Who This Helps and What It Covers
If you are an architect, hardware consultant, or commercial contractor trying to write or review a door hardware specification, Section 087100 is where the real decisions live. This guide explains the structure CSI MasterFormat assigns to door hardware, what each part of the specification must accomplish, and where specs most often break down on real projects. Whether you are working on a healthcare renovation, a school addition, or an industrial facility, the framework is the same -- the content inside each section changes based on the opening conditions.
What Is CSI MasterFormat Section 087100?
Section 087100 -- Door Hardware is the CSI MasterFormat designation for finish hardware on commercial door openings. It lives within Division 08 (Openings) and governs mechanical and electromechanical hardware on swinging doors: hinges, locksets, exit devices, door closers, door hardware accessories, and related products. Automatic door operators typically appear under Section 087113. Access control hardware and readers are often broken out into Section 087400 or coordinated with Division 28. Thresholds and gasketing may fall under 087900 or appear within 087100 at the specifier's discretion.
Older documents -- and some manufacturer-issued spec guides still in circulation -- use the legacy number 08710 (five digits, no space). Both refer to the same scope of work. When you see a project spec labeled either way, treat them as equivalent.
The Four-Part DHI Structure Inside Section 087100
The Door and Hardware Institute (DHI) extends the standard CSI three-part format into four components for hardware specifications. Understanding this structure prevents the most common spec errors.
Part 1 -- General
This section handles administrative and procedural requirements. It does not describe products. Key articles include:
- Work Includes: List every hardware category in scope -- finish hardware, thresholds, weatherstripping, electromechanical devices. Do not leave out categories and assume they are implied.
- Related Work: Cross-reference Division 08 11 13 (Hollow Metal Doors and Frames), Division 08 14 16 (Flush Wood Doors), Division 26 (Electrical) for any powered hardware, and Division 28 (Access Control and Fire Alarm) for electrified opening systems.
- Quality Assurance: State the applicable ANSI/BHMA standards (A156 series), NFPA 80, NFPA 101, NFPA 105, UL10C for fire-rated assemblies, ADA/ANSI A117.1, and the adopted edition of the IBC. Reference the codes and standards the Authority Having Jurisdiction has adopted -- the UVMC healthcare projects in our files, for example, explicitly list all of these in 1.2.D.
- Submittals: Require a detailed door hardware schedule formatted per DHI's Sequence and Format guidance, manufacturer product data sheets, a keying schedule, and templates to be submitted to the hollow metal and millwork suppliers.
- Supplier Qualification: Many well-written specs require that the supplying distributor employ an Architectural Hardware Consultant (AHC) or equivalent qualified person to coordinate the project.
Part 2 -- Products
This is where hardware is described by category, performance standard, and acceptable manufacturer. Organize by product type:
- Hinges and continuous hinges (ANSI/BHMA A156.1, A156.26)
- Locks and latchsets -- mortise, cylindrical, or interconnected functions (ANSI/BHMA A156.13, A156.2)
- Exit devices -- rim, mortise, or vertical rod (ANSI/BHMA A156.3, UL 305)
- Door closers -- ANSI/BHMA A156.4 Grade 1 for commercial use; size range 1 through 6
- Electromechanical hardware -- electric strikes, electrified locksets or exit devices, electromagnetic hold-opens
- Cylinders and keying
- Door hardware accessories -- pulls, push plates, kick plates, coordinators, door stops, overhead holders
- Thresholds, door bottoms, and weatherstripping where included in this section
Specify finishes using ANSI/BHMA A156.18 designations (US26D, US32D, US10B, and so on) to eliminate ambiguity across manufacturers. Preferred lines for the categories above include Sargent, Corbin Russwin, Hager, and PDQ for locks and exit devices; Norton, Hager, and Corbin Russwin for closers; Rockwood, Hager, McKinney, Pemko, and ABH Manufacturing for trim and hardware accessories. These lines are generally stable in their part architectures, which simplifies future part-level service.
Part 3 -- Execution
Part 3 covers installation requirements, mounting heights, inspection, and adjusting and cleaning. Key requirements include:
- Hardware mounting heights must comply with ADA/ANSI A117.1 (lever handles and pulls between 34 and 48 inches above finished floor, for example)
- Installer must have an approved hardware schedule before beginning work
- Hardware must be protected from paint, mortar, and construction debris; relief holes should be drilled before hinges are finally installed
- Closers must be adjusted after door installation; final adjustment should occur after the building is occupied and HVAC is operational
- Fire-rated and smoke-door hardware must comply with NFPA 80 and NFPA 105 respectively; AHJ acceptance is required
Component 4 -- Hardware Sets (Schedule)
The hardware schedule is the fourth DHI component, not a replacement for Parts 1 through 3. It lists every opening by door number and assigns the complete set of hardware items to that opening. A complete submittal includes the schedule, catalog cuts, a keying schedule, and templates to frame and door manufacturers.
Common error: Many project teams submit only a hardware schedule and call it a specification. The schedule tells the installer what to install; the specification establishes quality, compliance, and accountability. Both are required on any properly administered project.
Where Coordination with Other Divisions Gets Missed
Electrified hardware -- electric strikes, electrified exit devices, electromagnetic hold-open devices, automatic operators, and access-controlled openings -- requires active coordination with Division 26 (Electrical) for power supply and conduit and Division 28 (Electronic Safety and Security) for access control and fire alarm interface. Missing this coordination in the spec is the single most common source of field conflicts and change orders on electrified opening projects.
Get Help Writing or Reviewing Your 087100 Section
DoorwaysPlus.com supplies the commercial door hardware specified in Section 087100 projects across healthcare, education, retail, and industrial facilities. Our team can assist with schedule review, product recommendations by opening type, and sourcing hardware from manufacturer lines that are built for long-term serviceability. Contact DoorwaysPlus.com to get started.