Bullet Resistant Doors
In environments where safety, security, and regulatory compliance are paramount, bullet resistant doors play a vital role. Widely used in settings such as banks, government facilities, schools, cashier stands, and healthcare institutions, these doors offer protection against ballistic threats while preserving functionality and aesthetics. These doors help building owners and specifiers meet building codes and safety mandates while delivering peace of mind, legal compliance, and enhanced protection.
Manufactured & Tested for Safety
Bullet resistant doors are specially engineered entrance assemblies designed to withstand ballistic impact. Rated under test standards such as UL 752 (Levels 1–10), NIJ 0108.01, or NCEL-MIL-SAMIT, they are constructed with advanced materials such as steel cores and ballistic fiberglass panels designed to stop projectiles and protect occupants and assets.
UL 752 (see chart below) is a test standard for bullet-resisting equipment that covers materials, devices, and assemblies used to form barriers that protect against armed attack. The latest revisions to UL 752 (12th edition) include stricter testing methods and more comprehensive criteria for evaluating bullet resistance. These updates ensure that bullet-resistant materials, including steel doors, meet a higher standard of performance and overall reliability.
A security consultant should analyze the building conditions to determine the appropriate bullet resistance level required for any project.
UL 752 – Standard for Bullet-Resisting Equipment
NOTE: For more information on UL 752 – Standard for Bullet-Resisting Equipment click here.
Benefits of Bullet Resistant Doors
Here’s what makes bullet resistant doors a vital investment:
- Enhanced security – Proven to stop handgun and rifle rounds depending on UL rating, these doors safeguard against forced intrusion and ballistic threats
- Peace of mind – Knowing that a door meets rigorous, independently verified standards offers reassurance to building occupants and owners alike
- Integration with other safety systems – These doors can be combined with fire ratings, sound attenuation (STC), blast resistance, and forced-entry features for multi-layered safety
- Durability and low maintenance – Built with robust materials such as steel or ballistic composites, bullet resistant doors are designed for long-term performance under challenging conditions
Bullet Resistant Door Specifications
These products are not only highly secure but also customizable to fit your design needs. Some manufacturers offer aesthetic options like custom paint or finishes and sizes, vision lites and bullet-resistant glass for transparency. They are also available in pairs, fire-rated, STC rated and blast resistant. Ballistic doors are compatibile with specialized hardware including locks, closers, and hinges that support their added thickness and weight.
The standard that should be specified is often spelled out by whomever is commissioning the project. UL 752 is the most common test method. NIJ 0108.01 is one of the primary specifications used by the government and NCEL-MIL-SAMIT is generally used for military projects.
Bullet resistant doors are available with a variety of cores, such as steel stiffened, honeycomb, and polystyrene. It is only necessary to specify to a performance level and not to a specific core material. Many of the cores are proprietary at the higher levels.
Why Bullet Resistant Doors Matter
Bullet resistant doors are essential components in high-risk or safety-conscious environments. By providing verified ballistic protection, integration with safety standards, and architectural flexibility, they deliver unmatched value—not just in terms of security—but in compliance, functionality, and longevity. Investing in the right door can make the difference between vulnerability and safety in critical situations.
Resources
SDI has developed a variety of resources for architects, specifiers and distributors regarding bullet resistant doors below.
AIA / GBCI Education
Specifying Specialty Steel Doors: A Primer on Fire-Rated, Forced Entry, Acoustic, Stainless Steel and More
Article
Bullet Resistant Assemblies
Article
Doors & Hardware Magazine: Specifying Specialty Steel Doors
Article
Why School Architects are Switching to Steel Doors
FAQ
Bullet resistant FAQ from architects and specifiers
Video
Specifying Bullet Resistant Steel Doors
Manufacturers
The manufacturers below offer bullet resistant doors that are built to SDI standards. Click their logos for more information.
