Most people would not be able to tell the difference between a solid wood, solid core or hallow interior or exterior door. However, there’s something unique about solid wood doors. Perhaps it’s the charm, the history, the character, the warmth and comfort they bring to a house. These type of doors have been used for hundreds of years and continue to be a popular choice today despite new innovation in the market.
When looking at residential homes, there are three types of wood doors: solid wood doors, hollow core doors and solid core doors as mentioned earlier. Although these doors can be made from either hardwood and softwood, in this article we’ll focus on solid pine doors review to help you make an informed decision.
Solid Pine Doors
Solid pine doors: solid wood
These types of doors consists of the following characteristics:
- All wood construction
- These wood doors can be used for both internal and external needs
- Are usually referred to as “traditional” in style although it can add class to any setting
The solid wood doors are usually made from a slab of wood. These doors come in both softwood and hardwood varieties. A softwood would be consider pine whereas oak or maple is a hardwood. Having said that, solid pine doors are ideal for interior purposes. Oak and maple doors are best suited for external needs given the woods strength and security.
Made from 100% natural wood, these solid pine doors are great addition to any room. Not only does solid pine doors add character to a house, they are also durable. Now days, these doors are built as a frame and panel construction.
Although the classic wooden door looks solid, it’ll most likely be built from a six-panel construction. These panels form the door which gives the impression of a full solid door made of a single wood slab, but it is not. When primed and painted, you’ll not be able to tell the difference. So what are some of the pros and cons of solid pine doors?
Pros of solid wood doors:
- Durable, strong built that can last for decades
- Good sound blockage
- Adds character to a house, increases the value
- Interior and/or exterior use however, the softwood doors are recommended for interior use only
Cons of solid wood doors:
- Expensive
- Wood doors can also expand or warp with time
Hollow Core Wood Doors
Today, most homes use hollow-core doors. These doors are constructed with a layer of wood that is applied over a main area of plastic. Because these doors are cost effective, they are a very popular choice with new home construction. Often used as passage doors, these doors are easy to install due to their light nature versus a full solid wooden door that weighs a lot more. So what are some of the pros and cons of hallow core wood doors?
Pros of hollow core doors:
- Not expensive
- Easy to install as they are light-weight
- More stable due to their construction so they do not tend to warp
Cons of hollow core doors:
- Not as durable as a full solid wood door
- Somewhat poor in sound-blockage
- Fire resistance may be weak
Solid Core Doors
Solid core doors can be used for both interior or exterior purposes. These doors are constructed from a wood veneer that is usually glued onto a solid core made of engineered wood. Given that these doors use a core of engineered wood, they feel more solid. Solid core doors are considered to be in the middle of the solid wood and hollow wood construction. These doors are affordable yet quiet durable. When it comes to higher-end home building, solid core doors are typically used. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of these solid pines doors.
Pros of solid core doors:
- Affordable to mid range pricing
- Offer good quality
- Good fire resistance
- Do not warp
Cons of solid core doors:
- Can add up in price
- May be limited in terms of variety on the market
- Due to the engineered wood slab, these doors are heavy
- Harder to install due to their weight
Are Solid Core Doors Still Worth It?
There are a few things to consider when looking at solid core doors. Pending these qualities, you can make a decision on whether solid pine doors are still worth it for your house. Here are some things to consider:
Solid core doors provide better heat resistance. Having solid core doors will therefore lower your heating bills as they provide better insulation.
Solid pine doors also provide better sound insulation. If sound is a concern, you’re best to go with a solid core door or doors in your house.
Solid core doors are more durable when compared to hallow built doors. As mentioned above, these solid pine doors are made from a slab of wood thereby increasing the durability of the door for years to come. Although it may cost more upfront, you’ll be able to get that money back by achieving greater durability, saving your hundreds in potential replacement costs.
Given the sound, heat and longer durability of the solid core doors, we believe that they are still worth it in the long run.
Conclusion
Now that you know the difference between a solid wood, hollow-core and solid core doors, you’re better informed to make a decision before committing to purchasing an interior or exterior door. To recap, doors made from softwood such as pine are usually best for interior purposes. Hardwood doors are ideal for exterior doors due to their solid and durable construction. Think maple wood for example.
If you’re looking for a cost effective door, consider the hollow-core of the solid core doors options. We recommend the solid core doors as these are the best option in terms of value and durability as explained above. It all comes down to your budget and the look you’re trying to achieve. Speaking of affordability, you can always look out for a sale at your local retailer. This may help you save a few hundred dollars.
If you have any suggestions when it comes to solid pine doors, please share with us in the comments!
