Frequently Asked Questions
Ordering & Sizing
How do I know what size replacement door I need?
Measure the opening in your walk-in wall (the hole, not the old door itself) — width first, then height, in inches. Use our Find Your Size tool to get matched to the right door, or see the Measurement Guide for step-by-step instructions with a diagram for each frame type. Still not sure? Send us photos and measurements at sales@eltcustomcoolers.com or call 313-528-7888 — we size doors every day.
What's the difference between a left-hinge and right-hinge door?
Hinge side is determined standing outside the walk-in, facing the door. If the hinges are on your left and the door swings toward you, it's a left-hinge door; hinges on the right, it's a right-hinge. Every swing door we build is available in both orientations — just select yours when ordering. If you're replacing an existing door, match what you have.
What's the difference between a plug frame and a jamb frame?
A plug frame is face mount: it mounts on the face of the wall around a finished opening, and it is the usual choice for replacing a door. A jamb frame is L-shaped: a thin jamb leg lines the opening and the face sits on the wall. It is the usual choice for new construction, and the jamb size matches your wall thickness. We also build a 1.5" or 2" jamb frame for replacing a flush door, picture plug and picture jamb frames, and a sandwich option that adds a second face frame on the inside of the wall. See the diagrams in our Measurement Guide, or send us a photo of your current frame from inside and outside and we will identify it for you.
Can you build a custom size?
Yes — custom sizes are our specialty. If your opening doesn't match one of our standard sizes, request a quote with your opening measurements and we'll build the door to fit.
Do I need a cooler door or a freezer door?
It depends on the temperature of your walk-in box. Freezer doors (for boxes at or below 32°F) include a heated frame with heater wire around the opening to prevent the door from freezing shut, plus thicker insulation. Cooler doors (for boxes above freezing, typically 35–41°F) don't require frame heat. If your box runs below freezing, always order a freezer door.
Shipping & Delivery
How long until my door ships?
Standard production time is about 5 weeks from order confirmation. That is an estimate, not a guarantee, and custom sizes and configurations may take longer. We confirm your estimated ship date when you place your order. Need it faster? Choose Expedited production (10 business days) or Rush production (3 business days) on the door's product page, or call 313-528-7888.
What conditions apply to production times?
- Expedited and Rush production are available for a fee, in limited numbers.
- Production time starts when your order is confirmed: payment is received and we have confirmed your measurements, frame type, finish and hinge side. Business days exclude weekends and holidays.
- Production time does not include transit time.
- All production times depend on materials and hardware being available. If a material shortage or supplier delay affects your order, we will contact you with a revised date.
- If we cannot meet an Expedited or Rush date, you may either keep your order at the revised date and receive a refund of the production upgrade fee, or cancel for a full refund if production has not started.
- Our responsibility for a production delay is limited to refunding the upgrade fee. We are not responsible for lost business, spoiled product, installer or contractor charges, or other costs caused by a delay.
- Changes to an order after confirmation restart the production time.
- Custom sizes and configurations may take longer. Call 313-528-7888 before ordering Expedited or Rush on a custom door.
- We are not responsible for delays outside our control, including carrier delays, weather and supplier delays.
Who is responsible for the shipping address?
You are. Please check the shipping address on your order confirmation as soon as you receive it. If anything is wrong, contact us right away at 313-528-7888, before your order ships. Costs caused by an incorrect or incomplete address, including redelivery, rerouting, storage and return freight, are the customer's responsibility.
How does freight delivery work?
Doors ship on a pallet or crate by LTL freight. The carrier calls to schedule delivery, and standard delivery is curbside — see our Shipping Policy for details, including liftgate service if you don't have a dock or forklift.
What should I check when my door arrives?
Before you sign the delivery receipt or accept the shipment, inspect it. Make sure it is free of damage, and confirm the size, color, hinge side, cooler or freezer, frame type and jamb size.
If the shipment is damaged or the item is not what was ordered, refuse delivery so it is returned to sender, then contact us right away at 313-528-7888. We will remake and reship the door immediately. If you accept a shipment that is damaged or is not what was ordered, you will be responsible for the return freight for a replacement.
Can I pick up my order?
Yes — free pickup at our Detroit facility: 13770 Nelson St, Detroit, MI 48227. Hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm, and Saturday, 10am–3pm ET.
Installation
Do you install doors?
Yes. Our own crews handle professional installation in Michigan. Outside Michigan, installation is available through our nationwide installer network — independent refrigeration professionals experienced with ELT doors. And because every door arrives prehung in its frame, any qualified contractor or refrigeration tech can install one: set, square, fasten, and seal.
Are you a refrigeration installer or contractor? Join our installer network and get referrals in your area.
What does "prehung" mean?
The door arrives already mounted in its frame with hinges, gaskets, and hardware installed and adjusted. You install the complete unit as one piece instead of building up a frame and hanging a door slab — faster, and it seals correctly the first time.
Product & Warranty
What are your doors made of?
Our doors are built with 26-gauge stucco-embossed steel skins (white, silver, or stainless) over high-density closed-cell foam insulation, hung on commercial cam-lift or spring-assisted hinges with a lockable latch and interior safety release. Every door includes a magnetic gasket with double sweep, a door closer, and 16-gauge aluminum diamond-tread kick plates. Freezer doors add a heated frame with replaceable anti-condensate heater wire.
What warranty do you offer?
Every ELT door is covered by a 1-year workmanship warranty, and door hardware carries the manufacturer's warranty from Kason, the industry-standard hardware maker. If anything's wrong with your door, call 313-528-7888 and we'll make it right.
Payment & Quotes
Do you offer financing?
Yes — we offer equipment financing through our financing partner. Learn more and apply here.
How do I get a quote?
Use our quote form, email sales@eltcustomcoolers.com, or call 313-528-7888. Include your opening size, cooler or freezer, hinge side, and photos if you have them — you'll get an accurate quote faster. We typically respond within one business day.
What are your business hours?
Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm, and Saturday, 10am–3pm Eastern. Phone: 313-528-7888. Email anytime: sales@eltcustomcoolers.com.