Upgrading your fire doors might not seem urgent—but when it comes to safety, design, and compliance, it’s a smart move. Many older buildings still have outdated fire doors that no longer meet today’s standards. Some are worn out, others lack proper seals, and a few don’t even close properly. Modern commercial and residential fire doors are made to do more than just meet code. They’re stronger, more reliable, and designed with both safety and style in mind.
They help contain fires, reduce smoke spread, and can save lives in emergencies. Whether you manage an office, a retail store, or a residential apartment block, keeping your fire doors up to date is essential.
Beyond safety, newer doors offer improved durability, better energy efficiency, and modern aesthetics that fit today’s interiors. Thanks to better manufacturing options, you don’t have to choose between function and looks anymore.
Enhanced Safety with New Fire Rated Board Technology
Stronger, Safer Materials for Better Protection
One of the biggest advantages of newer fire doors is the materials used inside them—especially fire rated board. This board forms the solid core of the door and is specially made to resist high heat, helping prevent fire from spreading through rooms or hallways. Unlike older doors that may be hollow or filled with outdated materials, today’s fire-rated boards are tested to Australian standards. They’re built to hold out against fire for a specific amount of time—commonly 30, 60, or 90 minutes—giving people time to evacuate and firefighters time to act.
In both commercial and residential settings, this makes a huge difference. Whether it’s a retail storeroom or a residential apartment entry, commercial and residential fire doors with quality fire rated board can protect lives and reduce damage. So if your current doors are damaged, aged, or just uncertain in origin, upgrading to modern doors with proper board construction is a practical and safer option.
Style Meets Function: Choosing a Veneer Door That Looks Good and Performs Well
Function used to be the only thing that mattered for fire doors—but not anymore. Today’s fire doors can also look good. With design-forward options like a veneer door, property owners can blend safety with visual appeal. Veneer door designs use thin, natural timber layers on the surface of the door to create a premium look. You get the safety of a fire-rated core, but the appearance of a stylish timber door. This is especially useful in commercial settings where aesthetics matter—like reception areas, corporate boardrooms, or boutique shopfronts.
You can also choose from a wide range of timber veneer sheets to match your brand colours, flooring, or existing interiors. These sheets come in various species and finishes, from natural oak to rich walnut tones. Upgrading your fire doors doesn’t mean sacrificing style.
With the right combination of materials—like a fire rated board core and a decorative timber veneer sheet—you get safety, compliance, and a professional look all in one.
Decorative Upgrades: How Burl Veneer Adds Character to Fire Doors
A Stylish Touch That Doesn’t Sacrifice Safety
If you’re upgrading fire doors in a more visible or design-focused space, why not consider burl veneer? This decorative timber surface offers a unique, eye-catching pattern formed naturally in the wood. It’s often used in executive offices, boutique buildings, or luxury apartments to bring in texture and warmth.The best part? You don’t have to trade safety for style. Modern commercial and residential fire doors can be made with a fire rated board core for safety, and finished with a decorative outer layer like burl veneer to match your interior.
Whether you’re fitting out a reception area or an upscale residence, using burl veneer can add a premium look to essential safety features. It gives each door character—no two are exactly alike.
At Forest Products, you’ll find a variety of natural timber options, including high-quality burl veneer, ready to be applied to fire door surfaces without compromising their performance.
Partnering with Laminate Board Suppliers for Custom Fire Door Finishes
Bespoke Looks, Backed by Safety
Not all fire doors need to look like standard-issue safety slabs. If you’re designing a retail space, a modern office, or even a stylish home, working with laminate board suppliers opens up more creative options.Laminated finishes allow you to match fire doors with flooring, cabinetry, wall panels, or corporate colours.
They’re also durable and easy to clean—ideal for high-traffic environments. A laminated finish can be applied over a fire rated board, meaning you still get the protection required, but with a custom look that fits your space.
Forest Products partners with leading laminate board suppliers, offering a wide selection of finishes, colours, and textures that meet both aesthetic and functional needs.
Whether it’s a smooth matte black or a woodgrain finish that mimics real timber, there’s something to suit every project. Upgrading your fire doors isn’t just about safety—it’s also a chance to elevate the overall design of your property.
Why Commercial and Residential Fire Doors Shouldn’t Be a One-Size-Fits-All Choice
Customised Solutions for Different Needs
Every building is different, and so are its safety requirements. That’s why choosing commercial and residential fire doors should never be a one-size-fits-all approach. For example, an apartment complex may need fire doors between units and stairwells, while a café might need fire-rated kitchen doors and compliant rear exits. Office buildings could require both visual appeal and specific fire rated board strength depending on layout.
That’s where customisation matters. Whether you’re after a minimalist veneer door, decorative timber veneer sheets, or a tough commercial solution, Forest Products offers tailored fire door solutions that match both code and design.
With the right materials, finishes, and advice from experienced suppliers, your fire doors can serve more than one purpose—they can protect, enhance, and complement your entire space.