A Homeowner's Guide to Interior Door Materials

February 7, 2020

The type of materials used holds high importance in coming up with the best interior door. Homeowners need to decide on the best material option in order to make sure that they install an interior door that best represents their home. Aside from that, they must also take into consideration the overall aesthetic appeal and functionality. Below is a homeowner’s guide to interior door materials.

Solid Wooden Doors

Often favoured by those with a taste for the traditional, a solid wood interior door can provide a warm and natural look. Interior doors are made from a variety of wood species, ranging from classic hardwoods like mahogany, to less expensive softwoods such as pine. Because so many wood species are used, prices for this type of material vary widely. For the most part, however, solid wood is usually the most expensive interior door material. The most popular wood for interior doors includes cherry, walnut, maple, or juniper.

Homeowners should keep in mind that, regardless of the wood type, all solid wood will shrink or expand with changing temperatures and humidity. It's best to avoid using a solid wood interior door in a bathroom or other area where it is exposed to a lot of moisture.

Solid-Core Doors

A solid-core interior door can offer similar sound and temperature insulation as solid wood doors, but at a much lower price. Usually built with an exterior skin made of plywood or a moulded composite, a solid-core door is filled with a wood fibre blend that mimics the sturdy feeling of solid wood. While nothing can truly replace real wood, a solid-core door can is still an excellent, cheap alternative.

Hollow-Core Doors

While a solid-core interior door has a wood fibre blend core to better simulate solid wood, the inside of a hollow-core door is empty. These doors are usually the most budget-friendly wood option for interior doors. A hollow-core door is made with lighter, less expensive materials like plywood or moulded composite for an exterior skin. Since they are hollow, they aren't as durable and won't block noise as well as their solid counterparts.

Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) Doors

Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) doors is an engineered wood product made from recycled wood fibres, and has become one of the most common interior door materials due to its affordability and durability. Unlike a traditional wood interior door, an MDF door is resistant to warping and lacks a wood grain texture, making the door smooth and easy to paint.

Metal and Glass Doors

As alternatives to the traditional wood interior door, metal and glass doors are gaining popularity rapidly. They can offer a more stylish, streamlined look than a standard wood or MDF door. While their glass inserts make these doors more expensive than other interior door styles, metal and glass doors are still cheaper than a classic door made of solid wood.

For more information regarding door materials and styles, consult Shandfield Doors. We offer workmanship that defines unique taste and aesthetic appeal that is yours alone.

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