Fire Rated Door Cores.

Product Suggested: PSB® EcoCore FR

Why PSB® EcoCore FR

  • PSB® EcoCore FR has been specifically engineered to incorporate specialized fire-retardant component, enhancing its application in critical structural elements such as door frames and shutters
  • By integrating advances fire-resistant additives during the manufacturing process, PSB® EcoCore FR achieves superior performance in terms of fire safety while (90 Minutes, 60 Minutes, and 30 Minutes) maintaining durability, according to EN-1634-1 (European standard for fire resistance), BS-476 (British standard for fire tests on building materials and structures), and UL-10C (American standard for fire tests of door assemblies).

Specifications

Modulus of Rupture 10 – 20 N/mm2
Modulus of Elasticity 2,500 N/mm2
Internal Bonding 0.23 – 0.30 N/mm2
Thickness Swelling 20%
ASTM E84 Class A SI 0-25; SDI 0-450
ASTM E84 Class B FSI 26-75; SDI 0-450
ASTM E84 Class C FSI 76-200; SDI 0-450

Customizable Finishes.

Raw Board

A wide range of uncoated boards, used as a core material, offering flexibility for customization and finishing.

Melamine Face Finishing

A smooth, decorative melamine-surfaced board, perfect for furniture, cabinetry, and interior applications.

Sanded Board

A Smooth, sanded surface board, ideal for interior fit-outs and paneling, ensuring enhanced finish quality and easy customization.

Premium Surface (Putty) Finishing

A flawless, smooth-surfaced board achieved with putty, ideal for high-quality paint applications and achieving a polished, refined look.

Premium Plus Surface (Coated) Finishing

A flawless, smooth-surfaced board achieved with putty, ideal for high-quality paint applications and achieving a polished, refined look.

Veneer Finishing

A decorative-finished board using thin layers of real material, offering a natural look, durability, and customization options.

Best Practices.

It is recommended to coat the boards to enhance their durability and resilience against moisture, thereby ensuring their reliability in load-bearing applications.

For optimal performance of PSB® EcoCore FR, it is recommended to use the boards in environments with low moisture exposure to ensure their longevity.

For components being fastened, such as beams, rafters, joists, and trusses, pre-drilling is essential. The diameter of the pre-drilled hole should be smaller than the screw diameter to ensure effective engagement of the screw threads.

During transportation and storage, avoid direct exposure to water droplets and precipitation on the edges and surfaces of PSB® boards. Adequate protective covers should be provided to safeguard the boards.

Use screws, nails, or staples for fastening, ensuring the length is at least 2.5 times the board thickness, but not less than 50-75 millimeters (mm). Fastening should occur at intervals of 150-300 millimeters (mm) on intermediate supports, depending on specific application requirements.

FAQs.

Fire-rated doors are engineered to resist fire for a certified duration, typically 30, 60, or 90 minutes, based on international standards such as EN 1634-1 (Europe), BS 476 (UK), and UL 10C (USA). These ratings provide critical time for safe evacuation while helping to contain flames and smoke. DesertBoard’s Palm Strand Board (PSB®) meets these standards, offering proven fire protection alongside the added benefits of being zero-formaldehyde and carbon-negative. This makes it both a reliable choice for life safety compliance and an environmentally responsible solution for modern construction.

Any modification, such as cutting, drilling, or installing non-certified hardware, can void a fire door’s certification. Fire doors are tested as complete assemblies, so changes to the core or frame may compromise performance. DesertBoard PSB® ensures safety and certification integrity while giving contractors flexibility in door design and application.

A fire-rated door is more than just the core. It requires a certified frame, intumescent seals, fire-rated glazing (if used), and compatible hardware. All components must be tested together to achieve the door’s rating. DesertBoard’s PSB® fire-rated cores integrate seamlessly with these components, providing a stable, certified foundation. This ensures that the door assembly meets safety codes while also offering a sustainable alternative.

Fire-rated doors should be inspected at least annually, and in high-risk environments, quarterly inspections may be required. Inspections confirm that seals, hinges, and hardware remain intact and that the door closes properly. DesertBoard PSB® fire-rated cores are engineered for durability, ensuring doors remain compliant across years of use. By combining resilience with zero-formaldehyde credentials, DesertBoard helps facility managers maintain safety standards while also supporting healthier indoor environments.

Common causes of failure include using non-certified hardware, painting over or removing labels, and improper installation. Even minor changes can compromise the door’s fire performance. DesertBoard PSB® fire-rated cores are delivered with clear technical guidance to avoid these risks. When paired with certified components, they provide a robust, compliant system. Choosing DesertBoard ensures both certification integrity and the added benefit of carbon-negative, eco-friendly materials.

Yes. Fire-rated glass doors use specialized glazing and seals tested to the same standards as solid doors. They provide visibility while maintaining fire protection. DesertBoard PSB® fire-rated cores can be combined with certified glass inserts, giving architects design flexibility without compromising safety. Unlike conventional cores, DesertBoard offers the dual advantage of compliance and sustainability, making it a preferred solution for projects where aesthetics and safety must work together.

Yes. Many fire-rated door cores are dense enough to deliver acoustic performance alongside fire resistance. This dual benefit is particularly valuable in hotels, hospitals, and offices. DesertBoard PSB® fire-rated cores naturally provide strong sound insulation due to their density, making them an effective solution where both safety and privacy are priorities. By choosing DesertBoard, developers meet regulatory fire requirements while also enhancing occupant comfort in a sustainable way.

