How to Specify a Commercial Steel Door: A Checklist for Builders and Architects

Specifying a commercial steel door involves more than choosing a size and finish. Builders, architects and specifiers need to consider the opening, wall construction, frame configuration, hardware and intended use to determine a suitable door for the project.

This guide outlines the key details to consider when preparing a commercial steel door specification and requesting a quote.

How Do You Specify a Commercial Steel Door?

To specify a commercial steel door, identify its intended application, confirm the opening dimensions and wall construction, select the door and frame configuration, document the required hardware and finish, and identify any project-specific performance requirements.

Providing a door schedule, architectural drawings and relevant specifications helps the supplier assess the requirements and identify any outstanding details.

1. Identify the Door’s Intended Application

Start by establishing where the door will be used and what it needs to accommodate.

Commercial steel doors are used in warehouses, factories, workshops, commercial buildings, service areas, and various other building types.

Consider:

• The building type and door location.
• How frequently the door will be used.
• Whether it is installed internally or externally.
• Exposure to moisture, coastal conditions or industrial environments.
• Any specific security, fire-safety or accessibility requirements.
• Whether the door needs to integrate with access-control systems or other building components.

These details help determine which door construction, frame arrangement and hardware options are appropriate for the application.

2. Confirm the Opening and Wall Construction

The door and frame need to suit the available opening and the surrounding wall construction.

Before specifying dimensions, distinguish between the structural opening, frame dimensions and door leaf dimensions. Each refers to a different part of the assembly.

Where available, document:

• Structural opening width and height.
• Required door leaf dimensions.
• Wall thickness and construction material.
• Finished floor level and relevant threshold details.
• Available fixing locations and installation clearances.
• Space available for the door to swing.

If the opening is still being designed or constructed, coordinate the proposed dimensions with the building drawings.

Select the appropriate frame

Frame configuration depends on the opening, wall construction and installation arrangement. Confirm any requirements for the frame profile, jamb configuration, fixing method and finish.

Provide details of whether the door will be installed in masonry, concrete, a steel-framed wall or another construction type.

For further information, see Larnec’s Steel Door Frames range.

3. Select the Door Construction

Commercial steel doors are available in different configurations to suit their intended applications. The appropriate option depends on the operating environment and the requirements of the project.

When comparing options, consider:

• Expected frequency of use.
• Environmental exposure.
• Required door and frame arrangement.
• Hardware and locking requirements.
• Any specified performance characteristics.
• Finish and architectural appearance.

For example, a door providing regular access to a warehouse may have different operating requirements from one used for occasional access to a maintenance area.

4. Specify Hardware and Door Operation

Hardware affects how the door operates and how it integrates with the building. Document the required components and any preparation needed in the door leaf or frame.

Depending on the application, the hardware specification may include:

• Handles or operating furniture.
• Locksets and latching arrangements.
• Hinges.
• Door closers.
• Door stops.
• Access-control hardware.

Confirm handing and swing direction

Show the intended door handing and opening direction on the drawings or door schedule. Check that the door can operate without interfering with adjoining walls, corridors, equipment or other doors.

Consider the required opening angle and available clearance around the door leaf and hardware.

Confirm hardware preparation

Confirm the required lockset, closer and access-control arrangement before the door is manufactured.

Where Larnec supplies the hardware, discuss the required components and configuration with the team.

5. Consider Environmental Exposure and Finish

The installation environment can influence the finish selected for a commercial steel door.

A door inside a dry warehouse may face different conditions from one exposed to coastal air, rain, washdown areas or industrial contaminants.

Consider:

• Internal or external installation.
• Exposure to moisture and weather.
• Coastal or corrosive conditions.
• Contact with cleaning chemicals or industrial contaminants.
• Required colour and appearance.
• Cleaning and maintenance requirements.

Larnec’s Sentry Protect option provides an additional protective coating for applications where corrosive exposure is a consideration. Discuss the site conditions with Larnec to determine whether this option is appropriate.

6. Identify Project-Specific Performance Requirements

Some projects have requirements that affect the door, frame and hardware specification. Identify these early and document them in the relevant drawings or schedules.

Fire-rated doors

Where a door has specific fire-safety or accessibility requirements, refer to the applicable provisions of the National Construction Code (NCC) and the project documentation. When specifying a commercial steel door, consider the broader commercial door regulations in Australia alongside the project’s requirements for fire safety, accessibility and emergency egress.

Consider the required fire-resistance level, frame arrangement, hardware and other conditions specified for the project. The proposed door assembly should be assessed against the applicable project documentation.

Larnec supplies fire doors for specified applications. See the Fire Doors range for further information.

Accessibility

Where accessibility requirements apply, consider clear opening width, hardware, opening forces and circulation space around the door.

For projects involving accessible building design, consult the applicable access requirements and AS 1428.1:2021 Design for access and mobility. Coordinate these details with the project’s design team.

Security and access control

Some applications require particular locking arrangements, access-control integration or other security-related features.

Document the required features and confirm that the proposed door, frame and hardware configuration can accommodate them. Avoid relying on a general security description.

7. Prepare the Door Schedule

A door schedule records the requirements for each opening against a unique door reference. It gives builders, architects, suppliers and other project participants a consistent point of reference.

A commercial steel door schedule may include: