When Should You Choose Steel Fire Doors for Your Building?

When a building demands durability, security, and higher levels of fire resistance, one particularly useful solution is steel fire doors. However, steel is not automatically the right material for every project. The option between steel and other materials is down to the building’s use, location, fire strategy, and required performance. 

What Makes Steel Fire Doors Different?

A steel fire door is built for demanding environments where durability and resistance to impact are imperative. Their robust construction makes them suitable for areas experiencing frequent use and higher levels of physical wear. Depending on the tested doorset and the building’s requirements, they can also be specified across a range of fire door ratings. 

Alternatively, timber remains an appropriate pick for various applications, particularly where appearance, design, and other project considerations are priorities. That means the question isn’t simply steel vs timber fire doors. It’s which material offers the required combination of fire performance and practicality. 

When Are Steel Fire Doors a Better Choice? 

Steel doors are particularly suitable when durability, security, and higher fire resistance are key. Typical situations for commercial steel fire doors include: 

• Industrial buildings and plant areas. 

• Warehouses and storage facilities. 

• Locations with heavy footfall. 

• Areas exposed to potential impact. 

• Buildings requiring additional fire door security.

• Certain external applications. 

• Projects requiring higher-rated doorsets.

Are Steel Doors Suitable for Industrial Buildings? 

Steel fire rated doors are available with different levels of fire resistance, including: 

• FD30

• FD60

• FD90

• FD120

For example, FD60 steel fire doors and FD120 steel fire doors might be specified where the building’s fire strategy requires these performance levels. Specialist solutions are also available for applications requiring particularly high levels of protection, including FD240 fire doors. 

Selecting the highest rating available isn’t necessarily the right approach. The required rating should be established from the building’s fire strategy, compartmentation requirements, and specification. 

How Do You Choose the Right Steel Fire Door? 

It’s not only about material. You must select a steel fire door according to the building’s specific performance requirements. Consider: 

• Required fire resistance.

• Building use and occupancy.

• Internal or external fire doors. 

• Security requirements. 

• Expected level of use and impact. 

• Suitable hardware and accessories. 

• Certification and testing. 

Professional advice means the complete doorset, rather than simply the door leaf, is suitable for its intended location. Explore our steel fire doors supply and installation service for more information. For wider requirements, see our fire door installation page. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Are steel fire doors better than timber fire doors?

Not necessarily. Steel can offer advantages in fire door durability and security. Timber can be more appropriate for other applications. 

What fire rating can a steel fire door have?

Fire rated steel doors come in various ratings, including FD30, FD60, and FD120. Specialist higher-rated solutions are also available. 

Can steel fire doors be used externally?

Yes, industrial fire doors can be specified for external applications. That’s assuming the doorset has appropriate weatherproofing and performance characteristics. 

Where are steel fire doors commonly used?

Commercial fire doors are commonly used for industrial buildings, warehouses, plant areas, and other locations where durability and fire performance are key. 

For steel fire doors, UK businesses can find the right solution here at Capital Fire Doors. For specifying and installing an appropriate solution for your building’s requirements, speak to our team today.