Whether you’re managing a residential block, converting an HMO, or securing a commercial space, selecting the right fire door is critical for both life safety and legal compliance. With a wide range of materials, specifications, and certification standards, choosing the correct fire door can feel overwhelming.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- The different types of fire doors
- Their applications and performance levels
- When to consider bespoke fire doors
- The role of metal fire doors
- A helpful comparison table by building type
- And an overview of trusted fire door brands used in the UK
Types of Fire Doors: What Are Your Options?
Fire doors are available in several types, each designed for specific fire resistance durations and building environments.
1. FD30 Fire Doors
- Provides 30 minutes of fire resistance
- Most commonly used in HMOs, domestic properties, flats, and some small offices
- Typically made of solid core timber with intumescent seals
2. FD60 Fire Doors
- Provides 60 minutes of fire resistance
- Suitable for larger buildings, commercial spaces, and higher-risk areas
- Often used in plant rooms, protected stairwells, and commercial escape corridors
Read our guide on FD30 & FD60 Fire Door Specifications: What You Need to Know
3. Metal Fire Doors (Steel)
- Typically FD60 or FD120 rated
- Used in industrial units, plant rooms, high-security environments, and external exits
- Highly durable and resistant to forced entry and environmental damage
4. Glazed Fire Doors
- Feature fire-rated glass panels
- Ideal for office corridors, hospitals, schools, and areas where visibility and light are needed
- Must be fully tested with fire-resistant glazing and frames
5. Bespoke Fire Doors
- Custom-designed to fit non-standard openings, match interior design, or meet specific fire performance needs
- Available in various finishes and veneers (e.g., oak, walnut, painted MDF)
- Contact us for bespoke fire door design, manufacture, and installation
What Are the Differences?
| Feature | FD30 Timber Door | FD60 Timber Door | Metal Fire Door | Glazed Fire Door |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Resistance | 30 minutes | 60 minutes | 60–120 minutes | 30–60 minutes |
| Material | Solid Core Timber | High-Density Timber | Steel | Timber/Steel with fire glass |
| Typical Use | HMOs, Flats, Small Offices | Schools, Offices, Stairs | Warehouses, Plant Rooms | Offices, Healthcare, Schools |
| Security | Standard | High | Very High | Moderate |
| Custom Options | Yes | Yes | Limited aesthetic | Yes (limited by test data) |
| Cost | £ | ££ | ££–£££ | ££–£££ |
| Certifiable? | Yes (if tested set) | Yes (with correct hardware) | Yes (certified doorsets) | Yes (test evidence required) |
Note: Fire doors must be installed as a tested doorset to perform as certified. Mixing incompatible components voids certification.
Choosing Based on Building Type
Here’s a quick reference to help you match door types with typical UK building uses:
| Building Type | Recommended Fire Door Type(s) |
|---|---|
| HMO / Shared House | FD30 Timber Doors |
| Apartment Blocks | FD30 Internal / FD60 Communal |
| Schools | FD60 with Vision Panels / Glazed |
| Hospitals / Care Homes | FD30 or FD60 Glazed with Finger Guards |
| Industrial Units / Warehouses | FD60–FD120 Steel Doors |
| Retail Units | FD60 with Panic Hardware |
| Hotels / Guest Houses | FD30 Bedroom Doors / FD60 Corridors |
| Plant Rooms / Server Rooms | FD60–FD120 Steel Doors |
| Office Blocks | FD30/FD60 Glazed Doors |
Bespoke Fire Doors – Designed to Fit, Certified to Perform
Not all buildings have standard-sized frames or plain interior finishes. For heritage properties, luxury homes, and creative spaces, bespoke fire doors offer tailored solutions that don’t compromise safety.
At CFP Carpentry & Fire Prevention, we offer:
- Custom fire door sizing for non-standard openings
- Designer veneers and finishes (veneered oak, ash, walnut, lacquered MDF, RAL painted options)
- Acoustic-rated fire doors
- Ironmongery specification to suit building use
- Full fire test certification and installation by qualified fire door carpenters
Need a custom fire door for a renovation or interior upgrade? Contact us today for a consultation.
Metal Fire Doors: When Are They the Best Option?
Metal fire doors (typically steel) are built for heavy-duty environments and offer higher fire and impact resistance than timber alternatives. You’ll most often find them in:
- Plant and boiler rooms
- Commercial kitchens
- Back-of-house loading areas
- High-risk industrial zones
- External escape exits
Features often include:
- FD60 to FD120 rating
- Reinforced construction and security-rated locks
- Weatherproofing for external use
- Louvered or glazed fire-rated panels (optional)
CFP can supply and install certified steel fire doors for internal and external use, complete with correct intumescent seals, hardware, and threshold seals.
Common Fire Door Brands in the UK
When selecting fire doors, it’s vital to choose certified products from trusted manufacturers. Some of the most reliable fire door brands include:
| Brand | Known For |
|---|---|
| Premdor | Certified timber doors, FD30 & FD60 core ranges |
| JELD-WEN | Domestic and commercial doorsets |
| Halspan | Fire-rated core materials, used by door fabricators |
| Leaderflush Shapland | Bespoke and acoustic fire doors |
| ASSA ABLOY | Fire-rated ironmongery and steel doors |
| Sentry Doors | FD30/FD60 timber fire doors for social housing |
| Forza | Design-focused fire doors, premium veneers |
CFP works with leading UK fire door suppliers and provides fully certified doorsets installed by qualified fire door installers.
Need Help Specifying the Right Fire Door?
At CFP Carpentry & Fire Prevention, we help landlords, specifiers, and contractors navigate fire door regulations and make informed choices. Our services include:
- Fire door surveys & inspections
- FD30 & FD60 fire door installations
- Bespoke and acoustic-rated doors
- Metal fire door supply & fitting
- Fire stopping and remedial works
We cover:
- South & South West: Bournemouth, Southampton, Poole, Exeter, Plymouth
- London & South East: London, Guildford, Slough, Croydon
- Midlands & Wider Reach: Bristol, Swindon, Oxford
Get in touch today to request a fire door consultation or quotation tailored to your building.
