CDF Doors are your best partner for commercial wood doors, with thousands of doors in stock and ready for your project timeline. CDF factory preps your doors so they're ready to install, with one of our stunning water based stains and the correct rating for your application. With lite kits and louvers pre-installed and the easiest online ordering process you've ever experienced, you'll love ordering from CDF Doors. Watch the video below to learn more about our wood doors.
How Fire Rating is Established
All fire testing is done by independent agencies recognized internationally that are responsible for testing the full door, frame, and hardware assemblies to ensure that each element meets or exceeds their regulation standards. There are two standard phases for testing fire ratings.
Phase One: Full door assemblies, including the door slab, frame, and hardware, are placed into a specialized furnace where they are exposed to increasing heat, flame, and pressure. This simulates a real fire and lasts for a specified length of time to pass each fire rating.
Phase Two: Once the time for the rating has been reached the assembly is rapidly cooled with either cold water or a fire suppressant.
Only assemblies that remain secure at the end of this testing pass inspection and gain the fire rating.
Solid Core Primed Wood Doors vs. Solid Core Stained Veneer Wood Doors
Solid core primed and stained veneer options are two of the most common types of commercial flush wood doors, each suited for different functional and design priorities. Our solid-core primed wood doors, built with engineered cores and MDF faces, provide a smooth, consistent surface that is easy to finish and maintain in high-traffic commercial environments. In contrast, pre-finished wood doors with stained veneer feature a real hardwood surface that highlights natural grain patterns, creating a warmer and more refined appearance. Wood remains a highly versatile building material due to its strength, stability, and long-term performance in interior applications, as outlined in the Wood Handbook from the U.S. Forest Service.
| Feature | Solid Core Primed Wood Doors | Solid Core Stained Veneer Wood Doors |
|---|---|---|
| Material Composition | Engineered wood fibers (medium-density fiberboard) layer over particle or mineral core | Thin, real hardwood layer over particle or mineral core |
| Finish Type | Pre-primed for paint | Designed for staining and clear finishing |
| Finish Flexibility | Very flexible, can be repainted multiple times | Limited, requires sanding and refinishing |
| Core Materials | Particle or Mineral Core | Particle or Mineral Core |
| Fire Rating | 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, and 90-minute | 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, and 90-minute |
| Maintenance | Low, easy to repaint and maintain | Moderate, may require refinishing |
| Impact Resistance | High, resists dents and surface damage well | Moderate, veneer surface may require refinishing |
| Use Case | Schools, offices, healthcare, high-traffic interiors | Hospitality, executive offices, feature spaces |
| Appearance | Smooth, uniform, modern painted look | Natural wood grain, warm, high-end aesthetic |
Solid Core Primed Wood Doors
Best for paint-grade applications
- Smooth, uniform surface ideal for modern commercial interiors
- Easily repainted to refresh or update the space over time
- Consistent finish across multiple doors for a clean, cohesive look
Solid Core Stained Veneer Wood Doors
Best for natural wood aesthetics
- Real hardwood veneer highlights authentic grain patterns
- Pre-finished or stain-ready for a refined, high-end appearance
- Ideal for spaces where visual warmth and design are a priority