Key Features Built for Commercial Openings
Frames can look similar in catalogs, but jobsite performance depends on wall matching, reinforcement, and documentation. We manufacture frames as an engineered opening component so contractors spend less time shimming, drilling, and patching. The details below address common gaps buyers see in generic offerings: unclear wall-thickness selection, anchor compatibility, hardware reinforcement, and packaging that arrives square.
Gauge and reinforcement matched to abuse level
Commercial openings concentrate stress at hinges, strikes, and closers. Our standard build options start with 16 gauge for typical traffic and move to 14 gauge when projects call for heavier doors, higher abuse resistance, or more rigid frames.
Frame configurations for access and logistics
Fully welded units are rigid and factory-squared. KD frames ship in components and reduce freight volume. Drywall frames install after wallboard for clean reveals. We help you select the right configuration.
Fire-rated frame designs up to 3 hours
When the project calls for labeled fire door openings, we support frame configurations that match the door and hardware set for the tested assembly.
Anchor packages matched to wall construction
We match the anchor package to the wall: T anchors and wire anchors for masonry, strap anchors for steel studs, wood-stud anchors for retrofit conditions, and adjustable anchors where tolerances are uncertain.
Corrosion strategy: galvanized and stainless options
Cold-rolled steel for conditioned interiors, galvanized for humid or coastal areas, and stainless steel grades for harsh environments and hygienic spaces.
Hardware prep and access control coordination
We prep frames to your schedule: hinge templates, ANSI strike prep, closer reinforcement, electric strike preparation, and access control coordination by request.
Program-ready fulfillment and bundled openings
We can mark frames by opening number, include packing lists by floor or area, and protect corners and jambs for long-distance transport.
Frame Types and When to Use Them
Selecting the right frame type is mainly about access, wall construction, and installation sequence. The same opening can be built as a welded unit, a knocked-down set assembled on site, or a drywall-style frame installed after gypsum.
Welded Steel Door Frame
Ships fully welded and factory-squared, with reinforced corners and bracing. Ideal for masonry or concrete openings, new construction with clear access, and any project where rigidity and consistent reveals matter.
Best for:
- •New construction with clear access
- •Masonry or concrete walls
- •High-abuse corridors and stairwells
Watch out for:
- !Handling damage if staging is uncontrolled
- !Access limitations in elevators or tight corridors
Knocked Down Steel Door Frame
KD frames ship as jamb and head components that are assembled on site. They reduce freight cube, are easier to move through elevators and corridors, and are a practical fit for tenant improvements and multi-story renovations.
Best for:
- •Multi-story renovations
- •Tight access and elevator constraints
- •High-volume orders for freight efficiency
Watch out for:
- !Requires careful bracing and squaring
- !Higher risk of part mix-ups without labeling
Drywall Frame (Wrap-around or Slip-on)
Designed for stud-and-gypsum partitions and often installed after wallboard. Wrap-around profiles cover cut drywall edges for a clean finish, while slip-on styles speed installation.
Best for:
- •Steel stud and gypsum walls
- •Clean drywall finish requirements
- •Schedule-driven tenant build-outs
Watch out for:
- !Incorrect wall thickness causes loose fit
- !Openings must be reasonably plumb and square
Adjustable Renovation Frame
Built to handle imperfect existing openings. Adjustable designs accommodate variations in wall thickness and out-of-plumb conditions that often appear when older frames are removed.
