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Steel Doors Guide

When selecting doors for commercial, industrial, or retail buildings, the choice is often between standard solutions that need to be replaced after just a few years and specialized steel doors that last for decades.

However, the term “steel door” encompasses everything from simple sheet-metal doors to advanced, certified security solutions. This guide will help you navigate the regulations, classifications, and materials so you can make the right choice the first time.

What is the difference between a steel door and a security door?

Many people use these terms interchangeably, but the difference is important for your insurance.

A standard steel door is sturdy, hygienic, and durable. It is ideal for interior doors, food production facilities, or high-traffic areas.

A security door is a steel door that has been tested and certified in accordance with the EN 1627 standard.

Two white hinged doors that also function as fire doors

Rule of thumb: If you need to secure valuable assets (warehouse, server rooms, back entrances), insurance typically requires at least an RC3 rating. This means that the door has been tested to withstand active break-in attempts using tools for at least 5 minutes.

At DAN-doors , we DAN-doors RC3 and RC4 doors that look like standard steel doors but feature reinforced frames, lock cases, and door panels for maximum strength.

View our selection of certified security doors

Custom-made certified fire doors—is that possible?

A common misconception is that certified fire doors are only available in standard sizes. While this is true for many suppliers, it is not necessarily the case with us.

Because we manufacture in our own workshop in Skanderborg, we hold certifications that allow for custom dimensions. This means you can get a CE-marked fire door (EI30 or EI60) that is tailored to fit your exact wall opening—without compromising the certification!

Important information about the law:

  • Front doors: Must be CE marked in accordance with EN 16034 as of 2019.
  • Interior doors: May still be approved under BS60 (Danish standard) if used for pedestrian traffic.

We always advise you on the specific approvals required for your location, so you can avoid issues during a fire inspection.

Learn more about our fire-rated steel doors

Choosing Materials: When Should You Choose Stainless Steel?

Steel isn't just steel. The choice of alloy determines whether your door will last 5 or 30 years.

Environment Recommended steel grade Why?
Office / Dry storage Galvanized / Painted Durable and economical. Can be painted in any RAL color.
Kitchen / Light Industry Stainless steel (AISI 304) A hygienic surface that withstands cleaning.
Slaughterhouse / Swimming Pool / Coastal Acid-resistant stainless steel (AISI 316) “Offshore-grade.” Resists salt, chlorine, and harsh chemicals without rusting.

Many of our AISI 316 doors from the 1990s are still in use at Danish food companies and continue to function flawlessly today.

Are steel doors just “ugly industrial doors”?

No. The days when a steel door looked like a prison gate are over. A modern steel door must be secure and durable, but it must also complement the architecture.

For offices and retail stores, we provide branding solutions that include: 

  • Large glass panels to let in light
  • Powder coating in exactly the color the architect wants
  • Design features and concealed hinges

This means you get the raw strength and durability of steel, but with a look that fits seamlessly into a modern office environment. We also offer automated door systems, so the doors integrate naturally into the building’s flow.

DAN-doors makes stainless steel doors of the highest quality. Our steel doors are designed to withstand the wear and tear that our customers experience every day, and we are proud that many of our solutions are still in use after several decades.

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Qualities and properties of steel doors

Strength
Steel is an extremely strong material that can withstand heavy loads without yielding or cracking. Due to its high strength and durability, steel is an ideal material for heavy constructions where materials need to withstand years of heavy use.
Reusability
Steel can be recycled without losing its strength or quality properties. This makes it a material with a long lifespan and minimal waste, while reducing the demand for raw materials.
Moldability
Steel can be shaped into almost anything with millimeter precision - even in extremely large sizes. This flexibility provides a good basis for creating customized solutions of all sizes in a cost-effective way.
Easy to clean
Steel is a pure, chemical-free material. This makes it ideal for places with strict hygiene requirements, such as sterile environments or in the food industry, where they need to withstand heavy-duty cleaning.
Minimal maintenance

Steel is maintenance-free and does not require preventive (and time-consuming) maintenance to ensure a longer lifespan.

3 things to consider beyond “just a door”

A modern steel door is part of the building’s smart management system. Don’t forget to consider:

Access Control (ADK): Do you want the door to integrate with your alarm system? We install doors with motorized locks and wired connections so you can avoid unsightly retrofits.

Sound insulation: Steel can be noisy or completely silent. Our structures can be soundproofed, which is essential for offices or technical rooms located near workspaces.

Installation: A poorly installed steel door loses its certification. Is the frame cast, welded, or screwed? That determines its strength.

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Installation, regulations, and maintenance of steel doors

Proper installation is essential for the door’s performance and lifespan. We provide guidance on installation and adjustment so you can ensure optimal performance throughout the door’s lifespan.

At the same time, we help you navigate the regulations so that your choices comply with current building codes and insurance requirements. The documentation is provided along with the products, ready for use in your project.

Do you have a specific project? Send us the drawings, and we'll review the requirements for you.

Get technical advice here

Steel doors for construction and large-scale projects

Construction projects place high demands on flexibility, delivery times, and technical expertise. We work with contractors across the country and supply both standard and custom-made steel doors for large-scale construction projects.

Precision and coordination are essential here. We understand the construction process and know that a delayed door can bring an entire project to a standstill. That is why we take our delivery times and project management just as seriously as the quality of our steel.

Explore our case studies

Solutions for Retail and warehouse

In retail stores and warehouses, the right door solution is all about reliability and physical security. Our steel doors combine high security (RC3/RC4) with functionality for everyday use.

From staff doors to heavy-duty industrial doors that can withstand forklift traffic; we ensure that your goods are securely locked away while keeping your logistics operations running smoothly.

See solutions for warehouse logistics

FAQ: Quick and Easy

Can I get a fire door with glass?Yes, we supply fire-rated steel doors with approved glass panels, so you can maintain a clear view and let in light.

How much does a custom-made steel door cost? The price depends on the dimensions, fire rating, and type of steel. But remember to calculate the Total Cost of Ownership: A DAN-doors typically lasts 3–4 times longer than cheaper alternatives, making it the most cost-effective option in the long run.

Are your doors manufactured in Denmark? Our main production and development facilities are located in Skanderborg. For certain specialized projects, we collaborate with trusted partners in countries such as Estonia, who meet our strict quality standards.

Are you left with questions?

Every day, our skilled team of different specialists advise and put together solutions for our customers.

Please contact us if you would like us to help you with your project. Call us today or send us an email and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you find the right solution.

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