Door Closers Explained: Types, Sizes, Uses and How to Choose the Right One

When discussing essential door hardware, door closers are one of the most important yet often overlooked components within a building. In many cases, people only start paying attention to door closers when a problem arises, such as a door slamming shut, failing to latch correctly, or being flagged during a fire safety inspection.

Despite this, door closers play a critical role in everyday building performance, helping to control door movement, improve safety, and ensure compliance with UK building regulations. Whether installed on internal doors, external entrances, or fire-rated doors, door closers are designed to deliver consistent, controlled closing action, reducing wear on hinges, locks, and frames while improving overall user experience.

In both domestic and commercial environments, properly specified door closers are essential for maintaining safety, preventing damage, and ensuring doors function as intended over time.

Supplied by Trade Door Handles, trusted UK supplier of architectural ironmongery since 1976, with quick nationwide delivery.

Door closers are mechanical devices designed to automatically close a door after it has been opened, ensuring a controlled and consistent closing action. Most modern door closers use hydraulic mechanisms to regulate the speed of closing, preventing the door from slamming while allowing it to return smoothly and securely into the frame.

In simple terms, door closers are essential door control devices that improve safety, functionality and longevity of door systems. Whether used on internal doors, external doors or fire-rated doors, door closers ensure reliable performance across both residential and commercial environments.

You will commonly find door closers installed on:

• Commercial doors and office entrances
• Fire doors and safety-critical escape routes
• Apartment and communal building entrances
• Retail shopfronts and aluminium doors
• Public buildings such as schools and hospitals
• Domestic doors where controlled closing is required

A correctly specified door closer offers a wide range of benefits:

• Fire safety compliance – ensures fire doors close properly to help contain smoke and flames
• Improved security – prevents doors from being accidentally left open
• Controlled closing action – reduces noise and eliminates slamming
• Reduced wear and tear – protects hinges, locks, latches and door frames
• Enhanced user experience – provides smooth and predictable door operation
• Better performance in high-traffic areas – ideal for busy commercial environments

When selecting door closers, it is important to look beyond price alone. While budget options may seem attractive, the performance, durability and compliance of the door closer are far more important, particularly on fire doors and high-use entrances.

A common saying within architectural ironmongery is “buy cheap, buy twice,” and this is especially true with door closers, where the correct specification can make a significant difference to safety, reliability and long-term performance.

Most modern door closers operate using a combination of a spring and hydraulic mechanism, designed to provide smooth, controlled door movement. When the door is opened, energy is stored within the internal spring. As the door begins to close, hydraulic fluid regulates the speed of the closing cycle, ensuring the door returns in a controlled manner rather than slamming shut.

This controlled action is what makes hydraulic door closers far superior to basic spring-only alternatives, particularly in commercial and fire door applications where consistency and reliability are essential.

One of the key advantages of modern door closers is their adjustability. Many models can be fine-tuned to suit different door types, environments and levels of use, making them suitable for everything from light domestic doors to high-traffic commercial entrances.

Most adjustable door closers include settings for:

• Closing speed – controls the main sweep of the door as it moves from open to nearly closed
• Latching speed – adjusts the final part of the closing cycle to ensure the latch engages correctly
• Backcheck – provides resistance when the door is opened too quickly, helping to prevent damage to walls, frames and hinges
• Delayed action (on selected models) – slows the closing cycle temporarily, allowing extra time for people, trolleys or wheelchairs to pass through

By adjusting these features correctly, door closers can be tailored to suit specific applications, improving safety, usability and long-term performance across both residential and commercial environments.

Closing speed is one of the most important adjustments on door closers, as it controls the main sweep of the door as it moves from the open position back towards the frame.

In simple terms, closing speed determines how quickly the door travels through the majority of its closing cycle. Getting this setting right is essential for both safety and performance.

