Brand garage ENTRY door recommendation needed.

[TeamTruett]

I will be replacing my fire rated entry door. The big box stores do not carry them in stock so it's a "special order" that's not returnable or carry a restocking fee. I do not like to buy an item like this "site unseen". Has anyone here replaced their door? Can you recommend a brand or tell me to steer clear of a brand?

 

[d300]

Places like Habitat for Humanity often have rated doors available. I have bought some pretty nice pieces from my local HFH restore. Changing the hinge location is easy if needed.

 

[6768rogues]

Places like Habitat for Humanity often have rated doors available. I have bought some pretty nice pieces from my local HFH restore. Changing the hinge location is easy if needed.

Changing the hinge location or any other field modification renders the fire rating null and void.

 

[Dzlpete]

A solid 1 3/4" wood door used to, and pretty sure still does meet the fire code, which should be a 20 minute rating for house to garage. The 1 3/4" really only applies to the stiles and rails, as the panels are usually thinned down where they are captured in the stiles and rails.
Your best bet is to visit your local contractor's lumberyard and talk to them, they usually have several styles in stock. Stay away from the big box stores

 

[wssix99]

I wouldn't worry about it. The unit will need to be certified; door, frame, and all. From what I've seen, there isn't a lot of differentiation in the construction of them other than the installation method for the jamb systems. (You can only get such a fire rating with wood and then you need to move up to metal, etc.)

I would ask for the brand name of the door you are getting and then look at the manufacturer's materials before buying. This also might be one of those things to purchase from a bona fide lumber yard (which sees these go through the building all the time) vs. a big box store. The folks who work there should be able to tell you about the product they are selling you.

 

[ncboat]

I don't know what "big box" store you have approached but my local Lowes takes back SOS items all the time. I shop the SOS returns when ever I in there. My entry door is a return.

 

[The Cobbler]

I agree with the field modified = lose fire rating .
when we do doors we have to order them all prepped and very little planing is allowed . hinge locates, lock & passage preps etc all have to be identified to the supplier.
check to see what you really need there.
my area all that is required in residential is a solid 1-3/4" door ( metal with urethane foam insulation is fine) and a self closing device so the door latches on it's own power