Best for:
- •Occupied building renovations
- •Irregular existing openings
- •Projects limiting demolition and patching
Watch out for:
- !Requires accurate field measurement
- !May need coordination with existing finishes
Fire-Rated Considerations
Fire-rated openings are assembly-based. Frame construction, reinforcements, and preparations must match the door and hardware set used for the labeled opening. Specify rating, hardware, and wall type early so the frame configuration supports inspection and long-term compliance.
| Frame Type | Ships As | Best Use | Installation Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welded | Fully assembled unit | Rigid alignment, masonry work, high-abuse areas | Confirm access route; brace during grout and curing |
| Knocked-down (KD) | Components for on-site assembly | Tight access, renovations, freight efficiency | Square and brace carefully; label parts by opening |
| Drywall | Assembled or semi-assembled | Stud-and-gypsum partitions, clean finish | Confirm wall thickness; avoid forcing frame onto wall |
| Adjustable renovation | Configured per opening | Occupied renovations, irregular openings | Field measurement and anchor strategy are critical |
Frame Selection Checklist
- Wall type (masonry, steel stud, wood stud) and grouting requirement
- Access constraints (elevators, corridors, staging space)
- Traffic and abuse level (gauge and reinforcement needs)
- Hardware schedule (closers, electrified hardware, hinges)
- Fire rating requirements and inspection expectations
Applications
Frames are used across commercial building types, but the best configuration depends on traffic, wall construction, and corrosion exposure. These examples show how contractors and facility teams typically specify frames for different environments.
Tenant Improvements and Office Corridors
In tenant build-outs, speed and clean reveals matter. KD frames reduce elevator and corridor handling issues and can be staged floor-by-floor. For multi-tenant buildings, consistent profiles simplify future replacement.
Healthcare and Cleanable Environments
Galvanized or stainless material options help reduce rust risk in frequent-cleaning environments, while smooth weld finishing and consistent powder coat support easy wipe-down.
Schools and Universities
Educational facilities require durability across high-traffic corridors and stairwells. Heavier gauge builds and reinforced hinge and strike areas help resist impact and long-term sag.
Warehouses and Industrial
Back-of-house and industrial doors see abuse from carts, pallets, and constant traffic. Frames benefit from heavier construction and robust anchoring to minimize movement over time.
Renovations with Irregular Openings
Adjustable renovation frame designs help installers accommodate out-of-plumb conditions and inconsistent wall thickness with less demolition and patching.
Specifications
Use this overview to align requirements before requesting drawings. For commercial steel door frame programs, final dimensions, anchor sets, and hardware preparations are confirmed on approved shop drawings.
| Parameter | Typical Options |
|---|---|
| Frame configurations | Welded units, knocked-down (KD) sets, drywall frames, adjustable renovation frames |
| Steel gauge options | 16 gauge and 14 gauge (selected by traffic level, door weight, and spec) |
| Material options | Cold-rolled steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel (304/316 by request) |
| Door thickness support | Commonly 1-3/4 in doors; other thicknesses by project requirement |
| Wall thickness (throat) range | Built to match wall thickness; common commercial ranges and custom builds supported |
| Anchor types | Masonry anchors, steel stud strap anchors, wood stud anchors, retrofit options |
| Reinforcements | Hinge, strike, closer reinforcement; continuous hinge prep; heavy hardware support |
| Electrified hardware readiness | Electric strike prep and access control coordination by request |
| Fire rating | Up to 3 hours as part of labeled fire door assemblies |
| Finish options | Factory primer, powder coat, galvanized finish, stainless brushed finishes |
| Assemblies and accessories | Transom, sidelite frames, borrowed lite frames, mullions by design |
| Packaging | KD kitting with labeled components; welded palletization with bracing |
Steel frame profile showing throat size, face width, and stop location.
Specification Notes
- Values are presented as typical options; confirm details on approved drawings and project specifications.
- Fire-rated openings must be specified and installed as complete assemblies to meet code requirements.
- This hollow metal door frame category is commonly specified as steel or hollow metal frames in commercial schedules.
Material Options
Material selection is the fastest way to extend service life and reduce callbacks. This hollow metal door frame family is available in cold-rolled steel, galvanized steel, and stainless steel, with finishes chosen to match the environment and project spec.
Cold-Rolled Steel (CRS)
Practical choice for most interior commercial applications. Provides a strong, consistent base material, commonly supplied with factory primer for field painting.
