Last Updated on 23 April 2025 by Tia Ellahi
FD30 Fire Door: What does it mean?
An FD30 fire door is a door that has been tested and certified to withstand fire and smoke for a minimum of 30 minutes under standard conditions.
Looking to improve the safety of your home or rental property? You might have heard about FD30 fire doors, but what exactly are they—and do you really need one? In this article, I’ll break it all down in a simple, no-nonsense way to help you decide what’s right for your project.
Whether it’s about understanding the cost, where you need them, or how they work, I’ve got you covered.
What this article covers..
- What an FD30 fire door actually is and how it works
- Where are FD30 fire doors legally required?
- How much does an FD30 fire door cost?
- Composite vs FD30: What’s the difference?
- FAQs
What Is an FD30 Fire Door?
Let’s start with the basics. An FD30 fire door is a door that’s been tested to hold back fire and smoke for up to 30 minutes. It’s one of the most common fire doors used in homes and apartments across the UK.
But it’s not just the door slab that matters. A true FD30 fire door and frame set includes:
- A fire-rated door leaf (solid or composite core)
- Intumescent seals that expand in heat to block gaps
- Fire-rated hinges, latch, lock, and closer
- A properly rated and fitted frame
Together, these components slow the spread of fire and smoke—giving occupants time to escape and emergency crews time to respond.
Where Are FD30 Fire Doors Required?
You’ll typically need FD30 fire doors in places where fire protection is critical to safety and escape routes. According to UK building regulations:
- Loft conversions often require FD30 internal fire doors on the top floor
- Three-storey houses (including those with lofts) need fire doors between rooms and stairs
- Flats and HMOs must have fire doors FD30 at entrance doors and sometimes kitchen doors
- Between a garage and internal living space
- In new builds and property conversions
Still unsure? A fire risk assessment or building inspector can advise exactly where FD30 fire doors should go in your property.
How Much Does an FD30 Fire Door Cost?
Let’s talk money. FD30 fire door prices depends on a few things:
- Design (e.g., solid vs. glazed fire doors FD30)
- Material (composite, timber, or veneer)
- Fire-rated frame and ironmongery included?
- Supply only vs. supply and fit
At GFD Homes, you can expect prices for FD30 internal fire doors to start around £925 including frame and hardware. Want something more premium like a 4 Panel 1 Arch FD30 fire door? That can push up into the £1,150+ range.
The Importance of the Right Fire Door Frame
Here’s something people often miss: the frame is just as important as the door. A certified FD30 fire door frame ensures the whole system performs as tested.
Cheap or ill-fitted frames can result in gaps, poor fire resistance, or even compliance failures.
At GFD Homes, we only sell FD30 fire doors complete with rated frames and all the seals, hinges, and closers you need to stay compliant.
Composite Door vs. FD30 Fire Door: What’s the Difference?
We get this question a lot, especially from customers browsing composite front doors. So here’s the short version:
- A composite door is designed for thermal efficiency, security, and aesthetics. It combines multiple materials (like uPVC, timber, and foam) for durability and insulation.
- An FD30 fire door, on the other hand, is specifically designed and tested to resist fire for 30 minutes. It may look similar, but it uses fire-rated cores, seals, and certified components.
While some composite doors are fire-rated (like FD30 composite fire doors), not all are. So, if you’re shopping with fire safety in mind—always check for FD30 certification.
Design Options: Yes, Fire Doors Can Look Good!
You don’t have to sacrifice style for safety. Our collection of FD30 fire doors includes:
- Modern or traditional finishes
- Glazed options (glazed fire doors FD30) that still meet safety standards
- Classic 4 panel fire door FD30 designs
- Sleek styles for FD30 external fire doors
So, whether you’re matching your interior decor or going for a contemporary look, you’ve got stylish options that don’t cut corners on safety.
Door Stop FD30 Fire Doors: Safe, Stylish & Ready to Install
At GFD Homes, we proudly supply Door Stop FD30 fire doors, ideal for flat entrances, apartment buildings, and internal garage doors. These doors are:
- FD30 accredited and PAS24 certified, making them suitable for both replacement and new build projects
- Supplied setup and hung, straight from the factory for easy installation
- Delivered with full certification paperwork for compliance peace of mind
They’re also fully smoke tested to BS EN 1634-3, and each unit comes with the required intumescent strips for safe, regulation-ready fitting.
Installer note: Upon ordering, the installer must sign a disclaimer confirming the door will be fitted to current government fire safety standards. Manufacture cannot proceed without this.
You can choose from:
- 11 stunning Door Stop colours, with mix & match options on either side of the slab
- 10 best-selling traditional and cottage-style designs
- White or grey frames to complement your look
Finance options are also available—spread the cost with flexible packages to suit your budget.
Choose GFD Homes for Your FD30 Fire Door Needs
Looking to upgrade your property with a certified FD30 fire door? Whether you’re working on a new build, refurbishment, or replacing an existing door, we’re confident we can supply you with the perfect fire-rated solution to meet your needs. All our FD30 fire doors are available supply-only and come fully certified, with a wide choice of colours, designs, and frame options ready to install.
If you’ve still got questions, don’t worry—we’re here to help. Call our expert team on 01642 309576 for guidance, or head over to our online door designer to get a quote within minutes.
Want to explore further? Our blog features a range of helpful articles covering everything from fire door regulations to choosing between FD30 and FD60 doors—perfect for brushing up before you buy.
FAQs about FD30 Fire Door
What does FD30 mean on a fire door?
It means the door has been tested to resist fire for 30 minutes under British Standard fire testing conditions. It slows the spread of fire and smoke.
How to tell the difference between FD30 and FD60?
FD60 doors are thicker and rated for 60 minutes of protection. Look for labels or certifications, usually on the top edge of the door, to confirm the rating.
Are FD30 fire doors self-closing?
Usually, yes—especially in flats or HMOs. A fire door closer helps ensure the door automatically shuts, which is essential for its performance during a fire.
Need more info? We’ve got a whole doorway of articles for you..
- Door Store: Secrets Local Retailers Don’t Want You to Know
- Fire Door: How to Choose the Right One for Your Home or Project
- Trade fd30 Fire Door: looking for trade prices? Visit our trade site, The Trade Village.
