| name | doors-frames-hardware |
| description | Expert guidance for door, frame, and hardware systems including fire-rated assemblies, electrified hardware, and code compliance for commercial construction. |
Doors, Frames & Hardware - Field Reference Guide
Quick reference for construction PMs and field supervisors managing door/frame/hardware installations on commercial and institutional projects.
Quick Reference Tables
Frame Gauge Selection by Application
| Application | Minimum Gauge | Typical Gauge | Notes |
|---|
| Interior office | 16 ga | 16 ga | Standard commercial |
| High traffic interior | 14 ga | 14 ga | Schools, hospitals |
| Exterior | 14 ga | 14 ga | Galvanized required |
| Fire-rated (20-90 min) | 16 ga | 16 ga | Per labeled assembly |
| Fire-rated (3-hour) | 14 ga | 14 ga | Verify with label |
| Heavy abuse | 12 ga | 12 ga | Detention, industrial |
Door Gauge Selection by Application
| Application | Face Gauge | Typical Core | Notes |
|---|
| Interior standard | 18 ga | Honeycomb | Most common |
| Interior high-traffic | 16 ga | Polystyrene | Schools, healthcare |
| Exterior | 16 ga | Polyurethane | Insulated, galvanized |
| Fire-rated 20-45 min | 18 ga | Varies | Per labeled assembly |
| Fire-rated 60-90 min | 16 ga | Mineral/Steel | Per labeled assembly |
| Fire-rated 3-hour | 14 ga | Steel stiffened | Per labeled assembly |
Fire Rating Quick Reference
| Rating | Max Door Size | Max Glass | Typical Location |
|---|
| 20-minute | 4'-0" × 10'-0" | 1296 sq in | Corridor/smoke |
| 45-minute | 4'-0" × 10'-0" | 100 sq in | 1-hour wall |
| 60-minute | 4'-0" × 8'-0" | 100 sq in | 1-hour wall |
| 90-minute | 4'-0" × 8'-0" | 100 sq in | 2-hour wall |
| 3-hour | 4'-0" × 8'-0" | None | 3-4 hour wall |
Note: Glass area limits vary by assembly. Verify with specific label.
Hardware Function Quick Reference
| Function | Key Outside | Thumb Inside | Typical Use |
|---|
| Passage (F75) | None | None | Closet, mechanical |
| Privacy (F76) | Emergency | Turn | Restroom, private office |
| Storeroom (F86) | Key always | Free egress | Storage, janitor |
| Classroom (F84) | Key to lock/unlock | Free egress | Classroom |
| Office (F82) | Key to retract | Turn | Private office |
| Entrance (F81) | Key when locked | Turn locks/unlocks | Main entry |
| Asylum (F83) | Key always | Key always | Secure areas |
ADA Hardware Requirements
| Requirement | Standard | Notes |
|---|
| Hardware height | 34" - 48" AFF | Operable parts |
| Opening force (interior) | 5 lbf max | Excludes closers |
| Closer sweep time | 5 seconds min | From 90° to 12° |
| Door opening width | 32" clear min | 36" preferred |
| Threshold height | 1/2" max | 1/4" max vertical |
| Lever return | To within 1/2" of face | Prevents snagging |
Hardware Finish Cross-Reference
| BHMA | US Equiv | Description | Common Use |
|---|
| 626 | US26D | Satin chrome | Most common interior |
| 630 | US32D | Satin stainless | Healthcare, food service |
| 605 | US3 | Bright brass | Decorative |
| 613 | US10B | Oil rubbed bronze | Decorative |
| 625 | US26 | Bright chrome | Decorative |
| 652 | - | Powder coat | Match door color |
Critical Dimensions
Standard Door Sizes
| Type | Width | Height | Notes |
|---|
| Single door | 3'-0" | 7'-0" | Standard interior |
| Single door | 3'-6" | 7'-0" | Equipment, accessible |
| Single door | 3'-0" | 8'-0" | Commercial standard |
| Pair equal | 6'-0" | 7'-0" | Two 3'-0" leaves |
| Pair unequal | 5'-0" | 7'-0" | 3'-0" + 2'-0" typical |
Frame Dimensions
| Component | Standard | Notes |
|---|
| Frame depth | 4-5/8", 5-3/4", 6-3/4" | Match wall thickness |
| Rabbet depth | 5/8" | Standard single rabbet |
| Stop width | 2" typical | Standard frame profile |
| Face width | 2" typical | Standard frame profile |
| Throat opening | Door width + 1/4" | Typical clearance |
Door Clearances
| Location | Clearance | Notes |
|---|
| Hinge jamb | 1/8" | Standard |
| Strike jamb | 1/8" | Standard |
| Head | 1/8" | Standard |
| Undercut (interior) | 3/4" | For carpet |
| Undercut (fire door) | 3/4" max | NFPA 80 limit |
