Docmetal

Doc metal is a type of interior metal door finish characterized by a textured, metal panel with a dimensional appearance. The surface of doc metal doors appears to be composed of multiple, raised panels, creating a three-dimensional effect when viewed from an angle.

The name "doc metal" is derived from a design shorthand, which was used by door manufacturers to identify this specific style. The "Doc" in doc metal is believed to have originated from the use of the letter "D" in architectural notation to denote a "dimensional" or three-dimensional surface.

Doc metal doors were popularized in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. They were often used in residential and commercial applications, and were considered to have a more modern and sophisticated appearance compared to earlier interior door finishes.

The textured surface of doc metal doors was created using a specialized process that involved pressing the metal into a raised pattern. The resulting design gives the appearance of multiple panels from a distance, creating a sense of depth and visual interest.

Despite their popularity during the mid-20th century, doc metal doors have largely fallen out of favor in recent years, being replaced by more modern door finishes such as glass panel doors and flush metal doors. However, they remain a recognizable and iconic architectural feature of the mid-century modern design aesthetic.