What Are the Most Common Types of Doors Used in Commercial Buildings?

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 and security, hollow metal doors provide the strength commercial buildings need.

Wood doors are more common inside offices and administrative spaces. They bring a warmer look while still offering strength. Many come with a fire rating, making them suitable for both rated corridors and private offices.

The Window and Door Manufacturers Association's ANSI/WDMA I.S.1A standard sets the requirements for architectural wood doors. That ensures the door will meet both performance and appearance requirements. If you're weighing cost against appearance, wood often strikes a balance between the two. When selecting interior doors for office spaces, commercial wood doors offer both aesthetic appeal and code compliance, with fire-rated options available up to 90 minutes.

For main entries, visibility matters. Aluminum storefront doors with glass are a popular choice for retail, banks, schools, and office lobbies. They let in natural light, make the building feel more open, and allow customers to see inside before they walk in.

Depending on the climate, these doors can be configured as single or double units, with tempered or insulated glass. They also support a wide range of commercial hardware like closers, locks, and exit devices. If your project requires a welcoming and easy-to-spot entry, storefront doors are the ideal choice. For businesses wanting maximum visibility, single storefront doors or double storefront doors create an impressive entrance.

Before you finalize your door selection, there are compliance details you should verify:

• Does the opening require a fire-rated door under NFPA 80?

• Do the door's construction and fire rating match the wall assembly?

• Does the hardware you plan to use meet the correct standard (SDI for steel, WDMA for wood)?

These checks keep your project aligned with code and make inspections smoother. NFPA 80 provides the minimum requirements for installing, inspecting, testing, and maintaining fire doors and other opening protectives, making it essential reading for commercial projects.

When selecting a door, consider four things:

• What is the intended function, and how much traffic should be utilized?

• Is the opening a wall assembly part of a fire barrier or rated for fire resistance?

• How visible will the entry be?

• What is the timeline and budget of the project?

With these considerations, you will be able to narrow down your selection without second-guessing yourself.

CDF Distributors provides commercial doors nationwide and can assist with steel, wood, storefront, and fire-rated doors. So, if you know what you want, you can always start Building A Quote Today. 

Finding the right door is not just a product; it's a solution. Doors serve as a means to secure your building, comply with the code, and also provide ease of use for building occupants on a daily basis.