Monthly Archives: August 2025

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14 Aug
Steel metal door thickness

Steel Metal Door Thickness Explained

Author AORBIS Inc Categories Infographic

Infographic – Steel Metal Door Thickness Explained

Gauge is a measurement of steel thickness. The principle is simple: the lower the gauge, the thicker the steel metal door. A lower gauge will make stronger and more durable doors.
 
For a quick check, see these standard sizes:
14-gauge: about 1.6 mm
16-gauge: about 1.3 mm
18-gauge: about 1.2 mm
20-gauge: about 0.9 mm
 
It’s crucial to match the gauge to your specific use. High-traffic entries, for instance, require thicker steel for durability, while interior closets can make do with thinner sheets. The same principle applies to fire-rated doors, which can range from 14 to 22 gauge depending on the desired fire resistance.
12 Aug
Wood door finishes

Best Wood Door Finishes: Oil vs. Water-Based Options Explained

Author AORBIS Inc Categories Blog

Every door of the building tells a story, especially the wood. Commercial spaces like offices, hotels, and retail use wood door widely. A good-quality door lasts longer, but it needs protection. It can get scratched, damaged by moisture, and worn down from daily use. To back up your door investment, you need a protective layer that makes your door last even longer.

Oil vs. Water-Based Wood Door Finishes

Wood door finishes are of two categories: water-based and oil-based finishes. Oil-based and water-based. The difference is in the solvent that carries the solids. Water-based uses water. Oil-based uses petroleum solvents. This changes how they look, how they last, and how you apply them.

Oil-Based Wood Door Coatings

Hollow metal doors are the most common choice for commercial buildings. It has a strong metal exterior and a hollow core. The core has a honeycomb design made with insulating materials like polystyrene or polyurethane. Hollow metal door frames key features are:

  • Aesthetic: Creates a warm, yellowish tone that elevates woods natural color over time.
  • Durability: Shield door from daily wear and surface damage.
  • Application Time: Takes more times to dry. Recommended overnight drying between applications.
  • Fumes/Emissions: It has strong chemical odors and volatile organic compound levels.
  • Maintenance: To clean solvent-based cleaners like turpentine is used.

Water-Based Wood Door Coatings

  • Aesthetic: Fast-drying formula keep’s wood original color intact.
  • Durability: Modern versions offer comparable scratch protection to traditional oil formulas.
  • Application Time: Quick drying property makes easier to apply multiple coats in shorter duration.
  • Fumes/Emissions: nearly odorless, emits lowed chemical hence has reduced environmental impact.
  • Maintenance: It is easy to clean using soap and water.

Types of Wood Door Finishes

Applying wood door finishes is a smart investment. It is like shielding your door from damage. Additionally, it preserves your wood’s natural beauty. Unfinished wood doors are likely to swell with water. This can lead to significant problems, especially for fire-rated doors. The following are some of the common types of door finishes used in high-traffic areas:

Polyurethane Finish

Polyurethane is a strong, plastic-like finish used for coating several materials, including wood. It’s a clear synthetic material. You can find it in two types: oil-based and water-based finishes.
Oil-based polyurethane has a natural yellowish finish. Over time, the color deepens, giving the doors a rich glow. It is more durable and resistant to abrasion. Water-based polyurethane, on the other hand, dries quickly. It is ideal for lighter colored woods or when you want to preserve the natural color of the material.

  • Pros: Highly durable, water-resistant. Deep wooden finish (oil-based), durable. Dries quickly (water-based polyurethane).
  • Cons: It does not protect the door from sun exposure. Avoid using it outdoors. It needs recoating after some years, and the polyurethane material can tear out.

Lacquer Finish

Lacquer is a solvent-based wood finish. It gets sprayed easily, providing a glossy finish to wood. It is ideal for preserving and maintaining indoor door and furniture.

  • Pros: Dries swiftly, allowing application of multiple coats in a short time. A first coat fits very well on top of another. This makes repairing worn and torn items easy with quick touch-ups
  • Cons: Only moderate durability, so it’s best for frames with lighter use. Traditional nitrocellulose lacquer can yellow with age. The fumes are toxic and flammable. So, use safety gear and ensure good ventilation when applying.

