General
Absolutely. Every period front door we produce is made to order, which means you can customise the design to suit your home and personal style. Whether it's adjusting panel layouts, choosing from a range of stained glass designs, or selecting your preferred timber and frame configuration, we’ll work with you to create something truly bespoke. We can also replicate designs you've seen elsewhere or help develop something entirely unique.
Yes, all of our front door designs can be made without glass. If you prefer a fully solid door for added privacy, security, or a more traditional look, we’ll adapt the design accordingly while maintaining the same level of craftsmanship and detail.
Definitely! We welcome your input and can work from your own glass designs or inspiration photos. Whether it’s a pattern you’ve seen elsewhere or a custom idea you’d like to explore, our team will collaborate with you to create beautiful stained glass that complements your door perfectly.
Learn more about our process in our How We Design and Make Traditional Stained Glass for Front Doors guide.
Yes, we offer double, laminated, and triple glazing options to complement your stained glass panels. These options enhance insulation and provide added security for your door.
While we don’t offer front door installation in-house, we regularly work alongside trusted local installers and can recommend experienced tradespeople familiar with our doors. We’re also happy to liaise directly with your installer or connect you with someone we trust to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Yes, we do! Each piece is handcrafted using traditional stained glass techniques, just like those used in period homes for over a century. Each panel is made by hand using individual coloured glass pieces, carefully cut to shape, then fitted together using lead cames (strips of lead that form the framework). The joints are soldered, the panel is waterproofed using traditional cementing techniques, and then cleaned and polished to bring out the colours and texture. The result is a genuine stained glass window with the character and craftsmanship you’d expect from original period features, not a printed or stick-on imitation. Before we begin making anything, we’ll send you a detailed drawing of the design for approval, so you can be confident it's exactly right.
Learn more about our process in our How We Design and Make Traditional Stained Glass for Front Doors guide.
Yes, we require a 50% deposit to begin the design and production process. The remaining balance is due prior to delivery. This allows us to secure your materials and schedule your order in our workshop. We’ll provide clear timelines and regular updates throughout the process.
No. You'll need to source your own locks and door furniture. However, we're happy to advise on what you'll need and can recommend some trusted suppliers.
Replacing just the door - For most customers simply replacing an existing door, no additional Building Regulation approval is required, your new door can be fitted directly into the existing frame.
Replacing the door and frame - If you’re replacing both the door and frame in the same opening (a like-for-like replacement), generally no approval is needed. The new door and frame can usually be installed without affecting compliance.
When Building Regulations may apply - If the installation involves a new opening, changes to the size or structure, or significantly affects security or insulation, it is the responsibility of you and/or your installer to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
Morton Doors supplies doors and frames ready for installation but does not take responsibility for Building Regulation compliance.
Our front doors arrive professionally primed in white, ready for final painting once installed. We don’t offer a topcoat service, as painting is best completed on-site after fitting to ensure a flawless finish. This approach allows you to choose your exact colour and finish, while also helping to protect the door edges after installation.
No, our front doors are supplied without hardware. This allows you to choose fixtures that suit your taste and budget. Your installer will be able to fit your chosen locks, handles, letterplates, and other door furniture during installation.
The possibilities for stained glass are endless! You can share a photo of a neighbor's door, a link to something you’ve seen online, a sketch, or let our expert designers create a unique design just for you. Whatever your vision, we can bring it to life.
Yes. All our stained glass panels are crafted using traditional techniques. Each design is hand-assembled using individual pieces of coloured glass, carefully cut to shape, and joined with real lead came (a soft, malleable metal that holds the glass in place). The joints are then soldered, and the panel is cemented to add strength and weatherproofing.
This is the same method that has been used for centuries in church windows and period homes, giving each panel its authentic character and lasting quality. Unlike printed or imitation glass, our stained glass has real depth, colour variation, and craftsmanship that you can see and feel.
All of our front doors and frames are made exclusively from solid hardwood, offering outstanding durability and longevity. With proper care, they can last over 40 years. This level of quality means they come at a higher price than engineered, non-solid, or softwood alternatives. We work with two types of timber: Oak and Sapele. For painted finishes, we recommend oak for its strength and smooth texture. If you're after a natural wood grain look, sapele is ideal thanks to its rich, beautiful grain.
Yes, absolutely. During the design phase, we’ll share detailed drawings of your door and frame, including scaled illustrations of any stained glass panels. We won’t start production until you’re completely happy with the designs, ensuring your door matches your vision perfectly.
Delivery
We deliver to most of the UK. Unfortunately, we don't currently deliver to Northern Ireland or areas further north than Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Yes, we offer free nationwide delivery on all orders. For this service, someone will need to be available on the delivery day to assist the driver with unloading. If you require a two-person delivery team, this can be arranged for an additional cost.
Your new front door will arrive primed in white ready for you to install and decorate. It will be securely packed in a sturdy wooden crate to ensure it stays protected during transit from our workshop to your home.
Looking after your door
We recommend re-coating your front door every one to two years, depending on how much exposure it gets to sun, wind, and rain. South-facing or exposed doors often need re-coating annually, as UV rays and weather can break down the finish more quickly. In more sheltered spots, such as north-facing entrances or porches, the coating may last up to two or even three years.
If your front door is stained and sealed with a clear top coat, you’ll usually notice the finish starting to dull or go patchy when it’s time for a fresh coat. Painted doors may start to show signs like slight fading or minor cracks. Keeping an eye on these early signs and re-coating before damage sets in will keep your door protected and looking its best for decades to come.
For a complete guide on keeping your door looking its best, see our How to Care For Your New Front Door page.
If you're painting your door, choose a high-quality oil-based exterior paint system designed for timber. Brands like Teknos, Zinsser AllCoat, or Dulux Weathershield offer durable finishes that flex with the wood and withstand the elements. A minimum of three coats should be applied to ensure a full protection.
If you're staining your door, use a clear, UV-resistant exterior top coat to protect the wood and enhance the finish. Products like Osmo UV-Protection Oil or Sadolin Extra are ideal for this, as they seal the surface while preserving the natural grain. These should be reapplied every 1–2 years to maintain protection and appearance.
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