What are Solid Core Doors?
A solid core door is made of engineered wood or composite materials like MDF (medium-density fiberboard). These materials are highly compressed and have minimal air space, making them a sturdy and durable choice.
Pros
1. Enhanced Privacy
Solid core doors are the go-to choice for rooms that require privacy and seclusion like bedrooms or bathrooms because they help with noise reduction.
2. Affordable Alternative to Solid Wood
A solid core door is more budget-friendly than a costlier solid wood door. It doesn't compromise on quality and achieves a similar look and feel to an actual solid wood door.
3. Resistance and Durability
Solid core doors are known for their strength and durability. They resist dents, scratches and everyday wear and tear better than hollow core doors.
4. A Variety of Styles
Whether your home has a Craftsman, coastal, modern, traditional or Victorian aesthetic, there are solid core doors to match the style of your house.
Considerations
1. Budget
Solid core doors use denser and more processed cores like MDF in their construction. This, along with the compression process, makes them more expensive than hollow-core doors. They’re an apt choice if you need privacy, security, and durability.
2. Weight
Handling and maneuvering a solid core door can be more challenging due to its compressed and dense internal structure. Installing a solid core door requires two people to handle the weight and stronger hinges for support.
What are Hollow Core Doors?
Hollow core doors are not entirely hollow. They have a comparatively lightweight core because they’re made of MDF (medium-density fiberboard) molded composite, wood or hardboard. They have a similar encasing of veneer or fiberboard.
Pros
1. Lightweight
The interior of a hollow core door has more space due to the honeycomb structure. This reduces the overall weight of the door. With less strain on the hinges and frames, it minimizes the wear and tear on the hardware.
2. Easy to Install
Hollow core doors are easy to handle and install because they’re lightweight. This makes it easier to repair or replace your door whenever necessary.
3. Cost-Effective
Hollow core doors are built with inexpensive materials, making them budget-friendly. They’re a good option when you want to invest in multiple doors on a tighter budget.
4. Stylish Options
Just like solid core doors, hollow core doors come in an array of styles including: coastal, Craftsman, farmhouse, mid-century modern, modern, rustic, traditional and Victorian.
Considerations
1. Lack of Privacy
Because of its lighter weight, hollow-core doors offer less sound insulation than solid core doors. Use hollow core doors for pantries, laundry rooms and closets where privacy isn't needed.
2. Less Durable
Because of the way they're constructed, hollow core doors aren’t as sturdy as solid core doors.
3. Susceptible to Damage
A hollow core door is more susceptible to scratches and dents than solid core doors.
Conclusion
Now that you have a better understanding of what solid core doors and hollow core doors are, making the choice should be easy.
Solid Core Doors
Solid core doors are ideal for sound insulation and privacy because of the material, but they’re also heavier and harder to install. Use them for bedrooms and bathrooms.
Hollow Core Doors
On the other hand, hollow core doors are lightweight, easier to install and affordable, but also lack durability and strength. Use them for closets, pantries and laundry rooms.
Are you ready to purchase doors for your home? Buy them online or visit your local Lowe's. We can also deliver and install them for you.