Varnish Finish

A Varnish finish is a transparent and durable wood door coating. It gives a wood door a hard and clean finish, elevating the wood’s natural color and texture. This makes it ideal for protecting the natural beauty of timber.

  • Pros: Keeps wood’s natural beauty intact for the long run. Provides a sheen and glossy view to the door. Oil-based varnish makes the door water-resistant. Water-based varnish dries quickly and won’t turn yellow.
  • Cons: Takes time to dry and requires 4 to 6 coats for sealing the door. Produces strong fumes, so wear a mask and ventilate. Though durable, it wears down outdoors and needs recoating to maintain protection.

Paint Finish

Paint gives an opaque color layer, hiding the wood grain completely. It is popular for achieving specific looks and covering flaws in lower-grade wood. With the right type, it offers a protective and long-lasting surface.

  • Pros: Array of color options available. It can be customized to match the home’s color theme. Hides imperfections and minor damages. Forms a protective layer that resists dirt and wear; exterior paints guard against UV damage.
  • Cons: it seals the natural grain of quality wood. Durability and performance depend upon the use. In case of heavy use, it is likely to peel off. Requires touch-up in regular intervals to avoid chipping.

Bottom Line: Right Finish for Long-Lasting Wood Doors

Finishing your wooden door with an oil-based or water-based finish is an essential step. Choose the finish that best meets your requirements. Without this protective layer, your door is more prone to cracking and warping. This can cause you pricey repairs and even costly replacement at times. To preserve the natural beauty of wood doors, applying a wood door finish is essential. This is especially useful for exterior doors. Preserve your door’s structural integrity by choosing the right door finish.

Looking for pre-finished wood doors and wood door frames for your next project? We are here to help. Reach out to us, Aorbis, for high-quality wooden exterior and interior doors. From fire-rated doors to pre-finished and varnished doors, we get you the ideal door options.

FAQs

1. What is the best finish for interior doors?

Polyurethane semi-gloss or satin finishes is a good option for interior doors. This water based solvent is easier to clean and shield the door from scratches.

Polyurethane forms a hard layer on wood for additional protection. Its oil-based finish types give wood a warm amber effect. While the water-based finish is a very clean layer.

The best way to seal a painted door is to apply wood finish later. Use water-based polyurethane or polycrylic finish after paint. Ideally, two or a thin coat of the polyurethane finish works. For lighter painted wood, choose a non-yellowing finish.

Polyurethane is a water resistant wood door finish and not waterproof. If your door is more prone to moisture, use varnish finishes. Make use of marine varnish, epoxy, or exterior spar urethane.

No, it does not. To fill the wood grain, you need to use a grain filler or sanding sealer. Use the filler before finishing for a smooth surface.

The number of coats to apply will depend on the wood’s dimensions and quality. For interior timber, three thin coats are best. For exterior wood doors, aim for four to five coats. Sanding between coats with 220-grit works well.

Yes, depending upon the door use, you can apply polyurethane after varnish. To do so, make sure the varnish is clean and sanded to dull the surface. Discard any loose varnish and have a small spot test before.

High-quality exterior acrylic latex works for most surfaces. Use oil-based enamel for heavy wear or chemical resistance.

Paint covers flaws, offers color choice, and needs less upkeep. Polishing shows the grain and feels natural. Choose based on your preference.

05 Aug
commercial metal door

Commercial Metal Door Types: Choosing the Right Solution for Your Project

Author AORBIS Inc Categories Blog

Complete Guide to Commercial Metal Doors

In commercial space, the role of construction is to strike a balance between functionality, safety, and aesthetics. Doors and locks in the commercial space are quintessential for safety and aesthetic appeal. 

Today, the use of metal doors and frames in commercial spaces has seen a notable shift. They are no longer just used for storerooms and warehouses but largely incorporated into offices, retail stores, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. There is growing demand of commercial metal doors because of their unmatched durability, enhanced security, and fire resistance qualities.

As building codes are becoming stricter and performance requirements more complex, the demand for metal doors is surging. In this blog, we will take your through types metal door used, its face designs, metal door frames and more. 

Types of Commercial Metal Doors

For commercial spaces, metal doors offer many options. Commercial metal doors are ideal for storefront doors or as metal frame interior and exterior doors. They come in different types of metal and designs for specific purposes.

