A door or window bought in China can be of very good quality, provided it is ordered with a precise specification. The mistakes we see most often do not come from the factory: they come from an order that is too vague. Here is what we check with buyers before launching a production run.
1. Specify the type, dimensions and opening direction
- The type: interior door, secure entry door, fire door, aluminum window, glass partition.
- The exact dimensions of the opening and of the door. Standard Chinese sizes, in millimeters, are not North American sizes, in inches: do not rely on a “standard” size.
- The opening direction, the wall thickness and the frame type.
2. Materials and finishes
- Solid wood, engineered wood, steel, aluminum or PVC: price and service life are completely different.
- For aluminum, the profile thickness, the surface treatment (anodized or powder-coated) and, for a cold climate, the thermal break.
- Finishes, with a sample of the color and texture.
3. Glass
- Tempered or laminated glass: safety glass is often required by building codes.
- Thickness, and double glazing or low-emissivity glass for an exterior window.
- Edges, corners and protection of the glass during transport.
4. Standards of the destination country
Fire resistance, energy performance, safety: every country has its own requirements. In Canada, they go through the building code and dedicated standards, for example ULC for fire doors and CSA for windows. Validate them with your architect or inspector before ordering, and ask the factory for the matching test reports.
5. Hardware and spare parts
- Hinges, locks, handles: check that they are compatible with the frame and with your market.
- Ask for spare parts in the order: finding the same lock later is often impossible.
6. A full sample before the production run
Have a complete door or window made, with its frame and hardware, and test it on site. A dimension error found on a sample costs a few days; found on a container, it costs the order.
7. Packing and transport
- Protected corners, panels separated by spacers, glass in crates or on racks.
- Volume often matters more than weight: a badly stowed load raises cost and breakage.
- Photos of the loading before the container is closed.
For the pre-departure check method, read our guide Pre-Shipment Inspection in China.
8. Installation and warranty
Ask for installation instructions, and agree in writing on the warranty and on the time to replace a defective part. Before paying a deposit, check the company: see how to audit a Chinese supplier and how to spot a supplier scam.
How we can help
See the Doors, Windows & Glass Partitions Catalogue from our partner manufacturers. If you cannot find your product, describe your need in the custom sourcing request. For a quick question, write to us on WhatsApp or through the contact page.