Page 9 - Dominic Anderson

Every business has the responsibility to provide accessible facilities for employees, visitors, and customers. ADA compliance is not just a legal requirement, it is also the right thing to do. One of the most important considerations is making sure your commercial doors meet ADA standards.

But do you need to install double doors to ensure accessibility? Not necessarily. Both single and double doors can be fully ADA-compliant if they meet the right requirements.

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that public and commercial buildings be accessible, which includes specific guidelines for interior and exterior doors. At CDF Distributors, we provide a wide range of ADA-compliant doors and hardware to help businesses stay compliant.

According to the ADA, at least sixty percent of all public entrances in a commercial building must be accessible, ideally including the main entry points. Door openings must provide a clear width

Getting numbers wrong wastes money. Accurate door measurement keeps your project on schedule and avoids rework. A well-documented industry study found that 48% of all rework in the United States construction industry was caused by poor data and miscommunication, proving that careful door measurement upfront matters.

Don't start without the basics:

• Tape measure

• Level

• Pen and paper (or your phone)

• Ladder or step stool

If you're replacing a frame, have a flashlight to inspect the edges and hardware. Many contractors also use manufacturer forms to stay organized. Door frames and frame packages that align with standard measurements require exact dimensions, which is why getting these measurements right from the start matters

If you're replacing a door in the current frame, use this sequence:

• Door width – Measure across the top, middle, and bottom. Write down the smallest.

• Door height – Measure both sides from the top

Choosing the right commercial door is not just a design decision. The type of door you install affects safety, compliance, and how people experience your building. If you're a contractor, facility manager, or business owner, you've probably asked yourself which door is best for a particular space. The answer depends on where the door is going, how it will be used, and what regulations apply.

Steel doors are one of the most common choices in commercial projects. You'll see them in stairwells, back entries, corridors, and anywhere security is a concern. They are durable, withstand heavy use, and can be ordered with fire ratings to meet building codes.

A commercial steel door can also be customized with glass kits or louvers, so you're not limited to a blank panel. The Steel Door Institute's ANSI/SDI A250.8 standard sets out how these doors should be built and tested, which is why they're a reliable option when you want proven performance. For projects requiring durability

Commercial property and business owners don’t often think about how much weight a commercial door can hold until it becomes important. Maybe you’re replacing an old door that’s worn out, or you’re selecting a new one that needs to handle daily heavy use. Either way, understanding commercial door weight helps you choose the right materials, hardware, and installation for your building.

Here’s what you need to know about how much weight a commercial door can support.

Commercial doors come in a variety of materials, styles, and construction methods, so there isn’t a single standard weight they can all hold. However, some general averages can help you compare options.

• Hollow metal doors: roughly 5–6 pounds per square foot.

• Solid-core wood doors: slightly under 5 pounds per square foot.

Remember, these weights reflect durability more than precise load capacity. Door height, width, and thickness all affect weight-bearing ability. The heavier the door,

Commercial metal doors are built for strength, security, and durability, but over time, heavy use and exposure to weather can cause them to fade, rust, or peel. Instead of replacing a perfectly functional door, a fresh coat of paint can restore the metal door's appearance, protect against further damage, and enhance its appeal.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to paint a metal door, the best paint for metal doors, and expert tips to ensure a professional finish. Whether you’re a general contractor, property manager, or business owner, this step-by-step process will save you time, money, and hassle.

Quick Answer: How Do You Paint a Metal Door?

To paint a metal door:

• Clean the surface thoroughly
• Remove peeling or flaking paint
• Sand and prime bare metal areas if needed
• Apply exterior-grade paint in thin, even coats
• Allow proper drying time between coats

Most commercial metal doors can be painted without removing them from the frame.

Painting metal doors is more

When designing or remodeling a commercial building, one of the most important details is choosing the correct commercial door size. The wrong dimensions can cause code compliance issues, accessibility problems, or security concerns. The right size ensures safety, efficiency, and professionalism, whether you’re outfitting an office building, retail space, warehouse, or healthcare facility.

At CDF Distributors, we supply a wide range of commercial doors and frames that meet all common building codes, ADA requirements, and fire safety standards. In this guide, we’ll cover the average door width, standard commercial door height, and most common commercial door dimensions used across different applications. 

Quick Answer: What Is the Standard Commercial Door Size?

The most common commercial door size is 36 inches wide by 84 inches tall. However, commercial door dimensions can vary depending on the application, building type, and accessibility requirements.

Most commercial doors typically range

Your commercial entry door does more than open and close; it sets the tone for every visitor. Since it’s constantly exposed to the outdoors, your door must stand up to changes in temperature and humidity. When the weather shifts, materials expand, contract, or warp, which can lead to frustrating problems like sticking doors, gaps, or even lock failures.

That’s why choosing the right commercial door material for your building isn’t just about looks, it’s about long-term performance.

Commercial doors face a wide range of conditions throughout the year. Hot summers can cause materials to swell, while cold winters often make them shrink. Humidity can add even more stress, especially in regions with dramatic seasonal swings.

Some of the most common problems caused by temperature and weather changes include:

• Doors that stick or rub against the frame

• Gaps forming under or around the door

• Warping, swelling, or cracking

• Locks and hinges jamming due to expansion and contraction

Accessibility is an important part of running a business today. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that entryways be safe and accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities. That means your commercial doors need to meet certain standards, not just for convenience, but to avoid costly fines. 

Meeting ADA requirements doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right entry doors, your building can stay compliant while giving every customer a smooth, welcoming experience.

While the ADA standards cover a lot of details, there are a few basics that every business should know:

1. Door Width: Doors need to be wide enough for wheelchairs and mobility devices to pass through. At least 32 inches of clear width is required.

2. Hardware That’s Easy to Use: Round knobs are difficult for some people to operate. Lever handles, push bars, or other easy-to-grip hardware make entry simple and compliant.

3. Safe Opening and Closing: Heavy doors or ones that

When you’re searching for a commercial door supplier near me, the options can feel overwhelming. Doors are an essential part of any business, providing security, accessibility, and a professional appearance. But not all suppliers are created equal,  and choosing the wrong one can lead to delays, higher costs, or products that don’t meet code requirements.

At CDF Distributors, we make it simple to get high-quality commercial doors at competitive prices, delivered quickly and ready to install. Here are three things to look for when choosing the best commercial door supplier near you.

When it comes to interior commercial doors, wood stands out as a durable and stylish choice. At CDF Distributors, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality interior wood doors that combine strength, beauty, and longevity. However, choosing the right wood finish is just as important as choosing the door itself. The finish impacts durability, maintenance, and the overall look of your space.

Check out these helpful tips on how to choose the best wood finish for your interior commercial doors.

Durability should be your first consideration when selecting a finish for commercial wood doors. Unlike residential spaces, commercial doors face heavy daily use, from high foot traffic to impacts from carts, tools, or deliveries. In addition, doors are exposed to moisture, cleaning products, heat, and UV light, all of which can degrade finishes over time.

Choosing a finish designed for strength can help extend the life of your doors and reduce maintenance