FLDE Angled Existing Floor Door

The FLDE is a retrofit floor door that installs directly into an existing floor opening without modifying the surrounding structure. The 1/4" extruded aluminum frame drops into the opening and fastens to the existing framing or masonry, making it an ideal solution for adding or replacing floor access in finished spaces.

The reinforced 1/4" diamond aluminum plate door handles a 300 lb./sq ft pedestrian live load. A 304 stainless steel gas assist opener lifts the door smoothly from the closed position, and a stainless steel hold open arm automatically locks the door open to 90° so the opening stays clear during access.

Why Do Contractors Specify FLDE Angled Existing Floor Door?

• Installs into an existing opening: The FLDE is a retrofit product. It drops into the existing floor opening without requiring a new frame to be built into the structure.
• 300 lb./sq ft pedestrian live load: The reinforced diamond aluminum plate door handles standard pedestrian traffic, making it suitable for commercial and industrial floor applications.
• Gas assist opener: A 304 stainless steel gas assist spring lifts the door from the closed position, reducing the effort required to open heavy aluminum floor doors.
• Automatic hold open arm: The stainless steel hold open arm locks the door at 90° when open, keeping the opening clear and both hands free during access.
• Dual-access latch: The 304 stainless steel slam latch operates from the exterior with a flush key and from the interior with a handle opener, so the door can be secured and opened from either side. A 5/16" steel square key is included.

Ready to order? Request a quote for the FLDE to confirm your preferred size and production lead time for your project.

Key Product Specifications

• Application: Retrofit installation into an existing floor opening
• Frame material: 1/4" extruded aluminum
• Door material: Reinforced 1/4" diamond aluminum plate
• Standard finish: Mill
• Frame construction: Pre-drilled .28" diameter mounting holes for 1/4" hardware (by others); 1-1/2" from the bottom of the frame
• Frame depth: 3"
• Overall frame footprint: Order size width + 2" x order size length + 2"
• Hinge: 304 stainless steel
• Spring: 304 stainless steel gas assist opener
• Hold open arm: Stainless steel; automatically locks door open to 90°
• Latch: 304 stainless steel slam latch; flush key operator on exterior, handle opener on interior; removable stainless 18-8 threaded plug; 5/16" steel square key included
• Load: 300 lb./sq ft pedestrian live load
• Order size range: Minimum 23" x 23"; maximum 47" x 47"
• Existing opening required: Order size + 1" on each dimension
• Optional add-on: Stainless steel padlock tab

What Comes Standard and What Can Be Configured?

Every FLDE ships with the following as standard:

• 1/4" extruded aluminum frame with pre-drilled .28" diameter mounting holes
• Reinforced 1/4" diamond aluminum plate door
• Mill finish
• 304 stainless steel hinge
• 304 stainless steel gas assist opener
• Stainless steel hold open arm (locks to 90°)
• 304 stainless steel slam latch with flush key exterior operator and interior handle opener
• Removable stainless 18-8 threaded plug
• 5/16" steel square key

The following option must be specified at the time of order and is not included as standard:

• Stainless steel padlock tab on top in addition to the standard latch

What Should You Confirm Before Ordering FLDE?

• Existing opening size: The FLDE installs into the existing floor opening. The existing opening must equal the order size plus 1" on each dimension. For example, a 23" x 23" order size requires a 24" x 24" existing opening. Measure the existing opening before selecting a model.
• Frame footprint: The overall frame footprint is order size width + 2" x order size length + 2". Confirm this fits within the surrounding floor material without conflict.
• Load requirements: The FLDE is rated for a 300 lb./sq ft pedestrian live load. Confirm this meets your project's load requirements.
• Padlock tab: The standard latch uses a key and interior handle. If secondary padlock security is required, specify the padlock tab at the time of order.
• Hardware: Mounting hardware (1/4" fasteners) is not included and must be sourced separately based on your framing material (wood, metal, or masonry).
• Custom size: If a standard size doesn’t match the existing opening, custom sizes are available. Request a quote to confirm dimensions and lead time.
• Production lead time: Request a quote to confirm production and ship dates for your order.

Installation Notes

• The FLDE installs into an existing floor opening. No new framing is required. The existing opening is the rough opening.
• Existing opening must be order size + 1" on each dimension. Verify the opening before ordering.
• The frame drops into the opening and fastens to the surrounding wood, metal, or masonry framing through the pre-drilled .28" diameter mounting holes. Mounting hardware is not included and must be sourced separately.
• Mounting holes are located 1-1/2" from the bottom of the frame.
• The gas assist opener lifts the door from the closed position. The hold open arm locks the door at 90° when open.
• The exterior latch operates with the included 5/16" steel square key. The removable stainless 18-8 threaded plug covers the keyway when not in use.
• The interior handle opener allows the door to be released from below without a key.

Who Specifies FLDE and Where Is It Used?

Contractors, facility managers, and building owners specify the FLDE for an existing floor opening that needs a durable, lockable floor door without requiring structural modifications.

The retrofit design and stainless steel hardware make it an ideal specification for commercial and industrial applications where pedestrian traffic passes over or near the opening.

Common applications include:

• Commercial buildings: Replacing worn or missing floor doors over utility vaults, electrical access, and mechanical pits in offices, retail spaces, and common areas.
• Industrial facilities: Adding secure, load-rated floor access to existing openings in warehouses, manufacturing floors, and utility corridors.
• Institutional buildings: Retrofit floor access in schools, government buildings, and similar facilities where structural modification isn't practical.
• Renovation and retrofit projects: Installing a floor door in an existing opening when new construction floor doors were not specified or the original door requires replacement.

Not sure if the FLDE is the right fit? Browse our full range of roof and floor hatches to compare models and find the right fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is hardware included with FLDE?
Mounting hardware is not included. The frame comes with pre-drilled .28" diameter mounting holes for 1/4" fasteners, which must be sourced separately based on the framing material (wood, metal, or masonry).

2. What load can FLDE handle?
The FLDE is rated for a 300 lb./sq ft pedestrian live load.

3. Can I open FLDE from below?
Yes. The slam latch includes a handle opener on the inside so the door can be released from below without a key.

4. Can I add a padlock to FLDE?
Yes. A stainless steel padlock tab is available as an optional add-on in addition to the standard slam latch.

5. How does the hold open arm work?
The stainless steel hold open arm automatically locks the door in the open position at 90°. This keeps both hands free and the opening clear during access. The door stays locked open until manually released.

Why Buy FLDE From Access Doors and Panels?

At Access Doors and Panels, we confirm your existing opening size, model selection, and lead time before you place an order, so the right configuration ships the first time. If a standard size doesn't match your opening, our team can help you get a custom panel sized specifically for your project.

Have any questions? Contact our team or call +1-888-327-5471 to confirm specifications and get sizing guidance.

Need a custom size? Request a custom quote to get the FLDE manufactured to your exact dimensions.