Door Closers
Types of door closers
Door closers fall into a few main groups, each suited to different doors and traffic levels.
- Floor springs: fitted into the floor beneath the door, ideal for frameless glass doors, shopfronts and high traffic entries. Available in single action (swings one way) and double action (swings both ways) versions, with hold open options.
- Architectural (overhead) closers: mounted on the door and frame, with or without a cover plate for a cleaner finish. Common on internal and external doors in homes and commercial fitouts.
- Slide arm closers: use a sliding track arm instead of a fixed arm, giving a lower profile and smoother action, often chosen for narrow frames or where a standard arm won't clear.
- Cam action closers: a compact option for lighter doors, fitted where a full architectural closer isn't needed.
- Concealed closers: hidden within the door or frame, including concealed cam action and concealed heel closers, for a look with no visible hardware.
- Transom closers: fitted above the door in the transom, suited to glazed or shopfront style entries.
Standard arm or slide arm door closer
Standard arm closers use a rigid arm and are the most common choice for typical doors. Slide arm versions use a track arm, sitting flatter against the frame and reducing the swing arc. Choose slide arm where you need a lower profile or where a standard arm would foul on the frame or an adjacent wall.
Closing power and EN ratings
Architectural and contract closers are graded to EN ratings (such as EN2-5, EN1-5 or EN3), which cover the range of door sizes and weights the closer can handle. A higher number in the range means the closer can manage a heavier, wider door. Check your door's width and weight against the rated range before buying, and look for adjustable power closers if you need to fine tune the closing speed and force on site.
Matching the finish
Door closers come in finishes including silver, white, matte black, stainless steel, satin brass, antique brass, polished brass, graphite nickel and polished nickel plate. Match the closer finish to your door hinges and door handles for a consistent look across the opening, particularly where the closer body or cover plate will be visible.
Mounting and door type
Before choosing, check:
- Door weight and width: confirms which EN rating or arm type will cope.
- Door material: glass doors typically need a floor spring, heel closer or transom kit rather than a standard overhead closer.
- Frame clearance: narrow frames may suit a slide arm over a standard arm.
- Visible hardware: pick a covered architectural closer or concealed option if you want the mechanism hidden.
- Traffic level: heavy duty floor springs and contract rated closers suit commercial or high use doors.