If the closing speed is set incorrectly:

• Too fast – the door may slam shut, causing noise, potential damage to the frame and hardware, and a poor user experience
• Too slow – the door may not close properly or could take too long, which can affect security and usability

On fire doors and high-traffic commercial doors, correctly adjusted closing speed on door closers is especially important. It ensures the door closes reliably every time while still providing safe and controlled operation for users.

Most modern door closers allow for precise adjustment using a small screw mechanism, making it possible to fine-tune the closing speed to suit different door weights, environments, and levels of use.

Latch action is a key setting on door closers that controls the final stage of the door’s closing cycle, typically the last few degrees before the door fully shuts.

This adjustment is important because it ensures the door closes with enough force at the end of the cycle to properly engage the latch or lock. Without correct latch action, even a well-fitted door may fail to close securely.

If latch action is not set correctly:

• Too fast – the door can slam in the final moment, creating noise and increasing wear on locks, latches and frames
• Too slow – the door may not fully latch, leaving it slightly open and compromising security or fire safety

On fire doors in particular, correctly adjusted latch action on door closers is essential. The door must close fully and latch every time to maintain fire compartmentation and comply with safety requirements.

Most modern door closers allow you to fine-tune latch action independently from closing speed, giving greater control over how the door behaves throughout the entire closing cycle.

Backcheck is a feature found on many modern door closers that provides resistance as the door is opened, helping to prevent it from being thrown open too forcefully.

Rather than affecting how the door closes, backcheck works during the opening cycle, acting as a cushioning effect that slows the door down before it reaches its fully open position.

This is particularly important in environments where doors are subject to heavy use or external forces, such as:

• External doors exposed to wind pressure
• Busy commercial entrances with high footfall
• Public buildings such as schools, hospitals and offices
• Doors that could otherwise hit walls, frames or surrounding fixtures

When correctly adjusted, backcheck on door closers helps protect both the door and surrounding hardware, reducing the risk of damage to hinges, frames, door stops and nearby walls.

It is important to note that backcheck is not designed to stop the door completely, but to slow it down in the final part of the opening movement. This makes it a valuable feature for improving durability, safety and long-term performance, especially on high-traffic or exposed doors.

Delayed action is a feature available on certain door closers that temporarily slows down the closing cycle, allowing the door to remain open for longer before it begins to close.

Unlike standard closing speed, which controls how fast the door shuts, delayed action introduces a controlled pause within the closing cycle, giving users extra time to pass through safely and comfortably.

This feature is particularly useful in environments where accessibility and ease of movement are important, such as:

• Buildings requiring wheelchair access
• Hospitals, care homes and healthcare settings
• Schools and public buildings
• Areas where trolleys, deliveries or equipment are regularly moved through doorways

By using delayed action door closers, doors remain open long enough to allow safe passage, then return in a controlled manner without slamming.

When correctly specified and adjusted, door closers with delayed action help improve accessibility compliance, enhance user experience, and reduce the risk of doors closing too quickly on people or equipment.

There are several different types of door closers, and choosing the right one depends on a number of important factors, including the door type, level of use, aesthetic requirements, and any fire safety or building regulation considerations.

Not all door closers are designed for the same application. A closer suitable for a light internal door may not perform correctly on a heavy commercial entrance or a fire-rated door. That is why it is essential to match the type of door closer to the specific environment and usage requirements.

When selecting between different door closers, you should consider:

• Door size and weight – heavier doors require higher power sizes and more robust closers
• Traffic levels – high-use areas need durable, heavy-duty door closers
• Fire safety requirements – fire doors require compliant, fire-rated door closers
• Location – internal vs external doors, including exposure to wind and weather
• Aesthetics – whether a visible or concealed door closer is preferred
• Accessibility needs – low opening force or cam action door closers may be required

By understanding the different types of door closers available and where they are best used, you can ensure the correct product is specified for long-term performance, safety and compliance.

Overhead door closers are the most widely used type of door closers and are typically surface-mounted to either the door leaf or the frame. Because of their strength, versatility and ease of installation, overhead door closers are considered the industry standard across both commercial and many domestic applications.

