Choosing a Floor Spring
A floor spring is a concealed door closer installed beneath finished floor level.
Rather than mounting the closer body visibly at the top of the door, the mechanism is housed within the floor and connected to the door through a spindle and suitable door fittings.
Floor springs can provide an elegant solution for architectural entrances and commercial doors where both controlled closing and a clean appearance are important.
When selecting a floor spring, consider the door width, weight, construction, opening direction, required closing force, frequency of use and any fire or accessibility requirements.
Single-Action Floor Springs
A single-action door opens in one direction and closes back against a frame or stop.
Suitable floor springs can be configured for single-action doors where the door construction and associated accessories permit this arrangement.
The floor spring, pivot system, door straps and frame details should all be selected as part of the complete door assembly.
Double-Action Floor Springs
A double-action floor spring allows a suitable door to open in both directions before returning towards its central closed position.
This type of arrangement is particularly common on architectural entrance doors and selected commercial or glazed-door systems.
Double-action installations require appropriate pivot and door-fitting arrangements, so the complete system should be considered rather than selecting the floor spring body alone.
Floor Springs for Heavy Doors
One of the advantages of floor-spring systems is that selected models can accommodate substantial architectural doors.
However, maximum door weight should never be considered independently of door width.
A wide door creates greater leverage on the closing mechanism than a narrower door of the same weight, so both dimensions should be checked against the manufacturer's specification.
For particularly large doors, the required power size and pivot arrangement become especially important.
Door Width & Closing Power
Door closers are commonly available in different EN power sizes.
The appropriate closing power depends on the dimensions and operating conditions of the door.
The floor spring needs enough force to close and latch the door reliably, but excessive closing force can make the door unnecessarily difficult to open.
Wind pressure, seals, latches and internal air-pressure differences can also affect the final performance of the installed door.
Hold-Open Floor Springs
Selected floor springs are available with a hold-open function that allows the door to remain open at a predetermined angle.
This can be useful on appropriate non-fire-rated doors where doors need to remain open during normal use.
Where a fire or smoke door is involved, ordinary mechanical hold-open should not be assumed acceptable. Any hold-open function must be compatible with the fire-door strategy and relevant tested or approved system.
Adjustable Closing Speed
Many architectural floor springs allow the closing speed to be adjusted.
Some systems also provide additional control over the final closing movement or opening cycle.
Correct adjustment helps ensure that the door closes reliably without moving excessively quickly or slamming.
The exact adjustment functions vary between individual floor-spring models.
Floor Springs for Glass Doors
Floor springs are commonly associated with frameless and framed glass entrance doors, particularly in retail and commercial buildings.
The floor spring forms only one part of the system.
Appropriate top pivots, bottom fittings, patch fittings or door straps need to be selected according to the particular glass-door construction.
Do not assume that one floor spring can simply be fitted to every glass door configuration.
Floor Springs for Timber & Metal Doors
Suitable floor springs can also be used with timber, steel and aluminium doors when combined with the appropriate accessories.
Different door materials require different straps, pivots and fixing arrangements.
The construction of the door should therefore be identified before the floor spring and accessory package are specified.
Floor Springs & Fire Doors
Selected floor-spring systems may be suitable for fire and smoke door applications where supported by appropriate test or certification evidence.
Fire suitability depends on much more than the closer mechanism alone.
The door leaf, frame, floor spring, pivots, straps, locks, seals and installation configuration must all be compatible with the required doorset performance.
Always check the specific fire-door evidence rather than assuming that every floor spring is suitable for a fire-rated door.
Planning the Floor Installation
Floor springs need more coordination with the building construction than surface-mounted door closers.
The closer body is generally housed within a floor box beneath finished floor level, so the required recess, finished floor build-up and position of the spindle need to be considered before installation.
This is especially important where the floor incorporates underfloor heating, waterproofing systems, services or specialist finishes.
Early coordination can avoid significant alterations later in the project.
Floor Springs vs Surface-Mounted Closers
The principal advantage of a floor spring is its discreet appearance.
Most of the closer mechanism is concealed beneath the floor, making it attractive for feature entrances and design-led interiors.
A surface-mounted closer is generally easier to access for installation, adjustment and replacement.
The right solution therefore depends on the required appearance, door construction, performance and maintenance requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a floor spring?
A floor spring is a concealed door closer installed beneath the finished floor.
It controls the movement of the door and returns it towards the closed position after opening.
Can floor springs work on double-action doors?
Yes. Selected floor springs are designed for double-action doors that open in both directions.
The appropriate pivots and door fittings also need to be specified.
Can floor springs be used on heavy doors?
Selected models can accommodate substantial door weights.
Always check both the maximum door weight and permitted door width for the individual floor spring.
Can floor springs be used with glass doors?
Yes. Floor springs are commonly used with architectural glass doors when combined with the correct patch fittings, pivots and accessories.
Can floor springs be used with timber doors?
Yes. Suitable floor springs can be used with timber doors where the correct door straps, pivots and installation arrangement are selected.
What is a hold-open floor spring?
A hold-open floor spring can retain the door at a predetermined open position.
Its suitability depends on the application and should be checked carefully on fire and smoke doors.
Are floor springs suitable for fire doors?
Selected systems may be suitable when supported by appropriate fire-test or certification evidence.
The complete doorset and installation configuration must be considered.
Are floor springs difficult to install?
They require accurate coordination because the closer body is recessed beneath finished floor level.
The floor construction, door position, spindle, pivots and finished floor level should ideally be planned before installation begins.
Need Help Choosing a Floor Spring?
The correct floor spring will depend on your door width, weight, material, opening action, frequency of use and required performance.
Roundtower Hardware can assist with the specification of floor springs in Ireland for commercial entrances and architectural doors.
Contact our team with your door dimensions and project requirements and we can help identify the appropriate floor spring and associated accessories.
