Frequently Asked Question For Doors, Windows & Hardware
About Doors Direct
Who is Doors Direct?
Doors Direct is a South African online store supplying doors, windows, hardware, and security joinery for residential and commercial projects. Founded in 2009, the team draws on over 40 years of industry experience in the doors-and-windows space, with a focus on practical product guidance and nationwide supply.
Do you have branches or showrooms in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, etc.?
We operate as an online retailer rather than a chain of walk-in branches around South Africa. Orders are placed on the website and shipped to your delivery address, which makes the purchasing and delivery of doors, frames and window units more convenient and accessible.
Where is your warehouse and what are your hours?
Our warehouse is in Glen Anil, Durban at Unit 13 Shirldor Park, 7 Cypress Drive. Office hours are Monday–Thursday from 08:00–16:30, and Friday from 08:00–16:00.
How can I get in touch?
Have questions or need assistance? Please feel free to email us at info@doorsdirect.co.za, phone us on +27 31 012 5033 or +27 87 012 5286, or leave us a message. For queries regarding an order, please include your product links or order reference if you have one. If you need to send us photos, then please email them to us.
Delivery, lead times, and collection
How do lead times work?
Lead time is shown on each product page and refers to the expected time needed before an item can be dispatched. Many products are made to order, so lead time is often driven by manufacturing and preparation, and does not represent courier transit times. Be mindful of our lead times when planning for installations, especially on sites where storage and weather exposure can be an issue. If your basket includes different products, check each lead time because items may not all be ready on the same date. If you have a deadline, please contact the team before ordering to confirm the best option for your location and scope.
How long will it take to get my goods?
Your total timeline depends on the product lead time plus the courier delivery window after dispatch. Start by checking the lead time on the product page, since many items are prepared to order and timeframes vary by range. After dispatch, delivery typically takes 24 to 48 hours, depending on the delivery area. Payment method can also affect timing, because orders are dispatched once funds have cleared, and EFTs can take longer to reflect than instant online payments. For bulk orders or unusual delivery requirements, please contact the team so they can advise on the best delivery approach.
Do you deliver across South Africa?
Yes. Doors Direct offers nationwide delivery across South Africa for online orders. Delivery works well for bulky items such as door leaves, frames, sliding units and window assemblies, where collection requires suitable transport and careful handling. If you are delivering to a building site, make sure to provide clear instructions and a reliable contact number for the receiver. For large or mixed baskets, the delivery method and packaging may vary, so confirm the final delivery quote at checkout.
Do you deliver outside South Africa?
Doors Direct can provide delivery quotes for selected Southern African countries, including Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Eswatini. Because cross-border shipping depends on destination, item size and transport method, the best way to get an accurate quote is to contact us and share your delivery address and a list of the products you want to purchase.
How much do you charge for delivery?
Delivery cost depends on what you’re ordering and where it’s going, so there is not a single flat-rate shipping fee. The quickest way to get an accurate delivery quote is to add the items you want to your basket and enter the delivery address details at checkout. Larger items, fragile glazing, and mixed baskets can change packaging and handling requirements, which affects courier pricing.
Can I collect my order?
Yes. Collection is available from the Glen Anil warehouse in Durban once your order is ready. Because many items are made to order, collection timing depends on the product lead time, so please wait for confirmation before arriving to collect. Please be advised that a collection fee may apply for items manufactured outside KwaZulu-Natal. Bring your order reference, and make sure your vehicle and tie-downs are suitable for the size and weight of the items. Door leaves and frames are easily damaged by flexing or rubbing during transport, and glazed units need extra protection. If you are unsure about loading or handling, our team is happy to advise you.
Payment and dispatch
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Payfast, Payflex (pay-in-4), and EFT. Dispatch happens once payment has cleared, so EFT orders may take longer to move into processing than card-based or instant gateway payments. If you are paying on behalf of a business, keep the order confirmation and proof of payment handy, as it helps the team assist faster if you need support.