These door closers are designed to provide reliable, controlled closing in a wide range of environments, making them one of the most practical and cost-effective solutions available.

Overhead door closers are ideal for:

• Offices and commercial buildings
• Retail shops and trade counters
• Schools, colleges and public buildings
• Fire doors and safety-critical applications
• General purpose internal and external doors

One of the key reasons overhead door closers are so popular is their durability and adaptability. Many models are available as adjustable door closers, allowing you to fine-tune the closing speed, latching action and backcheck to suit the specific door and environment.

Additional benefits of overhead door closers include:

• Wide range of power sizes to suit different door weights and widths
• Compatibility with fire-rated doors when specified correctly
• Multiple fixing options (including standard and parallel arm installation)
• Availability in different finishes to match surrounding door hardware
• Proven performance in high-traffic environments

For most commercial and general applications, overhead door closers remain the go-to solution, offering a balance of reliability, performance and ease of maintenance.

Concealed door closers are designed to be hidden within the door leaf, frame or head of the door, making them an ideal choice where aesthetics and a clean finish are a priority. Unlike surface-mounted options, these door closers are not visible when the door is closed, creating a more seamless and premium appearance.

Because of their discreet design, concealed door closers are often specified in projects where visual impact matters just as much as functionality.

Concealed door closers are commonly used in:

• High-end residential interiors and bespoke homes
• Apartments and modern developments
• Offices and commercial interiors with a design-led focus
• Doors where a minimal or uninterrupted finish is preferred

In addition to their appearance, concealed door closers still provide controlled and reliable closing action, similar to other types of door closers, although they are typically better suited to lighter-duty or medium-duty applications.

Key advantages of concealed door closers include:

• Hidden installation for a clean, unobtrusive look
• Improved aesthetics compared to surface-mounted door closers
• Smooth and controlled closing performance
• Suitable for modern and architectural door designs

However, it is important to note that concealed door closers can be more complex to install and may have limitations in terms of power compared to heavy-duty overhead models. For this reason, they are often chosen where design and finish are the priority, rather than maximum strength or high-traffic durability.

When specified correctly, concealed door closers offer the perfect balance between performance and appearance, making them a popular choice in both residential and light commercial settings.

Floor spring door closers are heavy-duty door closers installed into the floor beneath the door, making them a popular choice for high-traffic commercial entrances and modern architectural applications. Because the mechanism is concealed within the floor, floor spring door closers provide a clean, unobtrusive finish while delivering powerful and reliable door control.

These types of door closers are commonly used on glass doors, aluminium entrance systems and shopfronts, where both performance and appearance are important.

Floor spring door closers are ideal for:

• Heavier doors that require strong, consistent closing force
• Glass doors and aluminium door systems
• Shopfronts, retail entrances and commercial buildings
• Situations where a concealed, minimal look is preferred
• Doors that require double action opening (opening in both directions)

One of the key benefits of floor spring door closers is their ability to handle larger and heavier doors compared to many other types of door closers. They are specifically designed for demanding environments where durability and long-term performance are essential.

Key features of floor spring door closers include:

• Heavy-duty performance for large or high-use doors
• Concealed installation within the floor for a clean aesthetic
• Double action capability on suitable door setups
• Adjustable closing and latching speeds on most models
• Widely used in commercial and public environments

While floor spring door closers offer excellent performance, they do require more involved installation, as the floor must be prepared to house the unit. For this reason, they are typically specified during the design or refurbishment stage of a project.

When used in the right application, floor spring door closers provide a professional, durable and visually clean solution, particularly for entrance doors and high-traffic areas.

Cam action door closers are a specialised type of door closers designed to reduce the force required to open a door, while still providing smooth, controlled closing. Unlike traditional arm closers, they use a cam and roller mechanism, which creates a more efficient opening action and improved user comfort.

Because of this design, cam action door closers are ideal where accessibility is a priority, helping to meet the requirements of modern building standards and inclusive design.

