Wooden Door vs Fire-Rated Door: Which One is Right for Your Home?

Choosing the right main door isn’t just about looks. In Singapore, many flats must follow fire safety rules, especially if the door is near lifts or staircases.

Fire-rated doors are designed to slow down fire and smoke, offering better protection during emergencies.

Wooden doors, on the other hand, offer greater design flexibility and are often more affordable.

Both options have their benefits, but it’s important to consider safety, building regulations, and daily use when making your choice. This guide will help you decide what’s best for your home.

What is a Fire-Rated Door?

A fire-rated door is a specially designed door that can resist fire and heat for a set period, helping to contain flames and smoke within a specific area. It is made using fire-resistant materials and tested to meet strict safety standards. These doors play a vital role in slowing down fire spread, giving people more time to evacuate and protecting property from further damage.

Why Fire-Rated Doors Matter in Singapore

In many cases, fire-rated doors are mandatory. They are part of national safety rules and can make a life-saving difference during a fire.

• Required for flats near lifts or stairwells
• Slows down fire and heat from spreading
• Blocks smoke, allowing safer escape
• Protects nearby rooms and belongings
• Complies with SCDF (Singapore Civil Defence Force) regulations

Fire-rated doors are tested to meet set safety standards. They are fitted with seals and built from fire-resistant materials to meet legal and performance needs.

Know Your Fire-Rated Door Ratings Before You Buy (FD30, FD60, FD90)

Fire-rated doors are labelled by how long they can hold back fire and smoke. This rating is shown as FD30, FD60, or FD90 — the number indicates minutes of fire resistance.

• FD30: Resists fire for 30 minutes
• FD60: Resists fire for 60 minutes
• FD90: Resists fire for 90 minutes

These doors are tested under strict conditions. In Singapore, they must meet SS 332 standards, which are set by SPRING Singapore. Each certified fire-rated door must:

• Be tested by approved labs
• Display a metal label showing its rating
• Have intumescent seals that expand with heat
• Include fire-rated hinges and closers

This rating gives more time for evacuation and prevents smoke damage. A proper fire-rated door will also block hot gases and support escape routes.

Types of Fire-Rated Doors

There are several types of fire-rated doors, each offering different looks, features, and costs. All can meet SCDF requirements if certified, so the choice depends on your home style and budget.

Laminate Fire-Rated Doors

Laminate doors are popular in flats due to their design range and value. They come in many colours and wood patterns.

• Offers a clean, modern finish
• Easy to wipe and clean
• Less prone to scratches
• Compatible with most digital locks

Laminate doors are built from layers with a fire-resistant core and outer laminate skin. They're light, low maintenance, and suit most interiors.

Timber Veneer Fire-Rated Doors

Veneer doors offer a natural wood feel without using full timber. They look premium and are often used in high-end condos.

• Natural wood grain appearance
• Lighter and more affordable than solid timber
• Smooth surface that can be polished or stained
• Supports fire-rated lock models

A veneer is a thin slice of real wood fixed over a core. These doors meet fire standards while providing warmth in appearance.

Steel Fire-Rated Doors

Steel doors are common in service areas, storerooms, and commercial properties. In homes, they're used when durability is top priority.

• Strong and highly resistant to fire
• Low maintenance
• Durable against knocks and weather
• Fire-rated hardware fits easily

Steel doors are heavy and not ideal for every space, but they offer the best fire resistance and are often used in utility areas.

Glass Fire-Rated Doors

Glass fire-rated doors are made with special glazing that can withstand high heat. They're found in modern flats and offices.

• Allows light in while maintaining safety
• Multiple layers for fire resistance
• Can match contemporary interiors
• May need specialised fittings for locks

Glass doors must have fire-resistant glass and be tested under strict standards. These are ideal for entryways or shared spaces that need light and safety.

What HDB and Condo Owners Must Know About Fire-Rated Doors

SCDF Guidelines

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) requires fire-rated doors if:

• Your flat's main door is within 3 metres of a lift or staircase
• You're replacing an existing fire-rated door
• Your property is in a new HDB development or has shared corridors

The door must have:

• A label showing the fire rating and SS 332 standard
• Proper fire-rated seals and hinges
• Soft closing mechanism
• A certified frame and door leaf

When Replacement Is Mandatory

If your current door is fire-rated, the replacement must also meet the same standard. You cannot switch to a non-rated wooden door unless the rule no longer applies. Also:

• Do not remove the certification label
• Do not modify the door to fit locks or viewers
• Damaged seals or frames must be replaced with certified parts

MCST Approval for Condos

For condominiums, the MCST (Management Corporation Strata Title) must approve door changes. They may set rules on:

• Door finishes and colour
• Lock brands or models
• Door leaf design or thickness

Check with your condo management before ordering a fire-rated door or lock.

Common Mistakes During Renovation

Homeowners and contractors often make errors during renovation:

• Replacing fire-rated doors with uncertified wooden ones
• Drilling holes after installation
• Changing locks without checking fire certification
• Removing seals or cutting the frame

These issues can fail inspections or void the door’s certification.

Compatible Digital Locks for Fire-Rated Doors

You can use digital locks with fire-rated doors, but only if both the lock and installation meet fire-safety standards.

Installation Process

Maintenance and Inspection Tips

Keep your fire-rated door in working condition with regular checks:

• Clean seals with a dry cloth
• Check labels for clarity and legibility
• Make sure the door closes tightly
• Test digital locks for correct function
• Replace worn parts with certified items only

If you’re unsure whether the seals are still active, consult a fire door specialist. Avoid repainting or sealing over the door unless done by a qualified installer.