Steel vs Wooden Fire Rated Doors: Which Is Best?
When choosing a fire-rated door for your building, the two most common options are wooden fire doors and steel fire doors. But which one is better? The answer depends on your specific needs, including fire rating requirements, aesthetics, durability, and budget.
This guide compares steel vs. wooden fire-rated doors to help you make an informed decision.
What Is a Fire Rated Door?
A fire-rated door is a specially constructed door that can resist the spread of fire and smoke for a specified period — typically 20, 60, 90, or 120 minutes. These doors are crucial for building safety, code compliance, and occupant evacuation during emergencies.
Wooden Fire Doors: Pros and Cons
Pros:
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Aesthetics: Wood doors provide a warm, natural look, making them ideal for hotels, offices, and residential interiors.
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Cost-Effective: In lower fire-rating classes (e.g., 30 or 60 minutes), wooden fire doors are typically more affordable.
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Customizable Finishes: Can be painted, veneered, or laminated to match various interior styles.
Cons:
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Lower Durability: Wood is more vulnerable to moisture, termites, and impact damage.
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Limited Fire Ratings: Most wooden fire doors are rated up to 60 or 90 minutes. Higher ratings require special cores.
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Deformation Risk: May warp or swell over time in humid or fire-exposed environments.
Steel Fire Doors: Pros and Cons
Pros:
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High Fire Resistance: Steel fire doors can achieve ratings of 90–180 minutes or more.
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Superior Durability: Resistant to warping, weathering, and impact.
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Ideal for Industrial Use: Perfect for factories, commercial kitchens, and high-risk zones.
Cons:
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Less Aesthetic Flexibility: Cold, industrial appearance may not suit all interiors.
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Higher Cost: Especially for custom finishes or stainless steel versions.
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Heavier Weight: Requires stronger hardware and careful installation.
Applications: Which Fire Door for Which Project?
| Project Type | Recommended Door Type | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Interior | Wooden Fire Door | Aesthetic harmony, mid-level fire rating |
| Commercial Kitchen | Steel Fire Door | High heat and fire risk environment |
| Office Building | Wooden (for interior) + Steel (exit zones) | Balance of design and safety |
| Industrial Warehouse | Steel Fire Door | Robust and high fire resistance |
| Residential Buildings | Wooden Fire Door (entry & corridor) | Safe and stylish |
Compliance and Certification
Both steel and wooden fire doors must meet international standards such as:
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UL 10C / UL 10B
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EN 1634-1
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BS 476 Part 22
At Zonle Doors, we provide certified fire-rated doors that comply with ISO and CE standards, complete with third-party lab test reports.
FAQs: Steel vs Wooden Fire Rated Doors
Which is more fire-resistant, steel or wooden fire doors?
Steel fire doors generally offer higher fire ratings—up to 180 minutes—while wooden fire doors typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on their core.
Are wooden fire doors safe for commercial use?
Yes. As long as they meet relevant fire safety certifications (UL, BS, EN), wooden fire doors can be used in offices, hotels, and other commercial interiors.
Do steel fire doors last longer than wooden ones?
Yes. Steel fire doors are more resistant to moisture, warping, and impact, making them a better long-term investment in high-traffic or industrial environments.
Which type of fire door looks better in interiors?
Wooden fire doors typically offer a more elegant, natural appearance and can be customized with veneers or laminates to match interior designs.
How do I choose between steel and wooden fire doors?
Consider your building’s fire rating requirement, location (interior vs. exterior), aesthetic goals, and budget. Steel for durability; wood for aesthetics.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
If your priority is durability and maximum fire protection, steel fire-rated doors are the better option. However, if you value aesthetic appeal and the application is indoors with moderate fire safety needs, wooden fire-rated doors are often sufficient.
At Zonle Doors, we manufacture both steel and wooden fire-rated doors, offering global certifications, OEM support, and custom designs. Contact us today for expert advice and factory-direct pricing.