Understanding CDF's production process, lead time factors, and the Fast Track expedited production option.
This guide answers: How Configuration Choices Affect CDF Production Lead Times
CDF's Production Process
CDF fabricates commercial door and frame assemblies at its facility in Nashville, Tennessee. Each order is built to the customer's specifications, including door material, frame profile, hardware preparation, and finish. Because assemblies are configured to order rather than pulled from pre-built inventory, production time is a factor in every order.
CDF's production process includes order verification, material staging, fabrication, hardware preparation, quality inspection, and packaging. Each step is completed before the assembly moves to the next stage.
Factors That Affect Lead Time
Several factors influence the production lead time for a commercial door assembly. Understanding these factors helps contractors plan their project schedules.
Assembly Configuration
Standard configurations with commonly specified materials and hardware preparations move through production more quickly than assemblies with non-standard specifications. Custom sizes, special gauges, and unusual hardware preparations may extend lead times.
Hurricane-Rated Assemblies
Hurricane-rated door assemblies require specific materials, reinforcements, and quality checks that are not part of standard production. These additional requirements may extend the production timeline compared to non-rated assemblies.
Fire-Rated Assemblies
Fire-rated assemblies — available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings — require components that are listed together under the same fire test report. Sourcing listed components and applying fire labels adds steps to the production process.
Order Volume
Large multi-opening orders require more fabrication time than single-opening orders. CDF's production team schedules orders based on capacity and current demand. Placing orders early in the project timeline helps ensure production capacity is available.
Fast Track Expedited Production
CDF offers a Fast Track production option for projects that require expedited turnaround. Fast Track moves an order to the front of the production queue, reducing the time between order confirmation and shipment. Select Fast Track orders can ship out as soon as next business day!
Fast Track availability depends on the assembly configuration and current production capacity. Not all configurations are eligible for Fast Track. Contact CDF's sales team to confirm Fast Track availability for your specific order.
- Fast Track is available for select standard configurations.
- Fast Track orders are prioritized in the production schedule.
- An expediting fee applies for Fast Track orders.
- Fast Track availability is confirmed at the time of order.
- Orders ship as quick as next business day.
Planning for Lead Time
Contractors and project managers should incorporate production lead time into their overall project schedule. The following practices help avoid delays:
- Finalize door and frame specifications early in the project to allow adequate production time.
- Use CDF's ProBuilder tool to configure assemblies and receive accurate lead time estimates.
- Submit orders with complete and verified specifications to avoid production holds for clarification.
- Contact CDF's sales team for current lead time estimates before committing to project schedules.
- Consider Fast Track for time-critical openings while ordering standard-lead items on a normal timeline.
A Note on Fire-Rated Assemblies
Fire-rated door assemblies are available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings. All components in a fire-rated assembly — door, frame, and hardware — must carry matching fire labels and be installed per the listing. Verify all component requirements with project specifications and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Configure Your Door Assembly
CDF's ProBuilder tool allows contractors and facility managers to configure complete door, frame, and hardware assemblies online. ProBuilder displays compatible options and provides instant pricing.
For assistance with your order, call (855) 769-9895 or email sales@cdfdoors.com. CDF's sales team is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM CT.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does production take for a standard order?
Production time varies based on the assembly configuration, order volume, and current production capacity. Contact CDF's sales team at (855) 769-9895 for current lead time estimates based on your specific order requirements.
What is Fast Track production?
Fast Track is CDF's expedited production option. It moves an order to the front of the production queue, reducing the time between order confirmation and shipment. Fast Track orders can ship as soon as next business day. An expediting fee applies. Availability depends on the assembly configuration and current production capacity.
Does the assembly configuration affect lead time?
Yes. Standard configurations with commonly specified materials move through production faster than assemblies with custom specifications. Hurricane-rated assemblies, fire-rated assemblies, custom sizes, and special hardware preparations may extend lead times compared to standard configurations.
Do fire-rated assemblies take longer to produce?
Fire-rated assemblies — available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings — require listed components and fire label application, which may add production time compared to non-rated assemblies, depending on stock levels and order quantities.
Do hurricane-rated assemblies take longer to produce?
Hurricane-rated assemblies require specific materials, reinforcements, and additional quality checks that may extend production time compared to standard assemblies. Contact CDF for current lead time estimates on hurricane-rated orders.
Can I check the status of my order?
Yes. Contact CDF's sales team at (855) 769-9895 or email sales@cdfdoors.com with your order number to receive a production status update. CDF provides shipment notification and tracking information once the order ships.
How can I reduce my lead time?
Finalizing specifications early, submitting complete order details, and using ProBuilder to configure assemblies helps minimize production delays. For time-critical orders, ask about Fast Track expedited production. Placing orders well in advance of the installation date provides the most scheduling flexibility. You can also substitute out of stock material for in stock options of commensurate quality. This will often not only save you time, but money also.
Does order volume affect lead time?
Yes. Large multi-opening orders require more fabrication time than single-opening orders. CDF schedules production based on capacity and demand. Placing large orders early in the project timeline helps ensure production capacity is available.
What happens if I need to change my order after it is in production?
Changes to orders already in production may affect the lead time and could result in additional charges. CDF’s policy is to not allow change orders after 24 hours of placing your order. Changes on orders with Fast Track Production are not allowed. Contact CDF's sales team as soon as possible to see if changes are possible. Please refer to our terms and conditions located on our website for our complete policy on change orders and order cancellationa.
How do I get a lead time estimate for my project?
Use CDF's ProBuilder tool to configure your assemblies online and view estimated lead times. You can also contact CDF's sales team at (855) 769-9895 or email sales@cdfdoors.com with your project specifications for a lead time estimate.
About CDF Distributors
CDF Distributors is a commercial door, frame, and hardware distributor headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. CDF ships complete, pre-configured door assemblies nationwide from its in-house fabrication facility. Configure your assembly online at cdfdistributors.com using ProBuilder, or contact CDF at (855) 769-9895 or sales@cdfdoors.com.
