A Conversation with Jack Paton of Clark Hall Doors & Windows

When it comes to first impressions, nothing makes a statement quite like your front door. It’s not just an entryway—it’s the jewelry of your home. And if you’ve driven through Raleigh lately, you’ve probably noticed an exciting trend that’s elevating curb appeal across the Triangle: stunning custom iron doors by Clark Hall Doors & Windows.

I recently sat down with Jack Paton, General Manager at Clark Hall, on our latest Best of Raleigh podcast episode. We talked about how their handcrafted doors are transforming homes inside and out—and why their work is making waves far beyond North Carolina.

Clark Hall: A North Carolina Original Making a National Impact

Did you know Clark Hall Doors & Windows was born right here in North Carolina? While they’re headquartered in Charlotte, they’ve opened a Raleigh showroom that’s been Jack’s personal passion project for the last three years.

Clark Hall has been setting the standard in custom iron doors for over two decades. What started as a local, family-owned operation has now grown into a company shipping their doors all over the country—from California to Atlanta and everywhere in between.

But their heart is still here in Raleigh. “We chose Raleigh because it’s booming,” Jack shared. “It’s a city where builders and designers are embracing steel and glass in ways that open up new possibilities.”

Why Doors Matter More Than Ever

Let’s be real: doors often get overlooked in the design process. But they shouldn’t! A door is one of the simplest ways to transform your home’s aesthetic—whether you’re building new or remodeling.

Jack said it best: “The front door is the first thing your guests see. It’s the thing you look through every day. It sets the tone for your entire home.”

Gone are the days of cookie-cutter double doors or sidelights you see on every other house in older neighborhoods. Homeowners are craving something different, something custom, something that reflects their personal style. And Clark Hall delivers that in spades.

Fully Custom—or Ready to Go

Whether you’re looking for a completely custom showstopper or something timeless and elegant, Clark Hall has options for you.

They offer three main design styles to start with—traditional, ornate, and modern—and from there, the possibilities are endless. Their Raleigh showroom (which Jack calls his favorite) allows clients to work alongside in-house designer Scarlett (who is amazing, by the way) to bring their vision to life.

And if you’re someone who’s not looking to reinvent the wheel? Clark Hall has a selection of off-the-rack designs that still turn heads without the custom timeline.

The WOW Factor: Pivot Doors, Hobbit Doors, and More

If you follow design trends on Instagram or Pinterest, you’ve probably seen pivot doors. They are all the rage—and Clark Hall’s are no exception. These oversized, statement-making doors operate on a pivot rather than traditional hinges, which allows them to be massive and incredibly sleek.

“We’ve done pivot doors that are 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide,” Jack said. “They’re not for every home, but when they work, they’re incredible.”

And for those with an imagination? Clark Hall once crafted a Hobbit door for a client who was a huge Lord of the Rings fan. That’s the level of custom we’re talking about here!

Trending in Raleigh: More Glass, Thinner Sightlines, and Modern Touches

We talked a lot about trends—and what’s coming next in 2025. According to Jack, it’s all about maximizing glass and minimizing visual obstructions. Homeowners are asking for thinner sightlines, less hardware, and more uninterrupted views to the outdoors.

And here’s something surprising: modern doors are popping up on traditional homes. Yes, even red brick colonials are getting a contemporary refresh with sleek, steel-framed doors. “It’s like adding the perfect piece of jewelry to your home,” Jack explained.

Built for Life (and Backed by a 10-Year Warranty)

Clark Hall’s doors are as durable as they are beautiful. Every door comes with a 10-year structural warranty, and they install them with meticulous care.

On new construction projects, they’ll often install the frame early and place a temporary door until the home is nearly complete—just to make sure the real thing doesn’t get damaged on-site. That attention to detail? It’s what makes Clark Hall a standout.

Raleigh Showroom: The Place to Start

Whether you’re building in Shadow Creek, North Hills, inside the Beltline, or anywhere across the Triangle, Clark Hall’s Raleigh showroom at 1403 Capital Boulevard is where the magic begins. Walk-ins are welcome, and their team will guide you through every step of the process—from design to installation.

And if you’re not in Raleigh? They have showrooms in Charlotte and Atlanta, and they ship nationwide.

Why We Love Clark Hall (And Why You Should, Too)

At The Coley Group, we only recommend businesses that deliver the same high level of service and quality that we promise our clients. Clark Hall is one of those rare finds that checks every box.

Their work isn’t just about doors—it’s about elevating your entire home and making a statement that lasts a lifetime. Whether you’re looking to boost your home’s curb appeal or create a stunning entry that wows from the inside out, a Clark Hall door is a game-changer.

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Thinking About Updating Your Home?

If you’re ready to boost your home’s curb appeal, we always recommend starting with your front door. It’s an investment that increases your home’s value—and makes you fall in love with your space all over again.

And if you’re thinking about making a move in Raleigh, Apex, Cary, or anywhere in the Triangle, give us a call. We’d love to help you find a home worthy of a Clark Hall door!

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