Guide · 6 min read
Door specification checklist for builders and architects
Twelve decisions to lock before you send a door tender, so every quote you get back is for the same door.
Quick answerA complete door specification states the shutter type, core, face, thickness, frame, fire rating, acoustic rating, hardware preparation, sizes, finish samples, documents and delivery plan for every door type in the building. Lock these 12 points before tendering and you can compare quotes like for like.
Why most door tenders go wrong
Two quotes for "laminated doors, 35 mm" can describe completely different doors: different cores, glues, laminates and frames. The cheaper quote is often the weaker door. A tight specification removes that guesswork.
The 12-point checklist
- Door schedule: every opening listed by type, size, hand and quantity
- Shutter type: veneer, laminated, Neo Classic or fire-rated
- Core: tubular particle (e.g. Sauerland), solid particle or solid wood
- Frame inside the shutter: kiln-dried, treated pine from plantation-certified sources
- Face: veneer species or HPL laminate code, with finish codes
- Thickness: 32, 35, 37 or 40 mm by door type
- Adhesives: E1 low-emission glue; D3 moisture-resistant bonding for wet areas
- Door frame: wooden, laminated or LVL, section size, made to the opening
- Fire rating: 30, 60 or 120 minutes per door, as your fire consultant specifies
- Acoustic rating: where privacy matters: hotels, hospitals, meeting rooms
- Hardware preparation: factory cutting for locks and hinges, hinge count (three per shutter, four for tall or heavy doors)
- Samples, documents and delivery: finish samples, a sample door, test reports, packing and a delivery plan matched to your site
Which door goes where
| Area | Recommended door |
|---|---|
| Main entrance | Veneer, Neo Classic or laminated; fire-rated where required |
| Bedrooms | Laminated or veneer |
| Bathrooms | Laminated with D3 bonding, laminated frame |
| Stairs and lobbies | 30–120 minute fire doors |
| Hospitals and schools | HPL laminated for hygiene and durability |
Sizes to plan around
Dormak makes standard widths from 24 to 48 inches and heights from 72 to 96 inches, and custom sizes to drawing. See our standard door sizes guide for mm, inch and feet conversions.
Before you sign the order
- Approve a finish sample under site lighting
- Approve one sample door from production
- Collect test reports for any fire-rated doors
- Agree delivery batches with your construction schedule
- Confirm storage: flat, dry and indoors until hanging
Talk to DormakDormak has made doors in Jaipur for 18 years and delivered 2.4 million of them. Send your door schedule to info@dormak.com, WhatsApp +91 92514 41023, or request a quote.