Joinery buying guide
Fit the right door closers
Door closers are a simple way to make your home or workplace safer, quieter and more energy efficient. Read our guide to find the best type for you.
How to choose the right door closer
Consider the look of your doors and how they will be used.
Overhead door closers
Highly durable, overhead door closers are a good option for a busy workplace where doors are used hundreds of times a day. This silver option from Briton comes with a parallel fixing plate, allowing it to be fitted for push or pull openings.
See Briton silver 2003 door closer
Regular or parallel arm door closers
Fitted with a hydraulic mechanism, regular arm closers are designed for low usage and make doors feel lighter. Briton's 121 model can be used with doors up to 60kg in weight, and offers a maximum opening angle of 180 degrees.
See Briton silver 121 door closer
Concealed door closers
Coming in hydraulic and spring-loaded versions, concealed door closers can be hidden in the floor or concealed in the door. Our own-brand design comes in a nickle or electro brass finish, and is invisible when the door is closed.
See concealed door closer
Top jamb door closers
Doors that are used heavily, such as a shop entrance, generally require top jamb closers, with a spring-loaded box mounted on the door frame. This Eclipse 73 model has variable closing speed, as well as an FD120 rating.
See Eclipse 73 door closer
What are the legal requirements for a fire door?
Door closers must be fitted to any commercial fire door to control the spread of fire and smoke. Our fire door closers are tested to BS EN1154 standard and have a 10-year manufacturer guarantee.
How is your door used?
Door closers specify three different levels of usage. 'Low usage' is for domestic or light commercial use, 'medium usage' is for offices or apartment blocks. 'Heavy usage' is for offices, public buildings, or department stores.
Closing and latching speeds
Some door closers allow you to adjust how quickly your door will close when released. It can also be set to stay open longer, allowing the elderly or disabled extra time to pass through safely.
Consider the type of door
A heavy door requires more force to open. Door closers come in 6 different powers, with higher powers making your door feel lighter. A minimum of 3 is generally recommended for a fire door. Ask your builder for advice.
Prevent the spread of smoke and fire
Our door closers are designed to ensure doors remain shut when not in use and prevent fire from spreading.