Choosing the Perfect Door Core: Solid vs. Hollow vs. Semi-Solid

When it comes to selecting the right door for your home, one of the most crucial considerations is the type of core to opt for. The core of a door refers to the inner material it’s been produced with, which will normally fall within one of three different types. Each of the three different types of doors – hollow core, semi-solid core, and solid engineered – have a range of different benefits.

This guide is an overview of these three main types, each one stocked here at LPD doors.

Hollow Core Doors

Hollow core doors are typically constructed with a lightweight internal framework, usually made of honeycomb cardboard or plastic materials.

These doors are lightweight, making them cost-effective, especially when placed in comparison to solid engineered doors. For this reason, they’re a popular budget-friendly option. Their light internal framework also makes installation a much easier process, as handling is unchallenging.

Hollow core doors might not offer quite the same sound insulation as semi-solid or engineered alternatives, but they certainly help reduce noise overall, creating a quieter environment than an absent door. Hollow core doors are also considered to be more fragile, in comparison to their more solid counterparts.

LPD Doors stock hollow core doors in a variety of styles and designs, often with a primed finish. They can also be painted to match an interior.

Grey Moulded Textured Vertical 5P

Semi-Solid Core Doors

Semi-solid core doors are a great middle ground between hollow core and solid engineered doors.

The core of these doors are a mixture of solid and hollow parts, often filled with a lightweight material such as foam or particleboard. In comparison to hollow core doors, the semi-solid option is considered as more stable and durable, making the product less susceptible to damage over the long-term.

Improved sound insulation is another benefit of a semi-solid. Whilst not as effective as solid engineered doors, semi-solid core doors offer better sound insulation than completely hollow core doors, helping to reduce noise transmission and improve privacy.

Other benefits include its reasonable weight, and its cost-effectiveness. When placed in comparison to solid core types, semi-solid core doors are easier to install and offer some level of long-term durability. Typically, they’re also a more cost-effective option.

Pre-finished Light Grey Laminate Vancouver 5P

Solid Engineered Doors

Solid core doors are, as the name suggests, a completely solid construction that lack any empty internal spaces. Their interiors are generally made from particle board or sections of wood joined together to create a solid engineered core.

In comparison to mixed products, solid engineered doors are an extremely sturdy and resilient option. This makes them more resistant to any long-term wear and tear, such as dents or scratches. They also offer a much higher level of sound insulation, making them the perfect choice for areas where privacy and noise reduction are essential.

Overall, solid core products are generally of a higher price point, but offer a level of strength and quality that matches.

Pre-finished Oak Melbourne

Find the perfect door for your home

Choosing the type of door core that’s right for you ultimately depends on a number of factors such as budget, desired appearance, and security and privacy requirements.

If you’re interested in browsing our full range of hollow, semi-solid, and solid engineered doors, or in learning more about the types of internal doors, visit our product pages.