Essential reading on fire doors
Fire doors can be the difference between life and death of a building occupant, but their specification, maintenance and management must be correct in order to work.
3 million new fire doors are bought and installed every year in the UK, with the vast majority made from timber.
What are fire doors?
Fire doors work to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, helping to save lives and property.
A fire door is specially manufactured with a solid core construction which provides different levels of fire protection in the case of an emergency.
This is why it is key that fire doors remain closed, unless fitted with an automatic closing device.
What is the difference between a normal door and a fire door?
The difference between a normal door and a fire door is in the construction and how they will perform in the event of a fire.
Fire doors will either be labelled as FD30 or FD60.
- FD30 doors will withstand heat and flames for 30 minutes and are 44mm thick
- FD60 doors will withstand heat and flames for 60 minutes and are 54mm thick – these doors are also more suited to commercial buildings
Standard internal doors will not be fire-rated and are generally 35-40mm thick.
Fire doors also have intumescent strips fitted around the edges of the door that lie dormant during everyday use.
When they come in contact with extreme heat, the strips expand at a rapid rate, sealing the gap between door and door frame, creating a barrier against fire.
You can also install intumescent strips with smoke seals to prevent smoke getting through the door, as well as the fire.
Are fire doors a legal requirement?
Fire doors are usually installed in a room where there's a fireplace or electrical goods, such as the kitchen or lounge.
However, building regulations state that fire doors must be installed in domestic properties if:
- A 2 storey house has a door leading from an integral garage into a house
- The property is a new build or renovation with 3 storeys or more and so must have a fire door to every habitable room off the stairwell (including loft conversions)
How do you install a fire door?
When installing a fire door, it's important to check that there is:
- A consistent gap of no more than a 4mm on the top and sides of the doors
- A gap of no more than 10mm on the bottom to the flooring.
This is critical to ensure that the gap can be sealed in the event of a fire.
You’ll also need to make sure that you have the right components for a fire door.
Who can install a fire door?
In theory anyone can fit a fire door – there is no specific qualification needed to do so.
However, we would recommend using a competent installer who has undergone some form of installation training.
How do I check a fire door is safe and has been installed correctly?
Whether you're installing a fire door and want to check it works or maybe you live in a building with a fire door already installed, there's five key factors to look out for:
- Certification - look for a label to show it's certified
- Apertures - Cutting apertures for glazing and air transfer grilles makes the certification void
- Gaps & Seals - The gap between the door and frame at the top and sides should be 2-4mm (Top tip: Use a £1 coin for scale as it is about 3mm thick). There should also be no more than 10mm gap on the bottom to the flooring.
- Closers - Check that the closer shuts the door onto the latch from any position
- Operation - Ensure the door closes correctly around all parts of the frame
Where can I buy a fire door?
We offer a wide range of fire doors that are rated FD30 or FD60.
Plus, we have a variety of styles and designs to suit your build including white oak timber, real wood veneer, primed timber and moulded doors.
Fire certified softwood door lining kits are also available online and in branch.
Contact your local Elliotts branch for more information.
Need some advice on what fire doors are best for your project?
Contact our joinery specialists by emailing [email protected]. Getting the correct ironmongery for fire doors is also important. Read our fire door ironmongery guide here.
What is Fire Door Safety Week?
Organised by the The British Woodworking Federation, Fire Door Safety Week aims to raise the awareness of the critical role that fire doors play in saving lives and protecting property in the unfortunate event of a fire.
Fire Door Safety Week will take place Monday 22nd September to Friday 26th September 2025.
