What are the Benefits of a Solid Core Interior Door?

Should I buy a solid-core or a hollow-core door? Which is better? Many people are faced with these exact questions. It is a decision that needs to be made based on a cost / benefit analysis. While hollow core doors are less expensive and lighter, solid core doors look and feel better, are more durable, and are much better at insulating sounds. If immediate cost is the only determining factor for purchasing an interior door then a hollow-core might be the better decision. However, solid-core doors have much longer life spans. The cost of replacing hollow-core doors when they break will inevitably cost more money in the long run.

​

Hollow Core Doors

 

Advantages:

• Hollow core doors are lighter. This is because the interior core of the door is hollow, sometimes made of a honeycomb material. Being that they’re lighter they may be easier to handle and install.

• A big advantage that hollow-core doors have is their immediate cost. Because these doors require less material and workmanship the cost of these doors will be less expensive than a solid-core door.

 

 

Disadvantages:

• The major disadvantage is the durability of these doors. A major impact could easily puncture the veneer skin leaving a hole in the door.

• Another disadvantage for this type of interior doors involves the finish. After painting these doors the veneers become wet and more flexible. Extra care is needed to support the door to prevent a bow or twist while the finish is drying.

​

Solid Core Doors

Solid Core Doors are heavier. This is because the interior core of the door is solid, sometimes made of composite material. Being that they’re solid, they have greater lasting durability and are a better quality door.

​

Advantages:

• The major advantage for these doors is their durability. These doors were built to last and will need less maintenance then its hollow-core counterparts.

• Another advantage is that these interior doors have noise canceling ability.

• Solid-core doors are also more fire resistant than hollow-core doors and could potentially isolate a fire.

• Last but not least the quality of solid core doors is completely unmatched by hollow-core doors.

 

Disadvantages:

• The biggest disadvantage for a solid core wooden door is that they are heavy. The door can pose a challenge to handle and transport all the way to your home.

 

*There was one advantage for hollow core doors that I didn’t mention earlier. This advantage is that they warp less. The reason I didn’t mention this is because solid-core doors made of composite material will not warp as well. So if you choose a solid-core dore made of composite material you will not need to worry about your doors ever warping. Take care to apply finish to all 6 edges to add even greater protection against warping. All of our doors at Aegis are made of this composite material.