If you’re shopping for new doors, you may be in the solid core vs hollow core doors debate, but which door should you choose? There are positives and negatives to both options and these factors will depend upon your circumstances.
Hollow Core Doors
Most internal doors in residential homes are hollow core doors. If you have kids or had an accident while moving furniture, you may be familiar with the fact that they aren’t indestructible and can be punctured in a similar fashion to plasterboard. That’s because they’re manufactured by applying a thin veneer layer (usually wood or fibreboard) over and around a core of honeycombed cardboard.
Of course, this doesn’t mean they are inferior – hollow core doors are perfect for closing off interior rooms, they are lightweight and easy to swing and hang, plus they are fairly inexpensive, which is always a good thing. While they are a less secure option than solid core doors, they are sturdy enough for internal entryways and still provide some heat/cold and soundproofing properties. They are also unlikely to warp.
Benefits:
- Easy to install and use
- Tough enough for general indoor entryway use
- Unlikely to warp
- Inexpensive
Negatives:
- Less secure than solid doors
- Not fire resistant
- Not as efficient at blocking sound and temperature changes
Solid Core Doors
As the name suggests, solid core doors contain a solid wood or fibreboard centre, which is then veneered with a surface layer. These doors can be used internally or externally, but many people choose to hang solid doors in external entryways. Their thick, heavy design is ideal where security is a concern, as they are extremely sturdy; however, this can make them more difficult to install.
While solid doors are a little pricier than hollow doors, they are worth the cost in cases where you require a tough door that can stand up to weathering and frequent use. In regards to temperature and soundproofing properties, solid core doors are superior for this purpose and much safer in the case of a fire. Solid doors also last for decades and are not very prone to warping or splitting, unlike the older-style timber slab doors.
Positives:
- Secure and tough
- Fantastic sound and temperature blocking properties
- Fire and smoke resistant
- Built to last
Negatives:
- More expensive
- Difficult to install
Summarising Solid Core VS Hollow Core Doors
As you can see, neither door wins the hollow core vs solid core debate, because both have positives and negatives that can be ideal in different cases. Selecting the best door for your property depends on your budget and requirements.
If you’re still not sure though, give the friendly team at Ultimate Doors a call and we’ll talk you through your options.