Manhattan Charlton Handle

Period homes are full of charm, but bringing them up to modern safety standards can feel like a challenge. If you’re considering internal Victorian or period fire doors, this guide will help you retain character without compromising compliance. Why Choose Victorian or Period Fire Doors? Victorian and Edwardian houses are celebrated for their ornate style: panelled doors, intricate mouldings and period glazing all help define that heritage look. However, many original doors in period homes do not meet today’s fire safety requirements. Installing Victorian fire doors or period-style fire doors means you get: The look and feel of traditional design Modern fire resistance (typically FD30) Compliance with UK safety regulations and peace of mind Internal Doors offers a Fire Victorian Doors range, all FD30 rated, so you can preserve your home's period aesthetics while staying safe. What Do Victorian Fire Doors Look Like? Classic Victorian-style doors have several defining features including panelled design. Typically four or six panels, often with raised or moulded profiles.  Can You Get Glazed Victorian Fire Doors? Yes, glazing is a popular way to retain light flow in older homes, especially in Victorian terraced or semi-detached houses where internal corridors can be dark. Important considerations: The glass must be fire-rated (i.e. tested to withstand heat, maintain integrity, resist smoke) rather than regular float glass. At Internal Doors we offer glazed doors with FD30 fire-rated glazing. Framing, hinges and seals around the glazed panels must also be fire-certified. So a Victorian glazed fire door can give you period aesthetics and safety, provided all components are compliant. What About Edwardian Style Fire Doors? Edwardian style tends to be a little simpler than Victorian: cleaner, more symmetrical panel layouts less ornate mouldings and less carving sometimes flatter panels, or simpler glazing patterns Edwardian style fire doors are great if you want a period feel without a heavy decorative look. They often blend more easily with modern interiors while still satisfying fire door regulations. Do Period Fire Doors Comply with Safety Standards? Absolutely, but only if they are properly specified and installed. Internal Doors’ fire door range is built with FD30 and FD60 fire ratings. Remember: even a beautifully styled fire door loses effectiveness if fitted wrongly, or if non-rated glass/seals/hardware are used. Shop Internal Doors’ Victorian Fire Doors If you own a period home and love the Victorian or Edwardian style, you don’t have to choose between beauty and safety. By selecting period fire doors that are properly built, using fire-rated cores, accessories and hardware, you can retain architectural character and comply with UK fire door regulations.

Fire doors are much more than just thicker doors. They are purpose-built doors engineered to resist fire and smoke for a set period. Understanding what fire doors are made of, what fire door core materials are used and how they’re constructed will help you choose the right one for your home or workplace. What Materials Are Fire Doors Made From? Internal Doors offers a wide variety of fire doors by material and finish. Core materials commonly used in fire doors are: Calcium silicate core: A non-combustible, dense material used in many Internal Doors fire-rated engineered doors. It’s particularly resistant to fire damage. Engineered solid core / laminated cores: These are timber-based constructions using layers of timber and engineered wood bonded together for strength and stability under heat. Some fire doors have solid oak lippings or thick veneers over these cores. Fire-resistant composite or chipboard cores: These cores combine wood fibres or particles with fire retardants. They’re less expensive but still capable of meeting FD ratings if properly manufactured and certified. In addition to the core, other materials play a critical role: Intumescent strips/seals: Around the edges of the door frame. These expand under heat to seal gaps and stop fire/smoke spread. Fire-rated metal hardware: Hinges, locks and handles must all be certified to work under fire conditions. If you install non-rated hardware, the overall fire door performance can be compromised. Fire-rated glazing: When glazed panels are included, the glass must be fire-rated. The framing around the glass must also be compatible with the fire rating test. What Are FD30 Fire Doors Made Of? The specification “FD30” means the door is tested to resist fire (both flames and smoke) for at least 30 minutes. To achieve that: Doors typically have a minimum thickness requirement; many FD30 internal fire doors are 44 mm thick. The core is often of the types mentioned above: engineered wood, calcium silicate or a fire-resistant composite. Intumescent seals are fitted along the edges. These are essential for the integrity of the rated door under fire. All hardware (hinges, handles etc.) must also be tested for FD30 performance. If glazed, fire-rated glazing is used and sealed properly within the framing. Why Does Fire Door Material Matter? Understanding fire door materials and construction matters because: It determines how long a door will resist fire (the FD rating), which is crucial in giving people time to escape and delaying fire spread. Using the wrong core, or non-rated hardware or poorly glazed panels can invalidate the certification. Material choice also affects durability, finish, maintenance and how the door complements your interiors: e.g., oak veneer looks very different from primed or painted finishes. At Internal Doors we offer multiple finishes (oak, walnut, veneer etc.) so you don’t have to compromise style.

Replacing an interior door can dramatically improve the look of a room, but the installation process is where many projects go wrong. Even a high-quality door won’t perform well if it’s poorly fitted. To help, at Internal Doors, we have outlined the most common mistakes people make when installing an internal door and how to avoid them. We would always recommend hiring a qualified carpenter or joiner to carry out the installation, as this is not generally a task suited to DIY. Professional fitting ensures your door operates smoothly, lasts longer and avoids the costly mistakes many homeowners make. Why Do Interior Door Installations Go Wrong? Often, issues arise from underestimating the job. Installing a door requires precise measuring, careful trimming and the right hardware. Overlooking small details can lead to sticking doors, uneven gaps, or worse, damage that shortens the life of the door. Do You Measure Properly Before Installation? One of the biggest mistakes when replacing interior doors is assuming a “standard” size will fit. Frames are rarely perfectly square, especially in older homes. Always measure the height and width in several places and check the diagonals to ensure squareness. If adjustments are needed, trim the door gradually and test frequently. Should You Trim Before Test Fitting? Another common error is trimming the door too soon. Always test fit the door in the frame first. Only trim where necessary, and reseal any cut edges immediately to protect against moisture. This is especially important with oak veneer doors, which have thinner layers that must be handled carefully. Are Hinges and Handles Fitted Correctly? Incorrect hinge placement is a frequent cause of doors sagging or catching. Hinges should be evenly spaced, set into neat recesses and aligned carefully. Similarly, fitting door handles and ironmongery without proper measurement can result in uneven or awkward finishes. Investing in quality hardware not only ensures smooth operation but also complements the style of your chosen internal door. Do You Seal the Edges? Skipping edge sealing is one of the costliest mistakes. Moisture can seep into unprotected edges, causing swelling or warping. Whether you’re fitting a solid oak door or a veneer option, sealing every edge is essential. What About the Frame? When replacing interior doors, many people forget to inspect the frame itself. A warped or damaged frame will compromise even the best installation. Where needed, replace or repair the frame for a long-lasting result. Final Tips for Interior Door Installation Take your time, use the right tools and follow manufacturer guidance closely. However, for best results, we strongly advise leaving the work to an experienced professional rather than attempting a DIY approach. By avoiding these common mistakes, your new doors will fit perfectly, look stunning and perform reliably. Explore our full range of internal oak doors, oak veneer doors and handles to find the perfect combination for your home.