Best for:
- •Interior conditioned spaces
- •Standard commercial corridors and offices
- •Projects where field painting is planned
Galvanized Steel
Adds a corrosion-resistant layer that helps reduce rust risk during storage, shipping, and service. Frequently selected for environments with periodic moisture.
Best for:
- •Humid interiors and high-condensation areas
- •Coastal or near-exterior vestibules
- •Facilities prioritizing rust resistance under coatings
Stainless Steel (304/316 by request)
Selected when corrosion resistance and cleanability are top priorities. Grade 304 is common for many commercial environments, while 316 is often specified for harsher coastal or chemical exposure conditions.
Coastal projects
High salt exposure environments
Hygienic spaces
Frequent-cleaning requirements
Premium durability
Long service life with reduced maintenance
Certifications and Standards Support
Commercial projects often require submittals showing that frames are manufactured under controlled processes and can be configured for code-driven openings. We support common documentation requests for commercial specifications; exact requirements vary by project and jurisdiction.
ISO 9001 Quality Management
Supports repeatability across production runs with incoming material checks, in-process dimensional verification, and final inspection tied to order documentation.
Fire-Rated Opening Support (UL 10C)
Fire-rated frames must be configured as part of a complete fire door assembly. We support frame constructions and preparations aligned with fire-rated opening requirements up to 3 hours.
Material Traceability
Documentation such as mill certificates and material descriptions tied to the purchase order for QA requirements.
Dimensional and Weld Inspection
Checks during fabrication to reduce frame twist, corner mismatch, and misaligned hinge or strike preparations.
Finish and Corrosion Control
Documentation clarifying finish type, preparation expectations, and packaging protection to limit damage during shipping.
Customization Options
Every wall condition and hardware set affects the frame build. We offer standard series for fast quoting and custom configurations when your project needs non-standard throat sizes, special anchors, or coordinated hardware preparations.
Frame Size and Wall Thickness
- •Custom throat sizes to match wall build-up and finish layers
- •Jamb depths and face widths aligned to project aesthetic
- •Single and pair openings with coordinated profiles
Frame Type Selection
- •Welded units for rigidity and factory-squared alignment
- •KD configurations for freight efficiency and tight access
- •Drywall and renovation-friendly profiles
Anchor and Wall Compatibility
- •Anchor sets matched to masonry, steel stud, wood stud, or retrofit
- •Grout and non-grout configurations based on spec
- •Adjustment features for renovation conditions
Hardware Preparation
- •Reinforcement for closers, hinges, strikes, panic hardware
- •Electric strike prep and access control coordination
- •Cutouts and clearances aligned to hardware cut sheets
Material and Finish
- •Cold-rolled steel with primer for field paint
- •Galvanized material routes for higher humidity
- •Stainless options for coastal or hygienic environments
Special Assemblies
- •Transom and sidelite frames for storefront-like openings
- •Borrowed lite frames by design requirement
- •Mullions and related components by design
MOQ and Lead Time Guidance
Typical MOQ
50-200 sets depending on design, material, and finish
Samples
Arranged after drawing review; timing depends on complexity
Lead Time
Typically 25-45 days after drawing approval
Pricing
Quote-based; depends on gauge, material, preparations
What We Need From You
- Wall type and construction (masonry, steel stud, wood stud)
- Opening sizes, handing, and quantity (schedule or takeoff)
- Fire rating requirement and applicable code references
- Door thickness and door type planned for the opening
- Hardware schedule and cut sheets (closer, hinge type)
- Finish requirement and exposure environment
- Ship-to destination and packaging expectations
Installation Overview
Installation should follow local codes and the fire authority requirements for your project. The steps below are a practical overview for planning and coordination; professional installers should verify plumb, level, squareness, and required clearances before hardware is hung.
Pre-Installation Checklist
- Confirm opening size and wall condition before bringing frames to the door location
- Verify wall thickness and finish layers match the specified throat size
- Stage the correct anchors for the wall type
- Keep frames protected from impacts and moisture during storage
- Review the hardware schedule so reinforcements are at the correct openings
Diagram showing spreader bar, temporary bracing, and anchor locations.
