Steel Doors for Commercial Projects
Samuel MorrisSteel Doors for Commercial Projects: A Designer’s Guide
In the world of commercial design, every element must balance aesthetics, function, and compliance. Few architectural features exemplify this balance as elegantly as internal steel doors. Read more on OTIF Steel
This guide explores everything designers need to know about specifying, sourcing, and styling steel doors for commercial projects—whether it’s a modern office fit-out, a hotel lobby, or a retail environment. Let’s dive into why steel doors are surging in popularity, how to integrate them successfully into your designs, and what to look for when choosing a supplier.
Why Steel Doors Are Ideal for Commercial Interiors
Steel doors are not just functional—they’re a key part of the visual language of a space. Here’s why they’re perfectly suited to commercial interiors:
1. Industrial Elegance Meets Modern Design
Steel-framed doors—with or without glazing—instantly add architectural interest. Their slim profiles and crisp sightlines create clean separations without bulky framing. They suit:
- Open-plan offices
- Restaurants and hospitality spaces
- Showrooms and galleries
- Boutique retail units
- Coworking environments
Whether you're going for a minimalist, industrial, or mid-century look, steel doors complement almost any commercial interior style.
2. Built to Withstand Heavy Use
In commercial settings, durability is non-negotiable. Steel doors are significantly more resistant to dents, warping, and wear than timber or aluminium. They retain their finish and structural integrity even in high-traffic zones like:
- Lobbies
- Washroom corridors
- Staff areas
- Plant rooms
For designers focused on lifecycle costs and longevity, steel outperforms most other materials.
3. Fire Safety Compliance
Many steel doors are available with FD30 or FD60 fire ratings—crucial in commercial projects where building regulations demand certified protection between zones. Steel naturally resists fire and heat, making it ideal for fire door applications without compromising on design.
4. Sound Insulation and Security
Steel doors can be specified with soundproofing and high-security locks, ideal for:
- Boardrooms
- Server rooms
- Staff-only areas
- Storage zones
Unlike lighter internal doors, steel can be fitted with robust ironmongery and specialist glazing for acoustic or privacy performance.
Popular Commercial Applications for Steel Doors
Let’s take a closer look at where and how designers are using steel doors in commercial settings:
1. Offices and Corporate Interiors
Steel doors with glazing are a sophisticated alternative to drywall partitions. They create division while maintaining visibility and natural light—key for modern office design. Uses include:
- Meeting room enclosures
- Private offices
- Entrances to breakout areas
- IT/server rooms with added security
View Industrial Double Door options
Designers often combine black powder-coated steel with reeded or fluted glass for privacy without complete opacity.
2. Hospitality and Leisure
Restaurants, bars, and hotels use steel doors to define zones while keeping spaces visually connected. Common placements include:
- Kitchen-to-dining room transitions (with FD-rated options)
- Washroom corridors
- VIP/private dining areas
- Back-of-house entries
Matching door frames to feature lighting, furniture finishes, or branding creates a seamless guest experience.
3. Retail Environments
Boutiques and branded stores are increasingly opting for steel doors in their interior fit-outs due to their bold lines and upscale feel. Applications include:
- Changing room entries
- Staff areas or inventory zones
- Stockroom access
- Hidden fire doors within design schemes
Steel doors provide strength and elegance—essential for luxury and contemporary brands.
4. Commercial Residential Spaces
In mixed-use developments and high-end residential buildings with shared amenities, steel doors are used in:
- Gym and spa entrances
- Lobby-to-lift access
- Concierge offices
- Bin stores and maintenance areas
Their sleek design doesn’t detract from upscale aesthetics, even in utilitarian roles.
Choosing the Right Steel Door Style for Your Project
Not all steel doors are created equal. As a designer, understanding your options—and their impact on the look and performance of a space—is key.
1. Solid vs Glazed Steel Doors
- Solid steel doors: Ideal for areas needing full privacy or fire protection (e.g., plant rooms, stair cores).
- Glazed steel doors: Perfect for design-led spaces where light flow and transparency are desired (e.g., offices, lounges, retail).
2. Single vs Double Doors
- Single doors suit narrow openings or minimal interventions.
- Double doors offer grandeur and are often used in reception areas, conference rooms, or retail thresholds.
3. Framed or Frameless Look
- Classic crittall-style frames offer an industrial edge.
- Slimline or frameless looks (still steel-reinforced) lend a more contemporary or minimal vibe.
4. Custom Grids and Transoms
Custom steel doors can be fabricated with:
- Horizontal or vertical glazing bars
- Top lights or side panels
- Asymmetrical or bespoke grid layouts
These details help tailor the door to the architecture of the space.
