At first glance, it may seem like an easy choice to decide between solid doors, solid-core doors, and hollow doors. After all, from across the room, they all look about the same, and hollow doors are by far the most economical choice. So case solved; purchase hollow doors and move on, right? Well, maybe not. When making your selection, we recommend you consider the budget you’re working with, the look you are trying to achieve, the space the door will be installed in and how it will function.
Solid Doors are made of solid wood, and they’re definitely one of our favourites. Solid door designs are endless, and you’ll enjoy exploring the many options for how many panels to use, the style of the panel, and even the panel trim. Solid doors can also be used as exterior doors, but keep in mind that they’ll require proper finishing, care, and maintenance. Another fantastic thing about solid doors is that they can be ordered in a custom size when necessary. Often, if you have purchased a solid door that’s a little too tall or too wide, it can be restyled in either height, width, or both. And many homeowners enjoy the hefty feel when someone knocks or opens the door. Solid doors can also be repaired when they become scratched or dented.
Solid doors are a great choice for washrooms and bedrooms. They offer good sound deadening qualities, so you’ll have a bit more privacy. They’re also light enough that a single person can handle and install them independently. When doing so, it’s important to control the home’s humidity, as moisture may adversely affect the wood. While excess humidity isn’t a big concern in most of Alberta, dryness can be an issue, so a humidifier may be necessary. Solid wood doors can be supplied with a fire rating, by request.
Hollow Doors are the most economical solution when choosing new doors. Typically, hollow doors will have some honeycombing or other structural system in place to give the door a bit more integrity. However, not all hollow core doors are created equal. At TimberTown, we do our best to source quality products, and we want to make sure that you are getting the best bang for your buck. But generally, a cheaper price will mean a sacrifice in quality. Let us help you get the most out of your budget.
Hollow doors are perfect for closets, pantries, and other non-private spaces because they’re affordable and very lightweight. It’s only when someone knocks on a hollow door or opens it that they experience how light the door feels in the hand. These doors offer little in the way of sound reduction, but your towels and flour are hardly going to be throwing a party. For bedrooms, however, we would recommend upgrading to doors that offer fire resistance and sound deadening qualities.
Solid-Core Doors are made with a composite core and a veneer. They generally cost somewhere in between hollow doors and solid wood doors, and are a good compromise of budget and quality. The composite material in the core of these doors is super dense and offers superior sound reduction. They’re also less sensitive to humidity than solid wood doors and offer the heft and feel of quality.
Solid-core doors are a great option for all your interior doors, but they’re a particularly good choice for rooms where noise reduction is important, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, the home office, or even a home library. Like solid wood doors, solid-core can offer increased fire resistance if requested. However, all the sound-proofing and fire resistance comes with some real weight. Solid-core doors can be twice as heavy as solid wood doors, and you’ll probably need a partner to help keep the door steady while you install it.
When it comes to choosing your doors, keep in mind that, while consistency is often desired, they don’t all have to the same! You can choose a custom wood door for your front entrance, hollow-core doors for closets and storage areas, and solid-core doors for other rooms. You may even opt for a feature door to accent a wall or space. The important thing is to balance budget with your home’s aesthetic and your own personal preferences. If you have questions about doors or need some advice in regards to which doors would be suit your needs, call or swing by the TimberTown location nearest to you!
