door at our facility until you’re ready (within a reasonable timeframe).
2. What if I need the door sooner?
Some models and colours have shorter lead times—ask us for current fast-track options.
3. Do lead times include installation?
Yes, if you’ve chosen supply & fit. We’ll give you a full project timeline with expected survey, fitting, and handover dates.
4. What if there’s a delay at the factory?
Delays are rare. But if they happen, we’ll notify you immediately depending on the situation.
5. Are door accessories delivered separately?
No—everything (frame, glazing, hardware, side panels) arrives together unless otherwise arranged.
