Doors – Is it worth it to replace hollow-core interior doors with solid core doors

doorsinterior

I bought a house built in 1970 which still has the original interior doors. They are hollow-core, boring, brown doors. I am debating whether to simply paint them white or replace them with new pre-hung 6-panel doors.

So I am wondering if more value would be added by going with solid-core doors instead of hollow-core (enough to justify the added expense). To my untrained eye, I can't tell the difference by simply looking at a door whether it's hollow or solid.

Secondly, I know that solid-core doors do have some sound-dampening attributes that can be useful between rooms, but does it make any sense to replace a hallway closet door with a solid-core?

Best Answer

The differences between the types of doors is pretty obvious in use:

SOLID CORE DOORS

  • Mimics the appearance and feel of a solid wood door
  • Muffles sound better
  • Heavier and slams better

HOLLOW CORE DOORS

  • Lighter and easier to handle than a real wood door
  • Cheaper?

Jeld-wen says:

Hollow core doors are a good choice for areas where sound transmission is less important, like a closet or pantry. Solid Core doors are heavier and more resistant to normal wear. Solid core doors are commonly used in areas where more privacy is preferred. If interior noise reduction is a priority, consider the JELD-WEN® ProCore The Quiet Door®, which reduces sound transmission by up to 50 percent when compared to a hollow flush door.

Related Topic