The Trusted Authority on
Steel Doors & Frames
Resources
PERFORMANCE & TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Developing and updating standards and test procedures for the door and hardware industry
Drawings & Models
Creating a complete collection of downloadable resources including door models & frame details
INSTALLATION EXPERTISE
Providing free videos, manuals, and articles on steel door & frame installation
Door Selector
Providing an easy to use door selector tool to help you choose the perfect door openings for your next project
QUALITY CERTIFICATION
Ensuring manufacturers meet our rigorous door and frame manufacturing requirements & performance standards
EDUCATION & RESOURCES
Producing door & frame industry specifications and continuing education courses that are recognized by AIA, GBCI & WELL
Featured Technical Insights
Explore the SDI’s expert guidance on steel doors and frames, building codes, performance standards, and emerging design challenges.
Our technical articles help architects and specifiers make informed decisions throughout every stage of a project.
How Secured School Doors Saved Lives
Discover new groundbreaking research on how steel door assemblies contributed to life safety during real-world school emergencies.
Fire Doors in Area Separation Fire Walls
Clarify code requirements and understand where fire door assemblies are appropriate in area separation fire walls.
Seasonal Storm Prep
Learn why hurricane-resistant and tornado-resistant steel door assemblies are essential for resilient building design.
Steel Doors & Frames for Data Centers
Explore specification considerations for security, durability, fire protection, and reliability in today’s data centers.
SDI Certified Manufacturers
The only way to guarantee you’re getting doors and frames built to Steel Door Institute standards is by choosing an SDI member manufacturer. Every member is audited for quality, performance, and manufacturing standards—and every product is 100% made in America.
Specialty Steel Door Types
Steel doors and frames are no longer just standard, they’re manufactured for both performance and aesthetics. From fire-rated to bullet, blast, and acoustic options, there’s a opening solution for every need.
Fire-Rated Steel Doors
Specially constructed doors that are designed to withstand high heat and prevent the spread of flames and smoke for up to 3 hours
Acoustic Steel Doors
Engineered with sound-dampening materials to reduce noise transmission – commonly used in environments requiring privacy & quiet
Custom Steel Doors
Tailored to meet unique specifications for size, style, function, or performance in various specialized applications
Steel Door & Frame Installation Made Easy
Improper installation causes more problems than the doors themselves.
Explore videos, manuals, and tips from the Steel Door Institute that show how to install and troubleshoot steel doors and frames the right way.
Step-by-Step Prep & Installation Guides
Learn how to install steel doors and frames in masonry, stud, or drywall openings with clear videos and manuals
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Fix common problems like binding, gaps, and out-of-square frames with easy-to-follow solutions
Pro Tips for Grouting, Welding & Storage
Avoid costly mistakes with expert advice on jobsite storage, frame welding, and when (not) to grout
Fire-Rated Door Specs & Field Prep
Understand fire code basics, inspection checklists, and best practices for prepping fire-rated assemblies