While utilizing these types of doors, architects and contractors should always consider updated standards, durability, performance, and compliance. Below is a breakdown of the key types of metal doors used in commercial spaces:

1. Hollow Metal Doors

Hollow metal doors are the most common choice for commercial buildings. It has a strong metal exterior and a hollow core. The core has a honeycomb design made with insulating materials like polystyrene or polyurethane. Hollow metal door frames key features are:

  • Durable and impact-resistant
  • Hollow metal doors offer highest fire-resistance for up to 3 hours.
  • Reduce energy consumption by maintaining regulated internal temperatures.
  • Widely used in retail, healthcare, warehousing, and industrial facilities

2. Metal-Clad Doors

Metal-clad doors are wooden doors with a metal exterior. Metal sheets applied to doors are usually of steel or aluminium, which adds strength and durability to the door. Metal clad doors are a good exterior door type for commercial buildings that are both aesthetically appealing and durable. Key features are:

  • Enhanced security
  • Resistance to warping and impact
  • Exterior commercial entrances

3. Stainless Steel Doors

Stainless steel material makes exterior metal doors for commercial use in areas exposed to extreme weather and climate changes. It also resists chemicals or high-moisture environments because of its corrosion-resistant properties. Key benefits of stainless steel door frames include:

  • High durability and long lifespan
  • Protects against rust, corrosion, and physical damage.
  • Customizable as per aesthetic as well as functional need.
  • Ideal for use in healthcare, food processing, and coastal Industries

4. Security Metal Doors

Security doors are specialized metal doors with heavy-duty steel. The design provides extra protection that goes beyond the standard security parameters. It protects forced entry, vandalism, fire, and blast damage. Security metal doors are ideal for commercial entrances where safety is paramount. Common features include:

  • Reinforced steel frames
  • Tamper-resistant hardware
  • Multi-point locking systems
  • Fire or blast rating options
  • Integration with electronic security systems
  • Ideal to be used in banks, data centers, and utility rooms.

5. Fire-Rated Metal Doors

Fire-resistant metal doors are a type of steel door engineered to endure fire. Based on its ratings, it stops fire for 30, 60, 90, and 180 minutes. Hollow metal framed doors have the highest fire withstanding rating of three hours. These doors are vital for stairwells, corridors, and exits in commercial or industrial buildings. To comply with building codes, fire-rated doors must:

  • Maintain structural integrity during fire exposure
  • Limit heat transfer to the opposite side
  • Certified under national/international standards, i.e., NFPA 80 standard for Fire Doors.

Metal Door Types by Face Design and Construction

Metal doors are known for their functionality, but in commercial spaces their design also enhances the user experience. Types of metal doors based on designs are

1. Flush Metal Doors

These doors have a smooth and flat surface on both sides. Flush doors feature a minimalist design that allows for easy maintenance and seamless integration with various styles. Flush doors work well in the following situations:

  • High-traffic commercial areas
  • Institutions and industrial facilities
  • Professional and aesthetic environment.

Flush Metal Door

2. Paneled Metal Doors

Paneled metal doors have recessed or raised panel designs to add dimension and elegance to commercial doors. These doors combine the durability of metal with the aesthetic appeal of traditional paneling. Options commonly include:

  • 2-panel, 6-panel, or 8-panel configurations
  • Classic or contemporary panel styles
  • Ideal for institutional, civic, and upscale commercial projects

Panelled Metal Door

3. GrainTech Finish Metal Doors

GrainTech doors are metal doors that resemble natural wood. It has the best of both the appeal of visuals and the strength of the metal. These doors are engineered wood-grain finish, and are highly in demand in commercial spaces like

  • Hotels and healthcare organizations
  • Offices and lobbies
  • Education and healthcare facilities
  • Projects requiring a warm, upscale aesthetic without sacrificing performance

Grain Tech metal door

4. Vision Lites Metal Doors

Vision lites metal doors feature glazed openings with some to allow light and visibility through the door. The window panels come in different shapes and sizes. Vision lite designs can be rectangular, circular, narrow strips, or full-glass panels.