Material and Finish Options
Designers can select from a wide range of finishes that align with brand identity or interior schemes:
Powder Coated Finishes
- Matte black: Timeless, versatile, and the most popular
- RAL colours: Custom shades to match brand palettes or architectural details
- Textured finishes: For added tactility
Glazing Options
- Clear glass: Keeps spaces open and light
- Frosted or satin: Adds privacy without darkness
- Reeded/fluted: Retro charm with visual softness
- Fire-rated glass: For FD-rated doors where compliance is key
Hardware Considerations
- Choose commercial-grade hinges, closers, and locks
- Coordinate handles and locks with wider schemes (e.g., brushed brass for boutique hotels, stainless steel for offices)
Fire-Rated Steel Doors for Commercial Spaces
Steel fire doors are a popular choice in commercial environments, offering both code compliance and high-end style. Here's what designers should know:
1. Common Fire Ratings
- FD30 (30 mins): Minimum rating for most commercial interiors
- FD60 (60 mins): Required in higher-risk zones or multi-level builds
2. Glass in Fire Doors
Fire-rated glass options allow for glazed panels in doors that still meet certification—ideal for corridors or enclosed spaces.
3. Regulations to Follow
All fire doors must:
- Be certified to BS 476 or BS EN 1634
- Be installed by certified installers
- Use approved hardware and intumescent seals
At Interior Doors Ltd, we work with tested and certified manufacturers like OTIF Steel, Steelit, and RK Steel to ensure all fire-rated doors meet UK building regs.
How to Specify Steel Doors in a Commercial Project
When working steel doors into your design, make sure you include:
1. Performance Requirements
Specify:
- Fire rating (FD30, FD60, etc.)
- Acoustic rating (if needed)
- Thermal insulation (for external doors)
- Security standards (PAS 24 or Secured by Design, if required)
2. Size and Configuration
Provide opening sizes and indicate:
- Single or double doors
- Inward/outward swing
- Frame type (standard or hidden)
- Side panels or overlights
3. Finish and Glazing
Choose finishes that complement the wider interior scheme. Glass types should match privacy and safety needs.
4. Hardware and Access Control
If using automated access or electronic locking (e.g., in offices or gyms), ensure the steel door is compatible with:
- Electric strikes
- Maglocks
- Access control systems
Cost Guide: What Do Steel Doors Cost in Commercial Projects?
Steel doors vary in price based on features, fire rating, and customisation. Here's a general guide:
| Type | Approximate Price (ex VAT) |
|---|---|
| Standard Solid Steel Door | £600–£900 |
| Glazed Steel Door (Non-Fire Rated) | £900–£1,500 |
| FD30 Glazed Steel Door | £1,200–£2,000 |
| Bespoke Oversized/Double Set | £2,000–£4,000 |
Bulk orders for commercial projects may qualify for trade pricing or volume discounts.
Working with Interior Doors Ltd on Commercial Projects
At Interior Doors Ltd, we’re trusted by designers, developers, and contractors across the UK for bespoke internal steel doors.
What We Offer:
- Design consultation to guide door selection
- Bespoke fabrication for unique sizes, finishes, and layouts
- Fire-rated and non-rated options
- Certified installers for guaranteed compliance
- Showroom in Berkshire for samples and live demos
- Nationwide delivery and trade account options
Whether it’s five doors for a boutique gym or fifty for a Grade A office fit-out, we provide end-to-end support.
Case Study: Boutique Hotel Fit-Out with Steel Doors
In a recent project, we worked with a London-based design studio on a boutique hotel refurbishment. Requirements included:
- FD30-rated doors between lobby and guest areas
- Slimline black-framed glazed doors for restaurant entry
- Bespoke brass ironmongery to match custom lighting
Result: A cohesive, high-end finish that met both brand identity and safety compliance—on time and within budget.
Final Thoughts
Steel doors aren’t just a building component—they’re a design asset. For commercial projects, they offer unmatched durability, design flexibility, and compliance with fire and safety regulations. As more designers prioritise long-term value and premium finishes, steel doors are fast becoming a must-have.
If you’re planning a commercial project—whether it's a stylish new bar, a coworking space, or a high-end shopfit—consider what steel doors could do for your design.
Visit Our Showroom or Request a Quote
Ready to specify steel doors in your next commercial project?
📍 Visit us at the Interior Doors Ltd showroom in Berkshire to view samples
📩 Or request a quote online at www.interior-doors.co.uk