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 fire rating is required for hospital corridor doors?

Hospital corridor doors typically require 20-minute or 45-minute fire ratings depending on the corridor wall rating. Smoke compartment doors require both fire and smoke ratings. Stairwell doors commonly require 60-minute or 90-minute ratings. Fire-rated door assemblies are available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings. The specific requirement is determined by the project's code analysis and the AHJ.

What hardware function is used for patient room doors?

Patient room doors typically use privacy function locksets that allow the patient to lock the door from inside while permitting staff access from the corridor side using a tool or master key. Psychiatric facility doors require additional anti-ligature hardware considerations.

How do smoke compartment doors work in hospitals?

Smoke compartment doors divide the hospital into zones for defend-in-place fire response. These doors are held open by magnetic hold-open devices during normal operations and close automatically when the fire alarm activates. They must be fire-rated, smoke-sealed, and equipped with self-closing hardware.

What infection control features are available for door assemblies?

Door assemblies can support infection control through cleanable surface finishes (stainless steel frames and hardware), gasketing for air transfer control, and antimicrobial coatings on touch surfaces. Negative-pressure isolation rooms require tight-sealing door assemblies.

Can CDF configure healthcare-specific door assemblies?

Yes. CDF's ProBuilder tool offers healthcare-specific configurations including patient room, corridor, smoke compartment, and restricted-area openings. ProBuilder filters hardware and gasketing options to display only components compatible with healthcare code requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

CDF's ProBuilder tool allows contractors and healthcare facility managers to configure patient room, corridor, smoke compartment, and restricted-area door assemblies. ProBuilder displays compatible fire-rated and gasketed components for healthcare environments and provides instant pricing.

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 offers hospital door packages configurable through ProBuilder. The tool filters compatible hardware based on the selected opening type — patient room, corridor, smoke compartment, or restricted area — and displays fire rating and gasketing options appropriate for healthcare environments.

CDF ships complete assemblies from its Nashville, Tennessee fabrication facility. Pre-hung and pre-machined assemblies reduce field labor and help maintain fire-rated assembly integrity during installation.

How CDF Supports Healthcare Projects

Operating rooms, pharmacies, and controlled substance storage areas require heightened security hardware in addition to standard fire and accessibility compliance.

• Pharmacy doors typically require storeroom function locksets with restricted keyways.

• Operating room doors may require hermetic sealing to maintain positive or negative pressure environments.

• Access control integration (card readers, keypads) is standard for restricted areas.

• All security hardware must still permit emergency egress per NFPA 101.

Operating Room and Pharmacy Security

Hospitals use a defend-in-place strategy rather than full evacuation during a fire event. Smoke compartments divide the building into zones, allowing patients to be moved horizontally to a safe compartment rather than evacuated through stairwells.

• Smoke compartment doors must be fire-rated and equipped with smoke seals and self-closing devices.

• Paired cross-corridor doors in smoke compartments require coordinators and overlapping astragals.

• Magnetic hold-open devices connected to the fire alarm system allow doors to remain open during normal operations and close automatically upon alarm activation.

Smoke Compartment Requirements

Door assemblies in healthcare settings must support infection control protocols. This extends beyond the door leaf itself to include frames, hardware, and sealing components.

• Surfaces must be cleanable with hospital-grade disinfectants without degradation of finish or function.

• Gasketing and seals help limit air transfer between spaces, supporting negative-pressure isolation room requirements.

• Antimicrobial coatings on hardware are available but should be evaluated based on facility infection control protocols.

• Stainless steel frames and hardware are common in areas requiring frequent cleaning.

Infection Control Considerations

Hospital corridors and stairwells require fire-rated door assemblies to maintain compartmentalization. Fire-rated door assemblies are available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings. Smoke compartment barriers — a key element of hospital fire safety — typically require paired fire-rated doors with smoke seals.

• Corridor doors separating patient rooms from exit corridors commonly require 20-minute or 45-minute fire ratings.

• Smoke compartment doors require fire and smoke ratings with positive-pressure gasketing.

• Stairwell enclosures typically require 60-minute or 90-minute rated assemblies.

• Cross-corridor smoke doors must close and latch upon fire alarm activation.

All fire-rated assemblies in healthcare must include matching-rated doors, frames, hardware, and gasketing installed per the manufacturer's listing.

Fire-Rated Corridor and Stairwell Doors

HIPAA regulations require that healthcare facilities protect patient privacy, including limiting audible transmission of conversations through doors. Patient room doors must balance privacy with the need for staff access during emergencies.

• Patient room doors typically use privacy function locksets that can be unlocked from the corridor side with a tool or master key.

• Sound transmission can be reduced with gasketing, door sweeps, and solid-core door construction.

• Patient room doors in psychiatric facilities may require additional anti-ligature hardware to prevent self-harm.

Patient Room Privacy and Acoustics

Healthcare facilities — hospitals, outpatient clinics, surgical centers, and long-term care facilities — operate under some of the most stringent door and hardware requirements in commercial construction. Door assemblies must simultaneously address patient privacy, fire and smoke compartmentalization, infection control, and staff workflow efficiency.

Incorrect door or hardware selection in healthcare environments can compromise patient safety, fail Joint Commission or CMS inspections, and create liability for the facility and the installing contractor.

Why Healthcare Door Assemblies Require Specialized Configuration

Fire-Rated, Privacy-Compliant, and Infection-Control-Ready Door Assemblies for Hospitals and Medical Facilities

This guide answers: Hospital Door Assembly Rules for Fire, Privacy, and Infection Control