The use of vision lite metal doors in commercial spaces depends on safety and design needs. It provides enhanced visibility, improved safety, and a touch of design sophistication. Common applications include:

  • Offices
  • Hospitals and labs
  • Classrooms and corridors
  • Entrances requiring visual access or light flow

Vision lite Metal door

Types of Metal Door Frame Construction

Another critical aspect of door frames’ metal is the construction type. Before the Metal door frame installation, check if the construction type is suitable for your project needs.

Knock Down Metal Door Frames

  • Shipped in pieces and assembled on-site
  • Ideal for drywall or existing wall conditions
  • Easier and more cost-effective to transport

Face-Welded Frames

  • Welded at the face joints (where vertical and horizontal parts meet)
  • Offers more strength than KD and faster installation.

Read: Difference Between Knock Down and Welded Door Frames

Full Profile Welded Frames

  • Welded along the whole seam of the frame for maximum structural integrity
  • Minimal visible seams create a smooth, clean appearance
  • Best for high-traffic, heavy-use, or high-security areas

Metal Door Frame Profiles

  • Double Rabbet: The most common profile; allows two doors or a door and sidelight, installed in the same frame.
  • Single Rabbet: Supports a single door, typically used in more basic or residential-style openings.
  • Equal/Unequal Rabbets: Used for specific design or functional needs where door thickness or spacing varies.
  • Cased Openings: Frames with no door stops, used for open walk-throughs or archways.

Key Industry Standards for commercial metal frames and doors are:

Commercial metal doors and frames must follow specific building codes and performance standards. They work well and are safe.

  • SDI 111 explains how to install stainless steel doors frames correctly.
  • HMMA 861 gives clear instructions for using hollow metal doors and frames in commercial buildings.
  • ANSI/SDI A250.8 sets performance grades so that you can match door strength to the building’s needs.
  • The CSI Master Format 08 11 13 assists in creating specifications for hollow-metal doors and frames.

Fire-Rated Metal Doors Standards

Independent third-party testing agencies verify fire-rated doors. These doors must comply with the applicable fire safety and building codes, including

  • NFPA 80: Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives
  • NFPA 101: Life Safety Code
  • International Building Code (IBC)
  • International Fire Code (IFC)

Fire-rated doors are tested based on the following standards:
  1. UL 10B & UL 10C: fire performance and positive pressure for door assemblies, respectively
  2. UL 1784: Specifies limits on smoke leakage through door assemblies
  3. NFPA 252: Outlines the standard fire testing methods for door assemblies.

Bottom Line: Build Smarter with the Right Metal Door Strategy

Choosing the right metal door is not just about looks. It must meet several needs for a commercial environment. They should adhere to compliance, have good durability, and meet business aesthetics and functional needs. When choosing doors, think about safety checks, compliance, and standards. Also, consider the cost to install commercial doors and frames.

Looking for commercial doors for your new construction project? We got you covered, Aorbis is a leading doors and hardware supplier, offering complete door solutions including doors, frame and hardware that ticks all the required compliance and safety checkboxes. Reach out to us at info@aorbis.com and get your estimation today!

FAQs

1. Why should you install a hollow metal door?

Hollow metal doors are good choice for several reasons, last longer, resist fire, and protect against forced entry. They need less upkeep than wood or fiberglass doors. This makes them a smart choice for both homes and businesses.

Steel is strong, hard to break, and keeps out bad weather. It also insulates well, which helps manage indoor temperatures and reduce energy costs.

Both steel and wood doors have their own unique advantages. Steel doors are strong, secure, and require little maintenance. Wood doors look warm and natural and can be shaped to fit custom designs. Choose the type of door material based on what matters more to you. 

Steel is one of the best materials for a front entry door. They are engineered for specific purpose. It lasts longer, keeps your home secure, and resists harsh weather.  Follow our comprehensive guide on selecting the right storefront door for your business. 

A prehung door is sold already attached to its frame. It includes hinges and is ready to install as a full unit.

Place the frame in the wall opening. Check that it is level and straight. Fasten it using screws or welds. Once secure, hang the door and attach the hardware.

The price of door installation varies depending on several factors. Door type and size are the key factors for the cost. Hardware type and installation complexities will also increase the amount when replacing an existing frame or addressing any structural issues.

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