| Meeting stile (pair) | 1/8" each leaf | With astragal |
Installation Sequence Overview
Typical Opening Installation Phases
Phase 1 - Frame Rough-In:
- Verify rough opening dimensions
- Install frames in masonry/studs
- Brace and plumb frames
- Grout hollow metal frames in masonry
- Protect frames during construction
Phase 2 - Door Installation:
- Verify frame square and plumb
- Check hardware prep locations
- Install hinges on frame
- Hang door, check gaps
- Adjust hinge screws as needed
Phase 3 - Hardware Installation:
- Install locksets/exit devices
- Install strikes, adjust
- Install closers, adjust
- Install stops, holders, coordinators
- Install thresholds, weatherstripping
Phase 4 - Final/Punch:
- Final adjustment of all hardware
- Touch-up paint
- Remove protective film
- Final keying
- Fire door inspection
Key Coordination Points
| Milestone | Coordinate With | Critical Items |
|---|
| Frame delivery | Framing contractor | Wall type verification |
| Frame set (masonry) | Mason | Grout timing, anchors |
| Frame set (drywall) | Drywall contractor | Embedment depth |
| Door delivery | GC/flooring | After wet work complete |
| Hardware rough | Electrician | Electrified openings |
| Hardware finish | Low-voltage | Access control devices |
| Final keying | Owner | Key schedule, cores |
Common Field Issues
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|
| Door won't latch | Strike misaligned | Adjust strike, check frame |
| Door drags on floor | Hinge sag | Shim hinges, replace if worn |
| Fire door gaps too large | Frame out of square | Adjust frame before drywall |
| Closer won't hold open | Back-check too strong | Adjust back-check valve |
| Electric strike won't release | Wrong voltage/wiring | Verify 12V vs 24V, polarity |
| Door swings wrong way | Frame installed backwards | Reinstall frame (costly) |
Reference Documents
Detailed technical information in reference files:
- Hollow Metal Frames - Frame types, anchoring, preparation, fire-rated
- Hollow Metal Doors - Construction, gauges, cores, labels
- Wood Doors - Construction, cores, fire-rated, finishing
- Specialty Doors - Fire, smoke, acoustic, blast, automatic
- Finish Hardware - Hinges, locks, exits, closers, keying
- Electrified Hardware - Electric strikes, maglocks, integration
- Fire-Rated Assemblies - NFPA 80, labels, inspections
- Installation Procedures - Step-by-step installation
- Coordination & Sequencing - Scheduling, trade coordination
- Code Compliance - IBC, ADA, NFPA requirements
- Safety Hazards - Material handling, tool safety
- Specifications & CSI - Division 08, key sections
Related Skills
- construction-safety-management - General safety and OSHA requirements
- vdc-bim-coordination - Opening coordination in BIM models
- procore-project-management - RFI, submittal, and daily log workflows
- schedule-management-cpm - Sequencing and schedule impacts
- quality-control-closeout - Fire door inspections and punch lists
Emergency Quick Answers
"Fire door won't close completely"
- Check floor/threshold for obstructions
- Verify closer arm not binding
- Check for hinge sag causing drag
- Inspect coordinator on pairs
- Verify astragal not damaged (pairs)
- Never prop open, block, or disable
"Lockset not working"
- Check strike alignment (most common)
- Verify latch throw adequate
- Check door gaps at strike jamb
- Verify correct function ordered
- Test key cylinder separately
- Check for paint in mechanism
"Need to field-modify fire door"
- Stop - very limited modifications allowed
- Only label holder can authorize
- Field prep for surface hardware may be OK
- Adding/enlarging vision lite = not allowed
- Cutting door for undercut = not allowed
- Document everything, get written authorization
"Access control not working"
- Verify door position switch recognizing closed
- Check power at electric strike/maglock
- Verify fail-safe vs fail-secure wiring
- Check request-to-exit sensor
- Verify credentials programmed
- Coordinate with low-voltage contractor
