By admin

6/18/2025

There are two main types of interior doors: standard hollow-core doors and fire-rated solid-core doors. Standard doors are lightweight and provide basic privacy, commonly used in bedrooms and offices. Fire-rated doors are designed to resist fire and smoke, featuring solid cores and often self-closing mechanisms. These doors are crucial in areas like stairwells, corridors, and fire separations. Based on building codes, fire ratings range from 20 to 90 minutes. They are widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Interior Doors and Fire Ratings

When selecting interior doors for your building, safety and functionality go hand in hand. There are two main types of interior doors, distinguished by their fire-resistance capabilities:

1. Standard Interior Doors

Standard doors are lightweight, hollow-core doors commonly used in rooms such as bedrooms and offices. They provide basic privacy and sound control but offer no fire resistance. These doors are ideal for non-critical areas where fire safety requirements are minimal.

2. Fire-Rated Doors

Fire-rated doors are solid-core, self-closing doors engineered to slow the spread of fire and smoke. These doors are crucial in areas that serve as exit paths or fire barriers, such as stairwells, corridors, and between garages and living spaces. Their fire resistance is measured in minutes and determined by building code regulations.

Common Fire-Rated Door Classifications:

1. 20-minute fire-rated doors – Typically used in residential homes, especially between attached garages and interior living spaces.
2. 45-minute fire-rated doors – Suitable for multifamily residences and small commercial spaces.
3. 60-minute fire-rated doors – Commonly installed in commercial buildings where enhanced fire protection is needed.
4. 90-minute fire-rated doors – Required in high-risk areas like stairwells and major fire separation walls.

Understanding and applying the correct door type not only ensures code compliance but also protects lives and property in the event of a fire.

Planning a Project?

Whether you’re building new or renovating, our team is here to guide you through every step—ensuring your project meets both aesthetic and safety standards. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

Want to see the difference proper door selection can make?
Watch our short video to learn how fire-rated doors are installed and why they’re essential for safety, performance, and code compliance in both residential and commercial spaces.
Click here to watch the video.