Abstract: A door having a core made from a composite panel material such as medium density fiberboard or particleboard is provided with a plurality of dowels which are secured, such as by an adhesive, within openings extending into the core. The dowels and openings are positioned in alignment with the screw holes in the hinges which mount the door to a jamb or cabinet. Screws or other fasteners extend through the screw openings in the hinges and are secured within the dowels. The dowels permit conventional wood screws to be used to mount the hinges to the door and improve the screw holding capability of the door. The dowels also eliminate the need to use edge banding for screw holding purposes and thereby eliminate the problems associated with the joint formed between the edge banding and the core material.

Abstract: A fire resistant panel door is constructed from panels, stiles, mullion and rails having a core of fire resistant material. The door components are joined together so that the fire resistant material extends substantially continuously from side to side and from top to bottom of the finished door. The fire resistant core of each door panel is recessed within the fire resistant core of the associated rails and stiles to reduce air infiltration through the door which can compromise the door's fire resistance.