What Materials Are Used in Fire Rated Doors & Which One Is the Best?

Fire rated doors serve as one of the first defences in slowing down a fire’s spread. They’re essential for safety in residential flats, public buildings, and workplaces. In Singapore, these doors are often found in both private homes and HDB Gates, protecting lives while meeting strict safety rules.

Many homeowners and property managers wonder which door material works best. The answer depends on where and how the door gets used. Speaking with a fire rated door supplier in Singapore can help you explore choices, but understanding those materials yourself gives you a stronger voice in the decision.

What Makes a Door “Fire Rated”?

Before diving into materials, let’s explain what makes a door fire rated. These doors undergo strict testing to ensure they can block fire and heat for a set time—usually 30, 60, or 120 minutes.

Fire rated doors:

• Contain fire within a space
• Maintain structural strength during heat
• Prevent smoke from leaking through

The door must hold up under intense conditions. That’s where the choice of material becomes vital.

Common Materials Used in Fire Rated Doors

1. Steel

Steel fire rated doors are widely used in industrial and commercial buildings. This material resists heat and force. It also handles moisture better than wood.

Pros:

• Strong and durable
• High fire resistance
• Works well for heavy-use areas

Cons:

• Heavier than other options
• Rusts without proper coating
• Less appealing for home interiors

2. Timber (with Fire Resistant Core)

Timber doors bring warmth and texture, and are often used in homes. But regular wood burns easily. That’s why fire rated timber doors include a fire-resistant core like mineral or solid board inside.

Pros:

• Natural look
• Lighter than steel
• Blends with interiors

Cons:

• Needs seals and coating to meet fire codes
• Vulnerable to moisture
• May cost more for added treatments

3. Glass Reinforced Gypsum (GRG) or Calcium Silicate Core

These composite materials often serve as the hidden heart of timber or laminate doors. They don’t burn, crack, or warp under heat.

Pros:

• Excellent insulation
• Resists high heat
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Brittle if not reinforced
• Rarely used alone—paired with skins or veneer

4. Glass (Fire Rated)

Yes, even glass can stop fire—with the right treatment. Fire-rated glass includes wire mesh or special ceramic layers. These are common in office spaces and some HDB block entrances.

Pros:

• Allows visibility
• Modern look
• Let’s in natural light

Cons:

• Expensive
• Limited fire resistance duration
• Fragile during impact

5. Aluminium

Aluminium frames often hold other fire-rated panels like glass or gypsum. They don’t burn, but they lose strength fast under heat.

Pros:

• Light and easy to work with
• Corrosion-resistant
• Supports other materials

Cons:

• Needs reinforcements
• Melts under extreme heat

A Look at Core Construction

Let’s explore what hides inside many fire rated doors. The core matters more than the surface looks when it comes to stopping fire.

Common Core Types and Their Properties

Below is a snapshot of popular core materials used in fire rated doors and how they perform.

Core Material	Fire Resistance	Weight	Use Case
Honeycomb Paper	Low	Very light	Basic interior partitions
Mineral Core	High	Medium	Offices, public buildings
Solid Timber	Medium	Heavy	Residential doors
Steel Reinforced Core	Very high	Heavy	Warehouses, server rooms
Calcium Silicate	Very high	Medium	Lift lobbies, corridors

Each type fits different settings. For instance, HDB Gates in high-rise homes may use lighter materials to suit everyday movement and ease of use.

Fire Rated Doors in HDB Settings

Fire rated doors in public housing must follow strict guidelines. In Singapore, HDB units near staircases or lift lobbies require these doors to protect escape routes.

1. Function First

• In HDB blocks, a fire rated door must resist fire for at least 30 minutes. This gives families time to exit safely. Many people choose timber-clad doors with a fire-resistant core to meet this need.

2. Matching Style with Safety

• Style still matters. Homeowners want their doors to look good, too. That’s why fire rated doors now come with laminate finishes, grain patterns, or paint options.
• Yet, what lies beneath still does the real work. So, when upgrading or replacing your door, focus on the core and seals first.

Comparing Performance and Practicality

Each material behaves differently under stress. Let’s look at a quick comparison.

Fire Rated Door Material Comparison

Material	Fire Resistance	Looks	Weight	Best For
Steel	High	Basic	Heavy	Industrial, storage
Timber Core	Medium	Warm	Medium	Residential, HDB units
GRG/CaSi Core	Very high	Hidden	Light	Commercial, offices
Fire Glass	Medium	Sleek	Light	Entrances, lobbies
Aluminium	Low (on its own)	Clean	Light	Frames, low-risk areas

 

Choosing Fire Rated Doors for Different Settings

The right material varies depending on the door’s location. A fire rated door for a corridor won’t face the same demands as one in a data room or kitchen.

1. Residential Blocks and Flats

• In high-rise buildings, like HDB units, weight and ease of use are important factors to consider. Residents open these doors often, so choosing a door with a balanced core, like mineral or solid board wrapped in timber, is ideal.
• These doors not only resist fire, but also close smoothly and stay aligned. Adding a smoke seal at the frame edge gives extra protection during emergencies.

2. Commercial Buildings and Offices

• In office buildings, particularly those featuring extensive glass, having design flexibility is essential. Fire-rated glass doors or hybrid timber-glass combinations offer a modern look while meeting safety needs.
• Lobbies, corridors, and stairwells benefit from GRG-core or calcium silicate-core doors because of their excellent performance under heat.

Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting Fire Rated Doors

1. Overlooking Certification

• Not all doors sold as “fire rated” meet tested standards. Always ask for proper certification. Check that the rating matches your building’s code requirements.

2. Ignoring Maintenance Needs

• Fire-rated doors require maintenance to remain effective. Hinges can wear out, seals may crack, and self-closing devices can fail. Schedule regular inspections to ensure the door remains in proper working order.

What to Ask Before Choosing?

Choosing the right door involves asking the right questions:

1. Where will the door go?

• A kitchen exit needs different resistance than a basement door.

2. Do local laws apply?

• In Singapore, HDB rules specify which units need fire rated doors.

3. Will the door stay open often?

• Heavy doors may not suit high-traffic spots.

4. Who uses the door?

• Children or elderly family members may need lighter doors for ease.

5. What risks exist nearby?

A flat near a BBQ pit or an electric meter room faces a higher risk.

Which Fire Rated Door Material Is the Best?

The “best” depends on the situation. Still, we can break it down simply:

• Steel wins in durability, but it weighs the most
• Timber with mineral core blends looks and safety
• Glass works best when light and sight matter
• GRG or CaSi cores resist fire best, but need proper cladding

For homes, especially those with HDB Gates, timber doors with high-quality cores offer the best mix of protection, weight, and design.

Final Thoughts

Fire safety isn’t just about alarms and sprinklers. Doors play a vital role in giving people the minutes they need to leave safely.

Understanding what materials go into fire rated doors helps you make better choices. Whether you’re shopping through a fire rated door supplier in Singapore or replacing a unit in your HDB flat, know what lies beneath the surface.

Ask for certifications. Look beyond the finish. And think of your door not just as a panel, but as a shield—silent, but strong.