When do you dispatch orders?
Orders are dispatched once funds have cleared and the items are ready according to their stated lead time. Start by checking the lead time on the product page, since many products are made to order and dispatch cannot happen until manufacturing and preparation are complete. Payment method affects the front end of the timeline, because EFTs can take longer to clear than instant online payments. Once an order is dispatched, delivery is typically 24 to 48 hours depending on the destination and courier route. If you need a delivery on a specific date, share your location and deadline with the team before ordering so they can advise on realistic timing, especially for mixed baskets with different lead times.
Installation and services
Do you do installations or site measurements?
We supply doors and windows, but we do not offer installation services or site measurements. That means you’ll need to use your own carpenter, builder, or installer. Installation is usually handled by a contractor or installation specialist.
Problems with an order, returns, and guarantees
What should I do if an item arrives damaged?
If an item arrives damaged, mark the damage clearly on the waybill or delivery note before signing, then contact us immediately with your order number and photos. For quickest resolution, share what was damaged, how it was packaged, and whether any other items in the delivery were affected. Please hold on to the packaging, as it can help speed up handling with the courier. Claims for damage in transit are only considered when the waybill or delivery note is endorsed with the damage details, and we need to be notified within 24 hours of receiving the goods. Once the claim is accepted, we will evaluate whether to repair or replace the item, depending on the situation.
What if my order is missing items or short-delivered?
If something is missing or short-delivered, note the shortage on the waybill or delivery note before you sign, then notify us within 24 hours. Claims for shortages are only considered when the waybill or delivery note is endorsed with the shortage details, so it’s worth checking the number of packages against the delivery note while the driver is still there. If your order arrives in multiple parcels, take a quick photo of the delivered packages and labels, since that helps confirm what was received. Once you’ve reported the issue, include your order number, a clear list of what is missing, and any photos that show packaging labels or item codes.
Can I return or cancel an order?
Returns are limited once an order has been placed, confirmed by Doors Direct, and dispatched. Our Terms and Conditions state that goods may not be returned unless they are damaged in transit, and customers are responsible for ensuring ordered items and quantities are correct. If you believe you have ordered the wrong size or specification, contact the team as soon as possible with your order number.
What guarantee applies, and what is excluded?
Doors Direct offers a one-year guarantee from date of purchase for products proven defective due to faulty workmanship or materials. Certain solid meranti doors and windows have a five-year guarantee, so confirm the applicable period for your specific product before purchase. Proof of purchase is required, and the product must be used for its designed purpose and handled, installed, and maintained according to the stated procedures. A key exclusion is timber door panels painted black, which are not covered due to excessive heat build-up. The guarantee can also be affected if a product is modified, dismantled, or repaired using parts not supplied or approved by Doors Direct. If you plan to trim or alter a door, confirm allowances first so you don’t unintentionally compromise coverage. For more information, please refer to our Guarantee Policy.
Doors and windows
What is included when I buy a timber door?
Standard timber doors are supplied as a door slab unless the product is explicitly listed as pre-hung. In most cases, that means the frame, glazing, and hardware are not included in the base timber door price, so you choose those separately to suit your opening and security needs. Timber sliding and folding units also exclude glazing, so glass is typically fitted by a local glazier after the unit is installed.
Do wooden windows come with glass?
Wooden windows do not come with glass unless the product listing specifically says glazing is included. If you’re comparing timber and aluminium options, note that aluminium windows and doors are supplied with glass, which can shift your project timing and total costs.
Do your products include glazing?
Glazing depends on the product type and how it’s sold, so it’s not a blanket yes or no. Timber doors and timber joinery are often supplied without glass unless the listing states otherwise, and timber sliding or folding units also typically exclude glazing so it can be fitted after installation. Aluminium windows and aluminium doors are supplied with glass as part of the unit. The simplest way to avoid surprises is to check the product description for “supplied with glass” or similar wording, then confirm whether any glazing options can be specified if you need tinted, frosted, or safety glass.
