Interior Doors — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about importing custom interior doors from manufacturers.
What types of interior doors can I source from Chinese factories?
Chinese factories produce flush doors, panel doors, French doors, barn doors, pocket doors, bi-fold doors, and pivot doors. Core options include solid wood, solid core (particle board or MDF with veneer), hollow core, and aluminum-framed glass doors. Fire-rated doors are also available from certified factories. The range of styles and finishes is extensive, from modern minimalist to classical raised-panel designs.
What are the standard door sizes available?
Factories can produce doors in virtually any size. Common imperial sizes include 30x80, 32x80, and 36x80 inches. Metric standard sizes include 2040x820mm and 2040x920mm. Since production is custom, non-standard heights and widths are available at the same price. For renovation projects with odd-sized openings, custom sizing eliminates the need for frame modifications on site.
Should I order doors with frames, or source frames locally?
Ordering doors with matching frames ensures perfect color and profile consistency. However, frame dimensions must exactly match your rough openings, which can be tricky with international orders. Some buyers order doors only and have local carpenters make frames from matching material. If ordering frames, provide precise rough opening dimensions, wall thickness, and hinge side specifications for each door location.
What finishes are available for interior doors?
Common finishes include natural wood veneer (oak, walnut, ash, teak), painted lacquer (any RAL or Pantone color), PVC laminate, melamine, and HPL (high-pressure laminate). Lacquer finishes offer the widest color range and can be produced in matte, satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss sheens. Wood veneer doors can be stained to match existing woodwork. Always approve a physical sample before committing to a full order.
How are doors packed for international shipping?
Doors are typically wrapped individually in protective cardboard corners and shrink wrap, then stacked on pallets with spacers between each door. Edges are the most vulnerable point and need extra padding. For lacquered or high-gloss doors, factories add foam sheeting between surfaces to prevent scratching. Wooden crates are used for premium finishes. A 20-foot container can hold approximately 200 to 280 doors depending on thickness and packaging method.
Can I get doors with integrated smart locks or electronic hardware?
Many factories can pre-drill doors for specific smart lock models and even supply integrated electronic locks. However, smart lock technology changes rapidly, so confirm compatibility with your preferred brand before ordering pre-drilled doors. Some buyers prefer to order standard prep (bore hole and latch prep) and install smart locks locally. This gives more flexibility for hardware selection and simplifies warranty service.
What fire-rating certifications are available for imported doors?
Chinese factories can produce doors rated to 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes of fire resistance. These doors need to be tested and certified according to the standards of the destination market (UL or WHI for the US, BS 476 or EN 1634 for Europe, AS 1530.4 for Australia). Ask for test certificates specific to the door construction you are ordering, as changes in core material or thickness invalidate previous certifications.
What is the price advantage of sourcing doors from China?
Interior doors from China typically cost 40 to 60 percent less than equivalent locally manufactured doors in Western markets. A solid-core painted interior door might cost $80 to $150 FOB from China versus $250 to $500 retail domestically. The savings are even more significant for high-end finishes like natural veneer or custom lacquer. However, shipping, duties, and customs brokerage fees reduce the overall savings margin.
How do I ensure consistent quality across a large door order?
Request a pre-production sample (golden sample) that serves as the quality benchmark for the entire order. Hire a third-party inspector to check during production and before loading. Key checkpoints include panel flatness, finish uniformity, edge alignment, hardware prep accuracy, and packaging quality. A detailed quality specification sheet with tolerances for each parameter gives inspectors clear pass-fail criteria.
Can factories produce sound-rated interior doors?
Yes, factories can produce doors with STC (Sound Transmission Class) ratings from 28 to 45 or higher. Sound-rated doors use denser core materials, perimeter seals, and automatic door bottoms. The frame and installation quality are equally important for achieving the rated performance. Specify your required STC rating and confirm whether the factory has test reports from an accredited acoustics laboratory.
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