Steel Fire Rated
Door Frames
Factory-fitted intumescent seals. Sold with door assemblies or as standalone supply for site-fit and replacement projects.
Why the Frame Is the Component
Buyers Get Wrong
Most fire door failures in the field trace back to the frame, not the leaf. The door leaf gets specified carefully — rating, gauge, core material, hardware. The frame gets treated as a commodity. That's the mistake.
A fire door assembly's certified rating applies to the complete unit: leaf, frame, hardware, and seals tested together. Swap in an uncertified frame or one formed to loose tolerances, and the assembly's rating is void — regardless of what the door leaf label says. Building inspectors in NFPA 80 markets know this. So do loss adjusters after a fire event.
The second issue is dimensional consistency. A fire door's integrity depends on maintaining a 3–4mm perimeter gap between leaf and frame. Too wide and smoke integrity fails; too tight and the door binds and won't latch in an emergency. That gap is controlled by the frame, not the leaf.
If your frame supplier is forming profiles on worn tooling with ±2mm tolerance, you're shipping assemblies that will fail inspection or fail in use — and the warranty claim lands on you.
Our Answer to the Tolerance Problem
We form our fire door frames on CNC press brakes to ±0.5mm tolerance. Every frame is test-fitted with its paired leaf before packing. That's not a quality claim — it's the only way to ship assemblies that clear inspection on arrival.
Voided Rating
Uncertified frame invalidates the entire assembly's fire rating — leaf label means nothing.
Gap Failure
±2mm tolerance means gaps outside the 3–4mm spec — smoke integrity fails or door binds.
Warranty Liability
Inspection failures and post-fire claims trace back to the frame supplier — that's you.
Frame Specifications
Standard parameters for our fire rated door frame line. Frames are available as part of a complete door assembly or as standalone supply for site-fit and replacement projects.
Standard Configuration Parameters
| Parameter | Standard Options |
|---|---|
| Frame Material | 1.5mm SPCC cold-rolled steel (standard) · 2.0mm for FD90/FD120 |
| Frame Profile | Single rebate (standard) · Double rebate (double-leaf assemblies) |
| Frame Type | Welded one-piece · Knock-down (KD) 3-piece |
| Intumescent Seal | Factory-fitted, recessed channel · Continuous perimeter · Rated to assembly fire class |
| Smoke Seal | Brush-type smoke seal, factory-fitted (optional on FD30, standard on FD60+) |
| Compatible Ratings |
FD30 FD60 FD90 FD120
|
| Standard Widths | 700–1200mm single opening · up to 2400mm double opening |
| Standard Heights | 2000–2400mm · custom heights available |
| Wall Thickness | 100mm · 120mm · 150mm · 200mm · custom |
| Surface Finish | Powder coat (60+ RAL colors, 60–80μm) · Primer-only for site finishing · Galvanized option |
| Fixing Method | Welded-in (new build) · Bolt-fix (retrofit) · Expansion anchor (masonry) |
| Hardware Prep | Hinge pockets pre-cut and reinforced · Strike plate pocket pre-formed |
Specifications shown are industry-standard values for this product type. Contact us for exact data sheets and custom configuration details.
KD Flat-Pack Available
Knock-down 3-piece frames ship flat for container efficiency — critical for importers managing freight cost per unit. Reassembly on site requires no specialist tooling.
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Intumescent Seal Integration — What We Do Differently
The intumescent seal is the component that makes a fire door frame perform under heat. It expands — typically 8–10x its original volume — to fill the gap between frame and leaf when temperatures rise, blocking flame and hot gases from passing through. The seal's performance depends entirely on how it's installed.
Surface-applied intumescent strips, held in place with adhesive, are the standard approach on lower-cost frames. The problem is adhesion failure over time, particularly in humid climates or where the door sees frequent temperature cycling. We've seen surface-applied seals delaminate within 18–24 months in Gulf installations — the seal is still physically present, but it's no longer in contact with the frame edge where it needs to expand. The door looks compliant. It isn't.
Recessed Channel Profile
Our frames use a recessed channel profile: the intumescent seal sits in a machined groove in the frame rebate, mechanically retained rather than adhesive-dependent. The seal can't delaminate because it has nowhere to go. This is the same approach used in BS 476 and EN 1634-tested assemblies in European markets, and it's what our CE certification is based on.
We switched to recessed channel across our full frame line in 2018 after seeing the adhesive failure pattern repeat across multiple Gulf shipments — it added a forming step but eliminated the warranty exposure.
For FD60 and above, we fit a brush-type smoke seal alongside the intumescent strip as standard. Smoke is the primary cause of casualties in fire events, and FD60+ specifications in most markets require smoke control as well as flame integrity. The brush seal is factory-fitted in a second channel, independent of the intumescent strip, so both components can be inspected and replaced independently if needed.
8–10× Expansion
Seal expands to fill frame-to-leaf gap under heat, blocking flame and hot gases.
Mechanically Retained
Machined groove holds seal in place — no adhesive dependency, no delamination risk.