Cam action door closers are commonly used in:

• Hospitals and healthcare environments
• Schools, colleges and educational buildings
• Care homes and assisted living facilities
• Public buildings and commercial spaces with high footfall

One of the key advantages of cam action door closers is their ability to provide a much lighter opening force compared to standard door closers, making doors easier to operate for all users, including those with limited strength or mobility.

Key benefits of cam action door closers include:

• Reduced opening resistance for improved accessibility
• Smooth and controlled closing action
• Compliance with accessibility requirements when specified correctly
• Ideal for high-traffic and public environments
• Suitable for fire doors when correctly rated and installed

Compared to traditional arm models, cam action door closers offer a more refined user experience, particularly in environments where ease of use and safety are critical.

For projects where accessibility, compliance and user comfort are key considerations, cam action door closers are often the preferred solution.

Slide arm door closers are a type of door closers that use a sliding channel mechanism instead of a traditional projecting arm. This design creates a more compact and streamlined appearance, making them a popular choice where a cleaner, less intrusive finish is required.

Because the arm sits within a guide rail, slide arm door closers reduce projection from the door, which can be beneficial in areas where space is limited or where safety is a concern.

Slide arm door closers are ideal for:

• Modern interiors where a neat, minimal look is preferred
• Offices and commercial spaces with design-led finishes
• Schools and public buildings where reduced projection improves safety
• Corridors and walkways where a protruding arm could be at risk of impact

One of the main advantages of slide arm door closers is their low-profile design, which helps reduce the risk of damage or tampering compared to traditional arm closers.

Key benefits of slide arm door closers include:

• Compact, low-profile appearance
• Reduced projection for improved safety in busy areas
• Smooth and controlled closing action
• Suitable for both internal and some external doors
• Available in a range of finishes to match door hardware

It is worth noting that while slide arm door closers offer improved aesthetics and safety, they may provide slightly less closing force compared to traditional arm models. For this reason, they are often best suited to light-to-medium duty applications rather than heavy-duty commercial doors.

When specified correctly, slide arm door closers provide an excellent balance between performance, safety and appearance, making them a strong choice for modern commercial and public environments.

Electromagnetic door closers are specialist door closers designed to work in conjunction with a building’s fire alarm system. Unlike standard door closers, these units are capable of holding a door open during normal use and then automatically releasing it when the fire alarm is activated.

This functionality makes electromagnetic door closers a critical component in fire safety systems, particularly in buildings where doors need to remain open for convenience but must close immediately in an emergency.

Electromagnetic door closers are commonly used in:

• Hospitals and healthcare environments
• Schools, colleges and universities
• Hotels and large residential buildings
• Offices and commercial premises
• Corridors and fire escape routes

In everyday operation, the door is held open using an electromagnetic hold-open device. When the fire alarm system is triggered, power to the magnet is cut, allowing the door closer to automatically close the door and help contain fire and smoke.

Key benefits of electromagnetic door closers include:

• Hold-open functionality for ease of access and movement
• Automatic release in the event of a fire alarm activation
• Improved fire safety and compartmentation
• Compliance with fire safety regulations when correctly specified
• Ideal for high-traffic and accessibility-focused environments

It is important to ensure that electromagnetic door closers are correctly installed and integrated with the fire alarm system, as their performance is critical in emergency situations.

For buildings that require both convenience and safety, electromagnetic door closers provide a reliable and compliant solution, allowing doors to remain open during normal use while still delivering automatic closure when it matters most.

One of the most common questions when selecting door closers is understanding what the size actually refers to. You will often see products labelled as Size 3, Size 2–4, Size 2–5 or Size 2–6, but these numbers are not random — they relate directly to the power and performance of the door closer.

In simple terms, the size of a door closer refers to its closing force, which determines how effectively it can control and close a door based on its weight and width. These sizes are typically classified under the European standard EN 1154, which grades door closers from Size 1 (light duty) up to Size 7 (heavy duty).