- 1.Set the frame into the rough opening with a spreader bar or temporary brace.
- 2.Shim hinge jamb and strike jamb to plumb; check head level and overall squareness.
- 3.Anchor the frame using the specified anchor type and spacing.
- 4.If required, install grout following the project method.
- 5.Re-check plumb and square during anchoring and curing.
- 6.Remove temporary bracing after the frame is stable.
- 7.Install the door and hardware; verify swing and latch alignment.
- 1.Lay out components by opening number and verify all parts.
- 2.Assemble jambs and head; keep joints tight and square.
- 3.Install a spreader bar and temporary brace.
- 4.Set the assembled frame; shim to plumb, level, and square.
- 5.Anchor to wall; re-check alignment after each anchor group.
- 6.Keep bracing in place until fully anchored.
- 7.Install door and hardware; confirm hinge alignment and strike centerline.
- 1.Confirm wall thickness including board layers and finish materials.
- 2.Seat the frame over the drywall edges without forcing.
- 3.Secure using specified compression points or fasteners.
- 4.Check reveals and plumb before final fastening.
- 5.Install door and hardware; verify latch alignment.
Common Issues and Prevention
Frame twist or hinge binding
Confirm wall plumb and anchor type; avoid over-tightening stud anchors; keep bracing in place until stable.
Loose fit on drywall walls
Verify wall thickness and finish layers; specify the correct drywall frame profile and return.
Inspection delays on fire-rated openings
Confirm rating, hardware, and wall type before fabrication; maintain required clearances.
Damage during staging and shipping
Use corner protection, avoid stacking without bracing, and keep frames dry and covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choose based on access, logistics, and installation sequence. Welded units arrive factory-squared and are a strong fit when openings are accessible and you want maximum rigidity, especially for masonry work and high-traffic areas. A knocked down steel door frame ships in components, which can reduce freight and make it easier to move parts through elevators and tight corridors for renovations or tenant improvements.
In commercial specifications, hollow metal typically refers to steel doors and frames made from formed sheet steel with internal space, rather than a solid bar construction. In most projects, a hollow metal door frame and a steel frame refer to the same category of commercial frame products, with differences driven by gauge, profile, and reinforcement rather than the name.
Gauge selection should follow the traffic and abuse level, door size and weight, and hardware requirements. Many interior commercial openings are specified in 16 gauge when the environment is controlled and the door and hardware are standard. 14 gauge is often selected for higher abuse locations, heavier doors, or applications where increased rigidity helps maintain alignment over time.
Yes, we support fire-rated frame designs up to 3 hours when the opening is specified as a complete fire door assembly. Fire performance is assembly-based, so the frame configuration must match the door construction, hardware schedule, and applicable code requirements.
Start with the wall construction and finish build-up, because throat size should match the full wall thickness, including board layers and finishes where applicable. Identify the anchor approach: masonry anchors for concrete or block walls, strap anchors for steel studs, wood anchors for wood framing, and retrofit options where you are working with existing conditions.
Yes. We can coordinate preparations for electric strikes, latch guards, and access control requirements when you provide the hardware cut sheets and opening schedule. Planning this at the drawing stage helps avoid field cutting that can damage coatings and create alignment problems.
Match the base material and finish system to the exposure conditions. Cold-rolled steel with primer is common for interior conditioned spaces. Galvanized material is often selected for humid interiors, coastal regions, or semi-exposed vestibules. Stainless steel is chosen for harsh coastal exposure or frequent-cleaning environments.
Provide the wall type and thickness, opening sizes and quantities, and the hardware schedule (especially closers, hinges, and any electrified hardware). If the opening is fire-rated, include the required rating and any specification notes. Also share door thickness and ship-to destination.
MOQ and lead time depend on frame type, gauge, material selection, finish, and preparation complexity. As a guideline, production programs often start around 50-200 sets. Lead time is typically planned from drawing approval because dimensions, anchors, and preparations must be confirmed.
