Blog
Order Early: Understanding Lead Times and Special Orders
October 9, 2026
One of the most important things we can tell a customer is also one of the simplest: order early. Designer hardware isn’t like picking up screws at the big-box store — most of what we sell is made or finished to order, and that takes time.
How long does it take?
Most special orders are ready for pickup in 6–8 weeks, though lead time varies by manufacturer, product, and finish. Made-to-order and one-of-a-kind pieces can take longer. We keep a limited stock of our most commonly purchased items on hand, and some manufacturers offer “quick ship” programs for popular products — sometimes as fast as overnight — but those options cover a fraction of most catalogs.
When you place an order, we’ll give you the manufacturer’s current lead time estimate so you can plan around it.
Why the wait?
Quality hardware isn’t sitting on a warehouse shelf waiting to be shrink-wrapped. When you order a handleset in a specific finish, or a set of cabinet pulls matched to your kitchen, the manufacturer plates, finishes, and assembles it for your order. That process — the same one that gives you a finish that lasts decades instead of months — is what takes the time.
What that means for your project timeline
- Renovations and new builds: Order hardware when the design decisions are being made, not when the doors are hung. If your contractor needs hardware on site by a certain date, count backward 8+ weeks — earlier for custom pieces.
- Kitchen and bath refreshes: Cabinet hardware is often the last thing installed, which makes it easy to leave until the last minute. It shouldn’t be.
- Holiday hosting: If you want new entry hardware or a refreshed kitchen before guests arrive for the holidays, now is the time to order. Waiting until November for a December deadline is cutting it close.
A few things to know about special orders
- Special orders require a 100% deposit when the order is placed.
- Because they’re made to your specifications, special orders (made-to-order, custom, one-of-a-kind) cannot be returned. We’ll make sure the details — size, finish, function, handing — are confirmed before the order goes in.
- In-stock items are different: they can be returned within 30 days in new, resalable condition.
Contractors and project managers
Bring us your door schedule or plans early in the project and we’ll spec the whole job — every opening, coordinated finishes and functions — and give you real lead times for each item. That way hardware shows up when the schedule needs it, not weeks after.
Have a project on the horizon? Stop by the showroom or call 781-552-3200 and we’ll get you pricing and lead times now — while there’s still plenty of time.