CE Certified Basis
BS 476 and EN 1634-tested assembly approach — the same standard used in European markets.
FD60+ Smoke Seal
Brush-type smoke seal factory-fitted in a second independent channel on FD60 and above.
Delamination risk in humid or high-cycle environments. Failure within 18–24 months observed in Gulf installations.
Seal seated in machined groove. No adhesive. No delamination. Independently inspectable and replaceable.
Frame Types: Welded vs. Knock-Down — Which Ships Better for Your Business
We supply fire door frames in two configurations, and the choice affects your container economics more than most buyers realize.
Welded One-Piece Frames
Pre-Hung ReadyShip as a complete unit — the frame arrives ready to install, with all corners welded, ground, and finished. Pre-hung assemblies (door leaf fitted to frame) use welded frames as standard.
Knock-Down (KD) 3-Piece Frames
Flat-Pack ExportShip flat — two jambs and a head piece, with corner connectors and hardware packed separately. Assembly on-site by the installer; corner connections are mechanical (bolt-fix or cam-lock depending on profile), and alignment is straightforward with the included jig template.
The Freight Saving Is Real
For most export orders, KD is the right choice — the freight saving is real and the on-site assembly is not complex. The exception is buyers whose downstream customers are contractors who want ready-to-hang product and will pay for the convenience. We supply both; the decision is yours based on your channel.
KD Frames and Intumescent Seals
The seal is factory-fitted to each jamb and head piece before shipment, protected by a foam sleeve during transit. It does not need to be re-fitted on-site — the seal is ready to perform as shipped.
Fire Rated Door Frame Applications: Market Segments Worth Targeting
Fire door frames are a recurring procurement item, not a one-time purchase. The segments below represent consistent demand patterns — useful context if you're evaluating whether to add frames to your catalog or source them as part of a project package.
New Commercial Construction
Office towers, hotels, and mixed-use developments specify fire door assemblies (frame + leaf + hardware) at every stairwell, plant room, and compartmentation wall. A mid-size commercial building typically requires 150–400 fire door sets.
Contractors sourcing complete assemblies from one manufacturer — frame, leaf, hardware, certification documentation — reduce their procurement complexity and have a single point of accountability for compliance. This is the highest-volume segment for fire door frames.
Retrofit and Fire Safety Upgrades
Existing buildings undergoing fire safety compliance upgrades or change-of-use conversions often need frame replacement, not just leaf replacement. The frame is the harder component to source for retrofit: it needs to match the existing opening dimensions, accommodate the wall thickness, and carry the right certification.
Our custom sizing capability (non-standard widths, heights, and wall depths) and 25–35 day lead time make retrofit sourcing viable. Distributors who can supply certified replacement frames alongside replacement leaves own this segment — most competitors only stock standard sizes.
Residential-Scale Commercial and Hospitality
Apartment buildings, serviced residences, and boutique hotels in markets with enforced fire codes (Gulf, Southeast Asia, Australia) require fire door assemblies at stairwells and plant rooms. Order volumes are smaller (50–150 sets per project) but the projects repeat.
A distributor with a relationship with a developer group sees reorders across multiple buildings. FD30 and FD60 single-leaf assemblies with standard frame profiles are the SKU for this segment.
Industrial and Logistics Facilities
Warehouses, manufacturing plants, and logistics hubs require fire door assemblies at electrical rooms, between fire compartments, and at loading dock areas. These buyers specify heavier-gauge frames (2.0mm for FD90/FD120 ratings) and abuse-resistant hardware.
The frame spec for industrial applications is meaningfully different from commercial — thicker steel, heavier hinge pockets, wider wall accommodation for industrial wall construction. This segment has grown consistently for us over the last three years, driven by logistics facility construction in Southeast Asia and the Gulf.
Customization: Frame Dimensions, Profiles, and OEM Supply
Standard frame profiles cover most commercial openings. When they don't, our in-house engineering team handles the deviation — 15 engineers, direct access to the production floor, no intermediary between your spec and the tooling.
Custom Frame Work We Handle Regularly
- Non-standard opening dimensions — widths and heights outside the standard range, including oversized openings for industrial equipment access and undersized openings for retrofit into existing masonry
- Non-standard wall depths — wall thicknesses outside the 100–200mm standard range, including cavity wall constructions and insulated wall systems
- Double-rebate profiles — for double-leaf assemblies requiring coordinated active/passive leaf sequencing
- Transom and sidelight frames — full surround frames incorporating fixed glazing panels above or beside the door opening
- Threshold configurations — raised threshold, flush threshold, or accessible (zero-threshold) profiles depending on project requirements
- OEM and private label — frames supplied under your brand, with your labeling and packaging. We handle the certification documentation under your brand identity for buyers building a private-label fire door line
standard profiles
custom profiles
production slot
Custom profiles start at 100 units — that's where the tooling and setup cost makes sense for both sides. For project orders above 300 units, we can schedule dedicated production to protect your delivery timeline.
