Business Details
49 Years
experience
Custom Steel Doors & Frames Manufacturer in Weaverville, NC
Karpen Steel has been a trusted manufacturer of custom steel doors and frames since 1977, dedicated to delivering high-quality products with exceptional service. Founded by Morris Karpen in Asheville, North Carolina, the company built its reputation on integrity, craftsmanship, and rapid turnaround times. As a family-owned business for decades, we prioritized listening to customer needs and innovating manufacturing processes to meet exacting specifications. Today, under President Eric Henken, we continue to lead the industry as The Custom Quick Ship Professionals, offering standard and specialty products with lead times as fast as one day.Our UL-labeled doors, temperature-rise assemblies, and acoustic solutions serve commercial and residential projects nationwide. With over 45 years of experience, we combine deep industry expertise with a commitment to sustainability, using recyclable materials and durable designs that reduce long-term costs. Our team works closely with certified distributors to ensure every order meets critical quality standards and arrives on time, every time.
Services
Steel Doors
Metal Frames
Specialty Products
Custom Fabrication
Quick Ship Programs
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- We offer over 45 years of expertise in custom hollow metal door manufacturing.
- Our Quick Ship programs deliver products in as little as 1 working day.
- Family-owned legacy of integrity and customer-focused innovation since 1977.
- UL-labeled and temperature-rise compliant safety-certified door assemblies.
- Dedicated support for distributors and contractors through custom solutions.
Associations and certifications
- Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
Services
Steel Doors
Custom-manufactured steel doors in 12-18 gauge thicknesses with options including UL labeling, temperature-rise protection, and acoustic insulation. Designed for commercial and residential security needs. Reinforced frames ensure durability in high-traffic environments.
Metal Frames
Precision-engineered steel frames in 10-18 gauge specifications, including sidelite, double egress, and pocket door configurations. Welded construction available without additional charges. Engineered for seamless integration with fire-rated and security door systems.
Specialty Products
Unique hollow metal solutions like radiation-resistant lead-lined doors, wood-grained steel finishes, and historic design reproductions. Includes elevator frames, junction boxes, and architectural elements. Tailored to meet project-specific aesthetic and functional requirements.
Quick Ship Programs
Accelerated production timelines ranging from 1-10 working days for standard and custom orders. Emergency RUSH options available to meet critical construction deadlines. Maintains quality standards while reducing lead times compared to industry averages.
UL-Labeled Assemblies
Underwriters Laboratories-certified door and frame systems meeting fire safety, security, and acoustic performance standards. Includes temperature-rise doors for commercial applications. Documentation provided to ensure code compliance for building inspectors.
People
Eric Henken
Owner & President
Eric Henken has led Karpen Steel since 2016, continuing the company's legacy of quality custom door manufacturing. With over 15 years of industry experience, he focuses on operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Rachel S. Smith
Former President
Rachel Smith co-managed Karpen Steel with her brother Joseph until 2005, then partnered with Eric Henken until her retirement in 2016. She maintained family traditions of craftsmanship and customer service.
Questions
What types of steel doors do you manufacture?
We produce 12-18 gauge steel doors including UL-labeled, temperature-rise, acoustic, and specialty designs like Dutch doors and vision lites.
How quickly can you deliver custom orders?
Standard lead time is 10 working days, with RUSH options available from 1-9 days depending on complexity.
Do you sell directly to contractors?
We distribute products exclusively through certified distributor networks rather than direct contractor sales.
Are your products code-compliant?
All UL-labeled doors meet fire safety, security, and acoustic performance standards required by building codes.
Can you create custom metal products not listed online?
Yes, our engineering team develops specialized hollow metal solutions for unique architectural requirements upon request.
What warranty do you offer?
We provide industry-standard warranties covering manufacturing defects when products are installed and maintained per specifications.
