The specific method by which modern internal doors in your home are constructed can have several implications for your home. This means it’s worth considering when buying or refurbishing a home you’re currently living in.
Solid core and hollow core doors have some key differences, so let’s discuss what these are and how different doors might benefit your property.
What’s the difference between solid core and hollow core doors?
The answer to that question might initially seem quite obvious: one is hollow, while the other is not. However, there’s a little more to it than that.
A hollow core door typically comprises a cardboard or plastic honeycomb core. This core is very basic, designed to be made cheaply, and supports its weight. This core is then supplemented with a thin layer of wood or fibreboard to make the door look a little more elegant, as that additional layer can be carved and shaped to specific design specifications.
On the other hand, a solid core door is one in which the core is made from MDF or some other similarly engineered wood. These solid cores are sturdy, though they are quite cheap as well. Typically, these cores are covered in low-quality and higher-quality wood veneer.
The difference here may sound simple, but it has a big knock-on effect. Essentially, the hollow core door has a greater air presence within the door itself. This leads to a great decrease in the amount of noise reduction, as well as in the sturdiness and durability of the door.
Why are hollow core doors beneficial?
Hollow core doors are mainly used because they can be made and installed very cheaply. While this leads to problems down the line, a cheaper door might make sense if you’re having to buy these doors en masse. For instance, if you’re refurbishing an entire house, solid wood or solid core doors will quickly run up the cost of your bill.
Hollow core doors are also very light, meaning they can be easy to install even for someone who needs to be more qualified. This has its money-saving functionality: labour costs can be drastically reduced if a tradesperson can install doors in less time, or you install the doors yourself without having a professional do it.
Why are solid core doors beneficial?
Solid core doors also have a notable price benefit over other doors. The reason for this is that the MDF core of the door will be cheaper than the equivalent made from a solid piece of wood. There are also long-term savings in a solid core door; since the doors are more hardwearing, you’ll typically need less maintenance and repair over time.
The soundproofing that solid core doors provide cannot be overstated. Since MDF is a particularly dense material, there are typically few to zero air pockets within which sound could travel. Therefore, solid core doors are a wise investment for rooms around which you may need to block sound, for instance, conversation or television noise getting into bedrooms.
Selecting the ideal door for your home is a process that requires some consideration, but you’ll always feel the benefit of investing in solid-core internal doors. You’ll notice increased thermal insulation, soundproofing, durability, and security. In a contest between the two, a solid core door will always be of better value than a hollow core door.