The higher the power size:

• The stronger the closing force
• The heavier and wider the door it can control
• The more suitable it is for high-traffic or commercial applications

Understanding door closer sizes is essential when choosing the correct product. If the closer is too weak, the door may not close or latch properly. If it is too strong, the door can become difficult to open and may not meet accessibility requirements.

This is why selecting the correct size — or choosing adjustable door closers with a range such as 2–5 or 2–6 — is critical for achieving the right balance between performance, safety and usability.

Fixed size door closers are a type of door closers that operate at a single, pre-set power rating, such as a Size 3 unit under EN 1154 standards. This means the closing force cannot be adjusted, and the closer is designed to suit a specific door weight and width.

Because of their simplicity, fixed size door closers are often a straightforward and cost-effective solution for standard applications where the door specification is known and unlikely to change.

Fixed size door closers are typically used for:

• Standard internal doors
• Light commercial applications
• Domestic door installations
• Situations where door size and usage are consistent

The main advantage of fixed size door closers is their ease of selection and installation. With fewer adjustment options, they are quick to fit and require minimal setup compared to adjustable models.

However, there are some limitations to consider:

• No flexibility if door conditions change (e.g. heavier door, higher traffic)
• Less precise control compared to adjustable door closers
• May not suit environments with varying usage or compliance requirements

Because of this, while fixed size door closers are suitable for simple applications, many installers and specifiers now prefer adjustable options for greater versatility.

For straightforward, low-demand environments, fixed size door closers remain a reliable and economical choice, but for anything more demanding, an adjustable model is often the better long-term solution.

Adjustable door closers are one of the most versatile types of door closers, offering the ability to set the closing force within a specific range, such as Size 2–4, Size 2–5 or Size 2–6. This flexibility makes them a popular choice across both domestic and commercial applications.

Unlike fixed models, adjustable door closers allow you to fine-tune the power size during installation, ensuring the closer is correctly matched to the door weight, width and usage level.

Typical adjustable size ranges include:

• Size 2–4 – suitable for light to medium internal doors and low-traffic environments
• Size 2–5 – a versatile all-round option for most domestic and commercial doors
• Size 2–6 – ideal for heavier doors, external doors and higher-traffic areas

One of the key benefits of adjustable door closers is their adaptability. If conditions change, such as increased usage, different door weight, or environmental factors like wind on external doors, the closer can be re-adjusted without needing to replace the unit.

Key advantages of adjustable door closers include:

• Greater flexibility during installation and setup
• Suitable for a wide range of door sizes and applications
• Improved performance across varying traffic levels
• Reduced risk of incorrect specification
• Long-term usability if door conditions change

Because of this flexibility, adjustable door closers are often the preferred choice for installers, contractors and specifiers, particularly in commercial environments where performance and compliance are critical.

For many applications, especially where there is any uncertainty, an adjustable door closer provides a more future-proof and reliable solution compared to a fixed size model.

Choosing the correct size for door closers is essential to ensure the door operates safely, efficiently and in line with building requirements. The right choice depends on several key factors, including door width, door weight, location, exposure to elements and the level of daily use.

Selecting the wrong size can lead to poor performance. A door closer that is too weak may not close or latch properly, while one that is too strong can make the door difficult to open and may not meet accessibility standards.

Internal Domestic Door

For a standard internal door in a home, door closers in Size 2 or Size 3 are typically suitable, depending on the door weight and construction.

These sizes provide:

• Controlled, quiet closing
• Enough force to latch the door properly
• Suitable performance for low-traffic environments

Garage Access Door at Home

If the door between the house and garage is a fire-rated door, it is important to use door closers that are suitable for fire door applications and compliant with relevant standards.

In most cases:

• Size 2–3 or
• Adjustable Size 2–4 door closers

are a practical choice, offering enough closing force while maintaining ease of use.

Low Traffic Office Door

For doors in low-traffic office environments, such as meeting rooms or internal offices, adjustable door closers in Size 2–4 are commonly used.

These offer:

• Flexibility during installation
• Smooth and controlled operation
• Suitability for light to moderate usage

High Traffic Office Door

In busier office environments, doors are opened and closed frequently throughout the day. In these situations, more robust door closers are required.

