Frame and installation system
Drywall Metal Door Frames
Commercial metal frames engineered for gypsum board and light-gauge stud wall openings, available in knock-down and welded configurations.
Technical product guide
Drywall Frame Construction, Anchors and Installation Options
Compare frame profiles, corner construction, wall anchors and dimensional requirements before preparing the opening schedule.
Universal Door Leaf Compatibility
Our drywall frames are precision-engineered to integrate seamlessly with both commercial steel doors and premium wood fire doors, adapting beautifully to interior space layouts.
Pair with Steel Door Leaves
Engineered for high-durability areas such as mechanical rooms, utility closets, and heavy-traffic service corridors. Offers rugged impacts resistance while fully maintaining required interior fire separation.
Pair with Wood Door Leaves
The preferred choice for high-end hotel entrances, executive boardrooms, and medical clinics. Combines architectural warmth with certified fire protection (20, 45, 60, or 90-minute ratings) for a premium interior finish.
Frame Construction & Options
Specifically tailored for post-erect installation over completed drywall sheets, offering ultra-fast jobsite fitment.
Slip-On Knocked-Down (KD) Drywall Frames
Designed to slip smoothly over finished drywall corner partitions. Features a precision interlocking miter joint with dual-tabs to clamp corners securely. Drastically cuts installation labor and minimizes shipping volume.
Pre-Welded Drywall Frames
Face-welded corner joints ground perfectly smooth at the factory. Installed during the rough stud framing phase before drywall panels are fastened. Maximizes structural stability for heavy commercial interior traffic.
Technical Specifications Matrix
| Technical Parameters | North American Standard Options | Engineering Details |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Codes Compliance | UL 10C / UL 10B / CAN/ULC-S104 | Certified for interior light-gauge stud drywall systems up to 90-minute fire ratings. |
| Material Quality | ASTM A653 / A653M Certified Steel | Standard A60 Galvannealed. Ensures premium adhesion for interior topcoat painting without flaking. |
| Jamb Depth | 5-5/8", 5-7/8", 6-3/4", 8-1/4" | Engineered to seamlessly wrap standard stud sizes plus layers of 5/8" Type X drywall sheets. |
| Throat Opening | 4-5/8" (for 3-5/8" Stud + 2x 1/2" Drywall) 4-7/8" (for 3-5/8" Stud + 2x 5/8" Drywall) | Net clearance includes standard 1/2" double-return bend on the frame edge to tightly hug the drywall board. Tolerances within ±1/16" (1.6mm) per NAAMM/HMMA 801. |
| Frame Face | Standard 2" (50.8mm) Profile Face | Clean, minimalist aesthetic to complement upscale modern office interiors. Meets SDI 111. |
| Rabbet Size | Active Rabbet: 1-15/16" (49.2mm) Inactive Rabbet: 1-9/16" (39.7mm) | Precision engineered to match standard 1-3/4" (44.4mm) steel or wood commercial doors. |
| Stop Height | Standard 5/8" (15.9mm) Height | The center rib serves as a robust sound-deadening and intumescent smoke gasket position. |
| Hinge Reinforcements | 7 Gauge (4.5mm) Thick Steel Plates | Pre-punched and tapped for 12-24 machine screws. Multi-spot welded to resist door sagging. |
| Clearances | Stiles/Header: 1/8" (3.2mm) Bottom/Sill: 3/4" (19.1mm) max | Strictly adheres to NFPA 80 standard requirements for fire door assembly clearance limits. |
| Silencers Prep | Pre-punched 9/32" (7.1mm) holes 3 per strike jamb / 2 per header | Factory-punched to receive standard pneumatic rubber silencers for impact dampening. |
Specialized Drywall Anchoring Systems
To achieve a tight clamp and prevent frame shifting on drywall partitions, we utilize three distinct engineering anchor setups.
Compression Anchor (Plumb Adjust)
Located near the top of both jambs. Uses an adjustable screw mechanism inside the frame to exert pressure outward against the steel stud, locking the frame in perfect plumb alignment.
Base Strap Anchor (Snap-In)
Welded securely at the bottom of the jambs. Designed to be screwed or nailed directly into the floor runner tracks (bottom tracks) before the drywall partition is fully paneled.
Wood/Steel Stud Anchor
Flush-fit countersunk screw holes punched into the returns or rabbets. Perfect for fastening directly into structural wood studs or heavy metal stud vertical studs with drywall screws.
Buyer Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can your Slip-On KD Drywall Frames be installed after the walls are completely painted?
A: Yes, this is their biggest advantage. Our Slip-on KD frames are specifically engineered as a pre-finished component to wrap over completely finished and painted drywall corners, drastically reducing the risk of jobsite construction damage.
Q: How do I ensure the throat opening perfectly matches our light-gauge stud thickness?
A: We follow NAAMM/HMMA 801 and SDI 111 precise dimensions. For instance, if your wall budget specifies 3-5/8" steel studs with one layer of 5/8" Type X drywall on each side, the total wall thickness is 4-7/8". We will customize the throat size exactly to 4-7/8" with a strict ±1/16" tolerance to guarantee a snug clamp.
Q: Do these drywall frames achieve the same 90-minute UL fire certification when paired with wood doors?
A: Absolutely. Our frames are fully listed with Intertek (WH) and UL. When combined with a compliant 90-minute commercial wood fire door and proper intumescent gaskets, the entire opening assembly strictly meets all NFPA 80 requirements for life safety clearance.
Coordinate drywall frame dimensions before production
Send opening sizes, wall construction, rating requirements and the hardware schedule for technical review.
Project RFQ Support
Submit your door schedule and project drawings
Send the opening schedule, wall conditions, rating requirements and hardware notes. Bastion Door can review the scope and prepare a practical factory-direct quotation route.
- Door and hardware schedule review for commercial projects.
- Frame type, fire rating, lockset and closer preparation checks.
- Export packing, quantity grouping and project delivery support.