Send Us Your Opening Dimensions for a Free Quote and 3D Rendering
OEM and Private Label Supply
Frames supplied under your brand, with your labeling and packaging. We handle the certification documentation under your brand identity — a complete solution for distributors building a private-label fire door line.
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Certification and Compliance for Your Target Market
The frame carries the certification, not just the leaf. This is the point that creates compliance problems for buyers who source frames and leaves separately from different suppliers — the certified assembly is the combination that was tested, and mixing components from different manufacturers typically voids the certification.
US Market
Covers installation requirements, labeling, and the complete door assembly including frame. Our NFPA 80 certification means the frame-and-leaf assembly ships with the required label and documentation for US building inspections.
European & EU-Aligned Markets
Fire resistance tested to EN 1634-1, with CE marking on the complete assembly. Accepted in most Middle East markets and increasingly required in Southeast Asia.
Manufacturing Quality
Third-party audited quality management system. Covers the production process for frames and assemblies — not just a product-level certification but a process-level guarantee.
Third-Party Audit
SGS audit documentation available on request. Useful for buyers whose procurement process requires independent verification beyond self-declared certifications.
Market-Specific Standards
For markets with specific local standards — Australia's AS 1905, Singapore's SS 332, or project-specific listing requirements — contact us before ordering. We can advise on whether our existing certifications satisfy the requirement or whether additional documentation is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sourcing decisions, technical specifications, and installation guidance — answered for procurement and project teams.
Can I source fire door frames separately from the door leaf, or do they need to come as a matched assembly?
You can source frames separately — we supply frames as standalone product for retrofit projects, replacement supply, and buyers who manufacture or source door leaves locally. For certified assemblies (NFPA 80 or CE), the frame and leaf need to be from a tested combination. If you're sourcing frames to pair with leaves from another manufacturer, confirm that the combination has been tested together, or that your local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) accepts component-level certification. For buyers sourcing both frame and leaf from us, the assembly ships as a certified unit with full documentation.
What is the difference between a single-rebate and double-rebate fire door frame?
A single-rebate frame has one step in the profile — the door leaf closes against a single stop. This is the standard configuration for single-leaf doors. A double-rebate frame has two steps, one for each leaf — used for double-leaf assemblies where both leaves need to close against a positive stop to maintain the fire integrity seal. Double-rebate frames also allow for active/passive leaf sequencing hardware, which controls the closing order to ensure the passive leaf closes first and the active leaf seals against it. If you're sourcing for double-leaf openings, specify double-rebate — a single-rebate frame on a double-leaf assembly will not achieve the rated integrity.
What wall thickness range do your standard frames accommodate, and what are the options for non-standard walls?
Our standard frames accommodate wall thicknesses of 100mm, 120mm, 150mm, and 200mm — these cover the majority of commercial construction wall systems. For non-standard wall thicknesses (cavity walls, insulated systems, or older masonry construction with irregular depths), we manufacture custom frame profiles to your specified wall depth. Provide the wall thickness and we'll confirm the frame profile and any impact on lead time. Custom wall depths typically add 5–7 working days to production.
How does the intumescent seal in the frame interact with the intumescent seal in the door leaf edge?
They work together, not redundantly. The frame seal expands to fill the gap between frame and leaf on the frame side; the leaf edge seal (if fitted) expands on the leaf side. Together they create a complete seal around the perimeter. For FD30 assemblies, a frame-only seal is typically sufficient. For FD60 and above, both frame and leaf edge seals are standard — the combined expansion provides the integrity margin required for longer fire resistance periods. Our FD60+ assemblies ship with seals fitted to both frame and leaf as standard.
What is the lead time for fire door frames, and can I order frames on a separate schedule from door leaves?
Standard catalog frame profiles: 25–35 days from deposit confirmation, same as our door leaf lead time. Frames and leaves are typically produced and shipped together as assemblies. If you need frames on a separate schedule — for example, frames shipped ahead for installation while leaves follow — we can accommodate this; contact us to discuss the logistics. Custom frame profiles add 10–15 working days for tooling and first-article approval.
What fixing method should I specify for retrofit frame installation into existing masonry openings?
For masonry retrofit, specify our bolt-fix or expansion anchor frame — the frame profile includes pre-drilled fixing holes at standard centers, and we supply the anchor specification for the wall substrate. Welded-in frames are for new-build applications where the frame is built into the wall during construction. The bolt-fix frame is also the right choice for steel-stud partition walls in commercial fit-out — the fixing pattern is designed for stud spacing. If you're unsure which fixing method suits your installation type, send us a photo or description of the opening and we'll specify the right frame profile.
Have a question not covered here?
Our technical team handles specification queries, market compliance questions, and custom sourcing requirements. Contact us with your project details.
Source Fire Door Frames Direct from the Manufacturer
Send us your opening dimensions, wall thickness, fire rating requirement, and destination market. Our engineering team will come back with a frame specification, a quote, and the relevant certification documentation — no charge for the consultation.
Export Experience
For buyers new to sourcing fire door assemblies from China: we've been exporting to North America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Australia since the early years of the business.
The documentation package for customs clearance and building inspection is complete and ready for your market.