Recommended options include:

• Size 2–5 adjustable door closers
• Size 3–5 door closers

These provide greater durability, improved closing force and better long-term performance in high-use areas.

Pub, Restaurant or Busy Commercial Entrance

In high-traffic commercial environments such as pubs, restaurants and retail entrances, heavy-duty door closers are essential.

Typical recommendations:

• Size 2–6 adjustable door closers
• Stronger models with backcheck to prevent damage from forceful opening

These settings help manage constant use while protecting the door, frame and surrounding hardware.

External Doors

When selecting door closers for external doors, additional factors such as wind pressure, door weight and exposure to weather must be considered.

For most external applications:

• Size 3–5 or Size 2–5 adjustable door closers are commonly used
• Models with backcheck are highly recommended
• Weather-resistant or heavy-duty designs should be considered

External door closers need to provide enough power to overcome external forces while still maintaining smooth and controlled operation.

Quick Guide

• Domestic internal doors: Size 2–3
• Garage/fire doors (domestic): Size 2–4 adjustable
• Low traffic office: Size 2–4
• High traffic office: Size 2–5 or 3–5
• Commercial/high traffic entrances: Size 2–6
• External doors: Size 3–5+ with backcheck

Pro Tip

If you are unsure which size to choose, an adjustable door closer (such as Size 2–5) is often the best option. It provides flexibility during installation and allows you to fine-tune performance based on real-world use.

Getting the sizing right ensures your door closers deliver consistent performance, improved safety and longer service life, especially in demanding environments.

Not all door closers are suitable for fire doors, and this is one of the most critical considerations when selecting door hardware. In fire safety applications, door closers are a life-safety component, not just a convenience feature.

Fire doors are designed to resist the spread of fire and smoke, but they can only perform correctly if they close fully and latch every time. This is why correctly specified and installed fire door closers are essential for maintaining compliance with UK fire safety regulations and protecting escape routes.

If you are installing door closers on fire doors, always ensure the following:

• The door closer is fire-rated and suitable for use on fire doors
• It complies with EN 1154 standards (or equivalent certification)
• It is compatible with the full door set, including door type and frame
• It is installed correctly in line with manufacturer guidelines
• All associated hardware is suitable, including hinges, locks, latches and fixings

A fire door is not a single product but a complete system. Door closers must work in conjunction with other components to ensure the door performs as intended in the event of a fire.

Key components of a compliant fire door set include:

• Certified hinges that can support the door under fire conditions
• Suitable locks and latches that allow the door to close and secure properly
• Correct door furniture that does not compromise the integrity of the door
• Intumescent strips and seals where required

If any one of these elements is incorrect or missing, the fire door may fail to perform, regardless of how good the door closer is.

In commercial buildings, public spaces and multi-occupancy properties, using the correct door closers for fire doors is not only best practice but often a legal requirement. Regular inspection and maintenance are also essential to ensure ongoing compliance.

When in doubt, always seek guidance from a knowledgeable supplier or specification expert. Getting the specification right ensures your door closers contribute to a safe, compliant and fully functional fire door system.

Choosing the right door closers is far easier when working with a supplier that understands the full door set, not just a single product. A properly functioning door relies on multiple components working together, and selecting compatible door closers, hinges, locks and door furniture is key to long-term performance and compliance.

Trade Door Handles is part of T.H. Wiggans Ironmongery Ltd, a trusted UK supplier of architectural ironmongery since 1976. With decades of industry experience, we supply not only door closers, but complete hardware solutions to suit domestic, commercial and public building requirements.

Alongside door closers, we offer:

• Architectural ironmongery for full door specifications
• Door furniture including handles, knobs and accessories
• Hinges for internal and external door applications
• Locks and latches for security and compliance
• A wide range of trade hardware and essential fixings

By choosing a specialist supplier, you benefit from expert knowledge, compatible products and reliable nationwide supply, helping you get the right solution first time.