Specifying Door Sets vs. Assemblies: How Can Architects Retain Control Over Ironmongery Compliance?

As regulatory scrutiny tightens and risk management grows more complex, architects are increasingly specifying complete door sets over traditional door assemblies. These pre-assembled, factory-tested units offer simplicity, clearer responsibility, and reliable performance — especially for fire-rated and acoustic applications.

But there’s a key challenge:

When you specify a door set, you also lose control over your ironmongery in terms of finish, design, quality and equality act compliance.

Our MD, Alex Mamas, regularly undertakes fire door ironmongery inspections. Out of the 140 door sets he inspected in the month of May, over 30% of them did not have ironmongery that met either BS EN 8300 or the requirements of the Equality Act.

 Architects are increasingly specifying complete door sets over traditional door assemblies, but it comes with a key challenge.

Why Door Sets Appeal — and Where They Limit You

Door sets — comprising door leaf, frame, hinges, locks, handles, seals, and more — are often tested as a whole. They come with the benefit of system certification and a single point of accountability. But with that comes a trade-off:

• You may be offered only a narrow range of hardware options.

• Substitutions can invalidate fire or security certifications.

• Aesthetic, usability, or brand preferences may be sidelined.

And since ironmongery is critical to the operation and compliance of a door, this loss of control can compromise both design intent and regulatory assurance.

Loss of control over door sets can compromise aesthetic vision with generic design.

Ironmongery and Compliance: What’s at Stake?

Regulations such as BS 476 Part 22 and EN 1634-1 demand that fire doors be tested as a complete configuration — not just as separate components. That means your preferred lock, closer or hinge must have been tested as part of the door set in question.

If it hasn’t, you face a choice:

• Accept the set as tested, with potentially generic hardware.

• Push for substitutions — and risk invalidating certification.

• Or find a route that balances design control with full compliance.

How to Stay in Control: Practical Steps for Clients, Managers, Specifiers and Architects

1. Specify Early and Precisely

   Include your preferred ironmongery in the specification with reference to tested and approved combinations. Don’t leave it to the contractor to fill in the gaps.

   
   

2. Choose Hardware with Broad Test Coverage

   Some manufacturers work proactively with door set makers to ensure their products are part of multiple tested configurations. These “pre-cleared” items give you more flexibility and confidence.

   
   

3. Request Documentation

   Always ask for test evidence or assessments that show your selected ironmongery is compatible and compliant within the door set. A Declaration of Performance or Field of Application (EXAP) can be essential.

   
   

4. Use Dual Sourcing Where Possible

   On larger projects or frameworks, agree on approved door set/hardware pairings that meet compliance without compromising design.

   
   

5. Get Advice From a GAI-Accredited Ironmongery Specialist

   This is often the most direct route to clarity. A GAI-qualified expert can advise on compatibility, certification, and tested options — helping you retain control without risking non-compliance. 

   
   

Stay in control with planning and precise specification.

Poole Waite: Deep Expertise, Quiet Integrity

For architects navigating these complex requirements, working with ironmongery specialists who combine technical knowledge with design sensitivity is essential.

Poole Waite & Co Ltd, established in 1935, exemplifies this approach — combining GAI-accredited expertise, in-depth technical guidance, and a track record of supporting practices through specification challenges. Whether through design consultations or detailed compliance checks, our team brings craftsmanship and clarity to every project stage. We can offer you valuable advice on the products available, and the range of finishes we offer, including Matt Black, Matt White and Adonic Bronze.

Our recent blog posts explore this in more depth — particularly around fire door compliance, PAS 24, and the integration of design-led hardware into tested systems.

Final Word: Don’t Let the Door Set Close on Design

Door sets are a practical solution — but they shouldn’t close the door on design intent or compliance assurance. By involving the right expertise early, architects can specify with confidence, stay true to their aesthetic vision, and meet the rigorous demands of today’s regulatory environment.

Because when it comes to ironmongery, the detail is never just detail. It’s performance, safety — and identity.