What are standard South African door sizes?
The most common standard door size is 813 × 2032 mm, and a smaller size often used for bathrooms is 762 × 2032 mm. These sizes are helpful for replacements, but they don’t guarantee your existing frame opening matches perfectly, especially in older homes or where flooring levels have changed. Before ordering, measure the current door leaf and the opening, then confirm the thickness and handing so the replacement fits and swings correctly. If you’re ordering a door-and-frame set, confirm the frame size and wall thickness requirements as well.
What are the trimming and defect guidelines?
Trimming allowances depend on the door construction, so it’s important to check what you’re buying before any cutting starts. For solid meranti doors, trimming is allowed up to 10 mm off the top, 20 mm off the bottom, and 5 mm off the stiles. For cored doors, including hollow, medium, and solid core constructions, trimming is limited to a maximum of 5 mm on all sides. Defect assessment is also specific. Warping is generally only considered a defect if it exceeds 3 mm per linear metre, in line with SANS 545 guidance. If you trim a door, seal the freshly cut edges properly to reduce moisture uptake and support long-term stability.
How do I maintain my timber products?
Timber doors and windows must be sealed on all six sides before and after hanging, including the top and bottom edges that are easy to miss. Protect timber products during building work, since plaster, water exposure, and prolonged sun can damage raw timber quickly. Where glazing is involved, glazing should be done from the outside as designed, and rebates and joins should be sealed correctly to reduce water ingress. Ongoing care matters too. Regular maintenance with a suitable exterior-grade sealer helps preserve the timber and supports guarantee conditions. One critical note is colour choice. Painting a timber door black voids the guarantee due to heat build-up, so if you want a darker look, rather confirm a suitable finish with the team.
Strongwood security joinery
What is Strongwood™?
Strongwood is a patented security joinery system designed to build burglar resistance into the joinery itself, without relying on add-on burglar guards. Solid steel bars are encased in hardwood cottage bars and carried through into the frame, so the security element is integrated rather than bolted on afterwards. Strongwood ranges are available for windows and for selected sliding and security door configurations, which makes it a useful option when you want a timber look with built-in reinforcement. As with any joinery purchase, check the product listing for sizing, finish, and whether glazing is included or arranged separately.
Fire-rated doors
Which fire door do I need?
The fire door you need depends on the fire rating required for the location, which is usually driven by your building plan, insurer, or relevant regulations. We supply three standard classes. Class E (30 minutes) is commonly used for interleading doors between a garage and a home. Class A (60 minutes) and Class B (120 minutes) are typically required for commercial or industrial applications where higher ratings are specified. Before you order, confirm the required rating, then match that to the class, size, and supply format offered on the product listing. If you’re unsure what rating applies, ask your architect, builder, or insurer first, then contact the team with your opening size so they can help you choose an appropriate option.
How are fire doors supplied?
Fire door supply format depends on the class and the specific product listing. Class A (60 minute) and Class B (120 minute) fire doors are supplied pre-hung in steel frames with the required specifications, which helps keep the assembly consistent during installation. Custom sizes may be available, so it’s worth asking if your opening is non-standard. Lead times are shown on each product page, and these can differ because fire-rated units may be made to order. Before buying, confirm your opening size, wall thickness, and any site requirements that could affect fit, such as floor finishes or existing thresholds. If certification is required for your project, raise that requirement upfront so the correct documentation and product selection can be confirmed before dispatch.
Other
Do you sell garage doors?
No, we do not supply garage doors. Our store focuses on doors, windows, frames, hardware, and security joinery. If you landed here while looking for a garage door supplier, you’ll usually need a specialist provider because garage door systems have their own hardware, automation options, and servicing requirements. If your project includes both a garage door and other openings, you can still source many of the rest of the joinery from us (such as entrance doors, sliding doors, folding doors, and window options).
At Doors Direct, your satisfaction is our priority. Should you have any other questions or require further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team. We're here to make your door and window shopping experience as smooth as possible.