Aluminum Frames

Aluminum frames are usually part of a system designed for both doors and windows and might, in fact, form the entire wall. They are suitable for interior situations where the intent is to maximize the penetration of daylight into rooms. They can integrate into standard drywall partitions but can also be adapted to accommodate varying wall conditions such as angled, segmented, and radiused frame configurations. It is possible to choose standard or custom anodized finishes, or electrostatically applied painted finishes as may suit the design intent of the rooms.

Aluminum frame systems allow for interior doors and windows to provide large amounts of daylight to spread through a building interior. Photo courtesy of ASSA ABLOY

In terms of the actual aluminum frame elements, there are two types. A classic system frame—the original frame system in the industry—screws into a gypsum board partition and requires taping and floating to finish. Classic systems can accommodate ¼-inch and 3/8-inch single glazing. By contrast, a trim-style system frame is a modular system that was developed for greater versatility and strength, and easier installation. It uses snap-on trim that conceals the fasteners and provides clean design lines. Trim-style frames are installed after the walls are finished and painted, which removes it from critical path scheduling and makes it very appropriate for design-build or fast-track fit-out projects. Trim-style systems can accommodate 1¼-inch, 3/8-inch, and ½-inch single glazing.

Wood Casings

In design situations where wood is the preferred frame material, wood casings form the door frames and are installed around the exposed faces of the door opening. The junction of the wood casing and the wall may or may not then be covered with separate pieces of wood trim in whatever profile is desired. In many cases, the use of wood is the most appropriate to be consistent with an overall design scheme. There is a misperception that they can only be used in cases where a fire rating is not required. However, since both non-rated and fire-rated frames and jambs are in fact readily available, their use does not need to be restricted because of fire rating concerns. Frames and jambs are available with 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, and 90-minute ratings. Full frames are rated under positive or neutral pressure and in the case of using jambs only, they need to meet or exceed the rating of the door.

Doors—Filling the Void

With the frame appropriately integrated into the wall, the door itself needs to be selected next. Here, a deliberate choice can be made based on the overall design criteria and it is very likely that all code and functional requirements can be met within that selection. Of course, different door types and styles will appeal to different design situations, but some of the common choices and characteristics are explained as follows:

Hollow Metal Doors

As with frames, metal is a common material choice. The door faces are available in primed or pre-painted metal while unfinished stainless steel is also an option. The faces can be smooth or patterned of course, and for situations where the durability of steel is needed but a wood-like appearance is preferred, then it is even possible to specify an embossed wood-grain pattern on a metal door.