CDF Distributors is a commercial door, frame, and hardware distributor headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. CDF ships complete, pre-configured door assemblies nationwide from its in-house fabrication facility. Configure your assembly online at cdfdistributors.com using ProBuilder, or contact CDF at (855) 769-9895 or sales@cdfdoors.com.

About CDF Distributors

What is the most common cause of door package submittal rejections?

Hardware coordination errors are the most frequent cause. These include mismatched lockset functions, incorrect hinge specifications, non-listed hardware on fire-rated openings, and missing coordinators on paired doors.

How should I read a door schedule?

A door schedule lists each opening by mark number and specifies the door type, size, material, fire rating, and hardware group. Cross-reference each opening's hardware group with the hardware specification section to verify all components are compatible.

What are the risks of value engineering on door packages?

Substituting specified products without architect approval can result in incompatible keying systems, fire-rating violations, ADA non-compliance, and submittal rejections. All VE substitutions should be submitted for written approval before ordering.

How does CDF's ProBuilder prevent ordering errors?

ProBuilder guides contractors through step-by-step configuration, filtering out incompatible options at each selection. Fire-rated openings display only listed hardware, frame profiles match wall conditions, and the tool validates the complete assembly before checkout.

What information do I need before ordering a door package?

You need the door schedule, hardware groups, frame details, wall types and thicknesses, finish requirements, fire ratings for each opening, keying requirements, and hand/swing orientation for every opening.

Frequently Asked Questions

CDF's ProBuilder tool was built for general contractors. Configure complete door, frame, and hardware assemblies with built-in compatibility checks that eliminate the most common ordering errors. ProBuilder validates fire ratings, hardware groups, and frame profiles before checkout.

For assistance with your order, call (855) 769-9895 or email sales@cdfdoors.com. CDF's sales team is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM CT.

Configure Your Door Assembly

Fire-rated door assemblies are available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings. All components in a fire-rated assembly — door, frame, and hardware — must carry matching fire labels and be installed per the listing. Verify all component requirements with project specifications and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

A Note on Fire-Rated Assemblies

CDF serves a customer base that is approximately 70% general contractors. ProBuilder was designed to address the most common ordering errors by guiding contractors through the configuration process and filtering out incompatible options at each step.

ProBuilder eliminates configuration errors by requiring selection of compatible components — fire-rated openings only display fire-rated hardware options, frame profiles match selected wall types, and hardware groups are validated against the selected door and frame before checkout.

How CDF Supports General Contractors

• Ordering doors and frames without confirming wall type and thickness — frames must match the wall condition.

• Omitting hinge and strike preparations from frame orders.

• Specifying non-fire-rated hardware on fire-rated openings.

• Failing to coordinate keying requirements before ordering locksets.

• Not verifying hand and swing orientation for each opening.

• Ordering single doors where pairs are specified (or vice versa).

Common Ordering Mistakes

Value engineering (VE) on door packages — substituting specified products with lower-cost alternatives — is a common practice but carries risks if not managed carefully.

• Substituting a specified lockset brand with an alternate requires architect approval and may affect keying master systems.

• Reducing door or frame gauge below specification may not meet structural or fire-rating requirements.

• Eliminating gasketing or seals from fire-rated openings voids the assembly listing.

• Changing closer models may affect ADA compliance if the closing speed or force changes.

All VE substitutions should be submitted to the architect for written approval before ordering.

Value Engineering Risks

Door and hardware packages have variable lead times depending on the materials, finishes, and hardware specified. Planning for lead times before ordering prevents schedule conflicts.

• Standard hollow metal doors and frames have shorter lead times than custom sizes or non-standard gauges.

• Specialty finishes (stainless steel, custom paint colors) add fabrication time.

• Electronic access control hardware may have longer supplier lead times than mechanical hardware.

• Fire-rated assemblies require verification that all components are from listed manufacturers.

CDF's ProBuilder tool displays current availability information to assist with project planning.

Lead Time Planning

Hardware coordination is the most frequent source of submittal rejections. Each hardware group must be checked for compatibility between the lockset function, hinge type, closer, and any additional accessories.

• Lockset function must match the intended use of the opening (passage, privacy, classroom, storeroom, etc.).

• Hinge quantity and weight rating must support the door weight and size.

• Closers must be sized for the door width, weight, and expected frequency of use.

• Fire-rated openings require listed hardware — substituting non-listed hardware voids the fire rating.

• Paired doors require coordinators and astragals to ensure proper closing sequence.

Hardware Coordination Errors

Door specifications are typically found in Division 08 of the project manual and include door schedules, hardware groups, and frame details. Misinterpretation of any element can lead to incorrect orders.

Common Specification Elements

• Door Schedule: Lists each opening by mark number with door type, size, material, fire rating, and hardware group.

• Hardware Groups: Define the specific hardware set for each opening type (lockset function, hinges, closer, stops, seals).

• Frame Details: Specify frame material, profile, gauge, anchor type, and finish.

• Finish Schedule: Defines paint, primer, or galvanized finish requirements for doors and frames.

Contractors should cross-reference the door schedule with hardware groups and frame details for every opening to catch conflicts before ordering.

Reading and Interpreting Door Specifications

Submittal rejections on commercial door packages are among the most common and preventable delays in commercial construction. Rejections typically stem from misreading the door schedule, selecting incompatible hardware, specifying incorrect fire ratings, or omitting required accessories like gasketing or coordinators.

For general contractors — who make up approximately 70% of CDF's customer base — understanding the most frequent rejection causes can save weeks of project delay and thousands of dollars in reorder costs.

Why Submittal Rejections Happen on Door Packages

Specification Interpretation, Submittal Accuracy, and Configuration Tools for Commercial Door Packages

This guide answers: How to Specify Commercial Doors Without Submittal Rejections