Similar to solid core fire doors, solid wood fire doors also have the same benefits, namely protecting and limiting the spread of fire in a fire situation. Even so, the choice between the two types of solid fire doors will depend on aesthetic preferences, strength requirements, as well as specific safety and regulatory requirements that apply.
To understand better, let’s get to know more about fire-rated solid wood doors and their differences from solid-core fire doors.
Table of Contents
What is a Solid Wood Fire Door
Fireproof solid wood is a door specially designed to protect against the spread of fire and smoke in a fire situation. Unlike ordinary doors made of solid wood, fire-rated solid wood doors have additional protection that makes them resistant to high temperatures and fire over some time.
Fire-resistant solid wood doors consist of solid wood combined with a fire-resistant material or a solid core made of fire-resistant material, such as mineral protection or fire bricks. This solid core provides heat and fire resistance, allowing the door to limit the spread of fire from one room to another in the building.
Fire-resistant solid wood doors generally meet the safety and fire resistance standards set by the relevant authorities. They usually have a fire-resistance classification, such as 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or longer, which indicates how long the door can withstand a fire in a fire situation.
The existence of fireproof solid wood doors is important in ensuring safety and protection in buildings. They not only give building occupants a longer time to escape but also help minimize the damage caused by fires by limiting the spread of flames and smoke.
Fire-rated solid wood doors are often used in areas that require a high level of protection, where fires can quickly spread and affect evacuation routes. Even so, this type of door still maintains the aesthetics and warmth of wood.
Some examples of the use of fireproof solid wood doors include residential spaces that need extra protection against fire, such as the main entrance, doors between rooms or floors, and doors to garages. Then in hotel and resort rooms, as a separator between the kitchen and dining area in restaurants which are potentially vulnerable to fire, to commercial buildings such as offices and shopping centers.
What’s the Difference Between a Solid Wood Fire Door and a Solid Core Fire Door?
The difference between a solid wood fire door and a solid core fire door lies in the material, the core construction of the door, and the ethical values presented. Here’s the review.
Material
Fireproof solid wood doors are made of intact solid wood or thick solid wood multiplex. This means that the entire door, including the core, is made of solid wood. Meanwhile, a Solid core fire door (solid core flush door) has a solid core made of fire-resistant materials, such as mineral protection or fire bricks. The outside of the door is usually clad with another material, such as plywood, metal, or veneer, to give it an aesthetic appearance.
Strength
Solid wood provides good strength and density to the door so a solid wood fire door has a higher level of strength compared to a solid core fire door. However, even though solid core fire doors do not use solid wood as the core, they still have sufficient strength to carry out their functions. A solid core made of refractory material provides strong structure and resistance to heat.
Classification of Fire Resistance
Fire-resistant solid wood doors usually have the same fire resistance classification as solid core fire doors, such as 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or longer. However, the wood material in this door can affect its thermal insulation ability and fire resistance.
Meanwhile, the solid core of the solid core fire door provides high resistance to high temperatures and fire. They are specially designed to limit the spread of flames and smoke in fire situations.
Aesthetics
Solid core fire doors pay more attention to the quality of fire resistance and security functions so they tend to ignore the aesthetic value and appearance of the door. This is because increasing the aesthetic value by adding another layer to the surface of the door may reduce its function a little.
Meanwhile, Solid wood fire doors have a more natural and aesthetic appearance with visible wood grain. These doors are often chosen to bring out the warmth and beauty of wood in interior designs.
Design Flexibility
Instead of a solid wood fire door, a solid core fire door allows for a variety of external appearance and finish options that can be adapted to the needs of interior or exterior design, considering that the basic material is wood.