Yes. Fire-rated doors are mandatory in most commercial, residential, and institutional projects under GCC building codes. They are required in stairwells, corridors, hospitals, schools, and high-rise developments to ensure occupant safety. DesertBoard PSB® fire-rated cores meet EN 1634-1 (Europe), BS 476 (UK), and UL 10C (USA), ensuring compliance with these codes. By specifying DesertBoard, developers not only meet safety requirements but also demonstrate environmental responsibility through carbon-negative and zero-formaldehyde materials.

Yes. While most fire-rated door cores are imported from abroad, sustainable alternatives like DesertBoard’s Palm Strand Board (PSB®) are now available and manufactured in the UAE. PSB® is manufactured from upcycled palm fronds, making it carbon-negative and healthier due to zero-formaldehyde emissions. It provides certified fire protection while also contributing to sustainability goals. For projects seeking both compliance and ESG leadership, DesertBoard is a pioneering choice in the GCC market.

DesertBoard PSB® EcoCore FR is the world’s first fire-rated door core made from upcycled date palm fronds. Unlike conventional cores, PSB® is carbon-negative, zero-formaldehyde, and locally manufactured in the UAE, making it both sustainable and regionally relevant. Its fire ratings of 30, 60, and 90 minutes, according to European (EN 1634-P1), British (BS 476 -P22), and American (UL 10C) standards provide certified safety while aligning with global and GCC building standards. By combining high performance with zero-formaldehyde emissions, DesertBoard has positioned PSB® EcoCore FR as the GCC’s preferred choice for safe, healthy, and sustainable door solutions.

Yes. DesertBoard’s PSB® EcoCore FR is tested and certified to meet local & international standards such as EN 1634-1 (Europe), BS 476 (UK), and UL-10C (USA) all while ensuring compliance with UAE’s Ministry of Defense. This ensures its suitability for high-safety environments like schools, hospitals, and hotels where fire resistance is critical. Beyond safety, DesertBoard’s zero-formaldehyde boards contribute to healthier indoor air, reducing VOC emissions that can affect students, patients, or guests. This dual benefit — certified fire safety and improved occupant well-being — makes DesertBoard uniquely qualified for public and commercial spaces across the GCC.

DesertBoard PSB® EcoCore FR is tested to withstand fire for 30, 60, and 90 minutes, depending on the specification chosen. These certifications mean that in a real-life fire scenario, the door core holds back flames and heat long enough to allow safe evacuation and reduce property damage. The testing is rigorous, conducted under standards like EN 1634-1 (Europe), BS 476 (UK), and UL-10C (USA), which are globally recognized for fire safety compliance. By offering multiple rating options, DesertBoard ensures flexibility for architects and contractors who must meet diverse project codes across residential, commercial, and industrial builds.

DesertBoard PSB® EcoCore FR carries leading global and regional certifications. These include EN 1634-1 (Europe), BS 476 (UK), and UL-10C (USA), as well as approvals from the UAE Ministry of Interior. In addition, DesertBoard is ISO-certified for environmental and safety management, ensuring quality manufacturing practices. These certifications validate both the safety and sustainability of PSB®, proving it is compliant with GCC building codes and international benchmarks. For architects and contractors, choosing DesertBoard ensures projects meet legal requirements while also supporting sustainability objectives.

Yes. While DesertBoard is best known for its fire-rated EcoCore FR range, it also manufactures non-fire-rated and acoustic cores. These solutions are ideal for projects where soundproofing upwards of 45dB is as important as safety, such as hotels, offices, or hospitals. PSB®’s engineered density provides excellent sound insulation, reducing noise transmission between rooms. By offering both fire-rated and acoustic options, DesertBoard allows developers to meet multiple specifications with one sustainable material, simplifying procurement and ensuring consistency in performance.

DesertBoard fire-rated cores are designed to work with standard industry adhesives, hinges, and locking mechanisms. Contractors can use familiar installation methods without needing specialized equipment. DesertBoard also provides installation manuals recommending the most suitable adhesives and hardware for different applications. This ensures not only compliance with fire ratings but also long-term performance in high-use settings such as commercial towers, schools, and hospitals. The combination of compatibility and technical support makes DesertBoard a practical choice for large-scale projects.

Yes. While DesertBoard is competitively priced, the true cost savings come from its local manufacturing advantage. By producing in Abu Dhabi, DesertBoard reduces import logistics, shipping costs, and delays. Its durability also means lower maintenance and replacement costs over time. In addition, by contributing to LEED and Estidama credits, DesertBoard can improve project marketability and qualify for green financing benefits where applicable. This makes DesertBoard both cost-effective and strategically valuable.

DesertBoard maintains regional stock for standard board sizes in Kezad, Abu Dhabi, ensuring fast supply across the UAE and GCC. This reliable supply chain reduces project delays and ensures developers and contractors have consistent access to sustainable parquet cores when needed.

By specifying DesertBoard’s PSB® EcoCore FR, developers can secure LEED, WELL, and Estidama credits in areas such as indoor air quality, embodied carbon reduction, and sustainable sourcing. Each cubic meter of PSB® locks away approximately 401 kg of CO₂e, directly reducing a project’s carbon footprint. In addition, zero-formaldehyde emissions contribute to healthier indoor environments, a key criterion for green certifications. Choosing DesertBoard not only satisfies fire safety requirements but also demonstrates leadership in sustainable construction practices.