Installing a wooden fire-rated door in your HDB flat is more than just a design upgrade—it’s a critical safety measure. These doors are specifically engineered to slow the spread of fire and smoke, giving residents extra time to evacuate in emergencies.

However, in Singapore, installing a fire-rated main door requires careful planning and strict compliance with HDB and SCDF regulations. According to HDB’s renovation guidelines, any modification or replacement of your flat’s main entrance, including fire-rated doors, must be approved before installation. This guide explains everything you need to know: the approval process, HDB rules, installation requirements, certification standards, and best practices for maintaining your wooden fire-rated door.

HDB Rules and Requirements for Installing Wooden Fire-Rated Doors

HDB sets strict standards for all doors along fire escape routes to ensure building safety. According to HDB renovation guidelines, any main entrance door facing a corridor or lift lobby requires proper approval before replacement or installation. These rules apply to all main entrance doors facing common corridors or lift lobbies. Wooden fire-rated doors must comply with fire resistance ratings, use certified materials, and be installed only by qualified contractors.

Key requirements include:

• Fire Resistance: Doors must have a minimum 30-minute fire rating. This ensures the door slows the spread of fire and smoke, as required by SCDF fire safety standards.
• Hardware Compliance: Hinges, locks, handles, and intumescent seals. For example, digital locks must be fire-rated, as non-certified locks can compromise safety.” (HDB Renovation Guidelines)
• Licensed Installation: Only HDB-approved contractors can carry out installation.

Why HDB Approval Is Necessary

Obtaining HDB approval is mandatory for any fire-rated door installation in an HDB flat. The reasons are:

1. Legal Compliance: Installing a door without approval violates HDB regulations.
2. Safety Assurance: Approval ensures that the door meets SCDF fire safety standards.
3. Long-Term Maintenance: Approved doors follow strict guidelines, making inspections and repairs straightforward.

Step-by-Step Process to Get HDB Approval

Follow these steps to ensure your wooden fire-rated door is fully compliant:

Step 1: Determine If Your Flat Requires a Fire-Rated Door

Check the location of your flat. Doors facing public corridors, staircases, or lift lobbies typically require fire-rated doors. If your main door does not face these areas, it may not require approval, but installing one is still recommended for safety.

Step 2: Choose a Certified Supplier

When choosing a supplier, make sure they offer:

• Fire-resistance certification
• Details of the door frame, materials, and seals
• Installation instructions

Step 3: Prepare Documentation

HDB requires several documents for approval. Check here

Step 4: Submit Application via HDB Renovation Portal

Upload all required documents through HDB’s Renovation Portal. Double-check all details to avoid delays.

Step 5: HDB Review

HDB will review the documents and verify compliance with fire safety standards. Once approved, you will receive a permit to proceed with installation.

Step 6: Installation

A licensed contractor must install the door according to specifications. Key points during installation:

• Ensure proper alignment with the frame
• Use certified locks

Step 7: Inspection

After installation, HDB may inspect the door to confirm compliance. Keep all certificates and receipts for future reference.

Tips for Choosing the Right Wooden Fire-Rated Door

• Verify fire rating certification before purchasing.
• Work with HDB-approved contractors only.
• Ensure compatibility with certified digital locks
• Confirm the door fits your flat’s dimensions and corridor clearance.

Ready to Install Your Fire-Rated Door?

If you’re ready, we handle everything for you:

• HDB approval and permits
• Delivery to your flat

We take care of the whole process, so you don’t have to worry. Safe, easy, and fully compliant.