In 2025, the common hollow metal door frame types are masonry, drywall, welded, and knock-down. Masonry frames are strong and used in brick or concrete walls. Drywall frames are made for indoor walls. Welded frames come ready to install. Knock-down frames come in pieces and are easy to carry and put together.
Each hollow metal door frame type is specially used. Masonry is best for outdoor or fire-safe walls. Drywall suits homes and offices. Welded frames are strong for busy spots. Knock-down frames are easy to install. It’s smart to ask a garage door company to help you choose the right one.
What Are Hollow Metal Door Frames
Hollow metal door frames are made from strong metal like steel and have a space inside. This makes them strong but not too heavy. They can handle bumps, fire, and daily use, so they work well in busy places like schools, hospitals, and offices that need extra safety.
There are many kinds of hollow metal door frames. To pick the best one, consider how you want it to look, what safety rules you must follow, and what the door needs to do. These frames are a good mix of strength, safety, and style for many buildings.
Different Hollow Metal Door Frame Types in 2025
Hollow metal door frames come in various types to suit different buildings, uses, and installation needs. Here are the most common types of frames you’ll see in 2025:
1. Knock-Down Frames (KD Frames)
Knock-down frames are made of separate parts and assembled on-site. They are easy to move and great for big jobs. Common in schools and offices, these frames now have better locks that help them fit together well and stay strong.
2. Welded Frames
Welded frames are made as one solid piece in the factory. They are strong and long-lasting, perfect for banks and secure buildings. New welding methods make them even stronger and help stop bending or damage, making them a smart choice for safety.
3. Slip-On Frames
Slip-on frames cover walls already in place, so there is no need to tear anything down. They’re great for updates in stores and hotels. These frames are easy to install and now have adjustable sides to fit walls of different thicknesses.
Top Benefits of Hollow Metal Door Frames
Hollow metal door frames are a wise choice for many buildings because they are strong, safe, and long-lasting. Below are their top key benefits:
1. Durability and Strength
Hollow metal door frames are made from strong steel that holds up well over time. They can handle heavy use in busy areas and won’t get damaged easily. These frames are great for buildings where strength and long-lasting materials are needed.
2. Fire Resistance
Many hollow metal frames are fire-rated, which can slow the spread of fire and smoke. This gives people more time to escape safely. Fire-resistant frames are often required in buildings for added safety and code compliance.
3. Security
Steel is a tough material, which makes hollow metal frames harder to break or force open. They provide better protection against intruders, making them ideal for schools, offices, hospitals, and other places where high security is important for safety.
4. Low Maintenance
Unlike wood, hollow metal frames don’t rot, warp, or crack over time. They only need basic cleaning and a bit of touch-up paint to stay in good condition. This makes them a bright and low-maintenance option for busy buildings and homes.
5. Design Flexibility
These door frames come in many sizes, colors, and finishes. They can be customized to match any design or space, whether modern or traditional. Builders and designers often choose them because they’re easily adjusted for style or function.
6. Sound and Thermal Insulation
Some hollow metal frames have insulation inside that helps block outside noise and keeps indoor temperatures steady. This makes them an excellent choice for homes, offices, and schools where quiet spaces and better energy savings are needed daily.
7. Cost-Effective
While the initial price of metal door frames may be higher, they last much longer and need fewer repairs. Over time, this saves money on maintenance and replacements. That’s why many builders see them as a smart, long-term investment.
8. Eco-Friendly Option
Hollow metal door frames are often made from recycled steel, which helps reduce waste and support green building practices. Since they last a long time and can be recycled again, they are a good eco-friendly option for construction projects.
Choosing the Right Frame for Your Project
Selecting the best hollow metal door frame types depends on several factors:
1. Building Codes & Rules
Some areas have rules that require fire-rated metal door frames for safety. These frames help slow down fire and smoke during an emergency. Before choosing a frame, make sure it follows your local building codes to keep your space safe and approved.
2. Security Needs
Welded metal door frames are stronger and harder to break. They’re a good choice if you want more protection for your home or business. These frames are often used in schools, banks, and stores where safety and keeping people out is very important.
3. Style Preferences
Custom metal frames are a great choice if you want your door to look a certain way. You can pick the size, color, and shape to match your design. They work well in homes, offices, and stores that want style and strength.
4. Weather Conditions
For places with a lot of moisture, like near the sea or in kitchens, stainless steel metal frames are best. They don’t rust or break down easily. These frames stay strong and look good even in wet or harsh environments, lasting much longer.
Future Trends in Hollow Metal Door Frames
As building design evolves, hollow metal door frames are also changing. New trends focus on saving energy, improving safety, and supporting smart building technology.
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Made with recycled steel and low-emission finishes to support green building goals and reduce waste.
- Energy-Efficient Designs: Built-in insulation and thermal breaks help lower heating and cooling costs.
- Smart Access Integration: Supports electronic locks, card readers, and keypads for easier building automation.
- Modular and Flexible Frame Systems: Designed for easy upgrades or adjustments without full removal, ideal for future space changes.
- Improved Fire and Sound Ratings: Offers better protection and comfort, perfect for offices, schools, and hospitals.
- Antimicrobial Coatings: Helps stop the spread of bacteria, and is great for medical and food-service environments.
- Custom Finishes and Styles: Available in various colors and textures to match modern design needs without losing strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a metal frame around a door called?
A metal frame around a door is called a door frame or a metal door frame. In commercial buildings, it’s often called a hollow metal frame. It holds the door in place and is usually made from steel for strength and fire resistance.
What metal is used for door frames?
Steel is the most common metal for door frames because it’s strong, durable, and fire-resistant. Galvanized steel is often used to prevent rust. In some cases, aluminum is used for lighter-weight doors or in places where rust resistance is more important than strength.
What is the trim around a door called?
The trim around a door is called casing. It covers the gap between the wall and the door frame, giving a clean, finished look. Depending on your style, casing can be decorative or straightforward and made of wood, MDF, or other materials.
What is the edge around a door called?
The edge around a door is called the door jamb. The part of the frame touches the door when it’s closed. The jamb supports the hinges, holds the strike plate, and helps keep the door aligned and sealed correctly.
What is the metal plate on a door called?
A strike plate is a metal plate attached to the door frame that catches the latch or bolt when the door is closed. It helps keep the door shut and strengthens the lock area for better security.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hollow metal door frame type improves safety, looks, and function in any space. We offer strong frames for all needs, including masonry, drywall, welded, and knock-down. Our team helps match each frame to your building for the best results.
We also provide trusted garage repair services to keep your doors working well. Our team handles everything from start to finish with care. Each job is done right using strong materials and simple steps that save time and money.
Doorways offers top-quality doors, frames, and expert support for every project, big or small. From choosing the right hollow metal door frame types to handling garage door repairs, our team is ready to help. Call 228.832.88570 today for reliable service you can count on.
End Note
If you are looking for trusted door solutions, Doorways is here to help. We offer strong hollow metal doors and frames for businesses and easy-to-use garage door openers for homes. Visit our website to see all the services and products we provide.
Learn more about our team and what we do on the About Us page. To grow your career, look at our job openings on the Careers page. For helpful tips and updates, read our blog filled with useful door care advice.
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