Interior doors provide privacy, reduce noise transmission, and contribute to the overall design of your living spaces. Whether you’re building or renovating a home, understanding the various types, materials, and styles can help you pick the best doors for your project. This guide will explore everything you need to know about interior doors, from construction methods to installation tips.
Types of Interior Doors
Interior doors come in several types, each with unique characteristics and benefits. Let’s explore the most common options for homeowners.
Solid Core Doors
Solid core doors (#1) are durable insulators. They typically consist of a wood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) frame filled with a solid core material made of particleboard, wood fiber, or other composite materials.
Molded MDF skins cover the front and back of the glued-together frame, creating a smooth surface. The solid core provides sound absorption and density, making these doors ideal for areas where privacy and noise reduction are important, like your bedrooms or home office.
Hollow Core Doors
Hollow core doors (#1) are a lightweight and affordable option. Similar to solid core doors, hollow core doors have a frame covered by MDF or wood veneer skins. However, the interior is either empty or filled with a cardboard honeycomb structure to prevent flexing, so they aren’t as useful for sound reduction. Still, they are easier to handle and install. They’re most suitable for closets, pantries, or areas where sound insulation is less critical.
Solid Stile and Rail Doors
Solid stile and rail doors (#2) offer a traditional look and superior strength. These doors are made with vertical stiles and horizontal rails made of engineered or solid wood, occasionally MDF. The components are held together with glue and dowels, creating a sturdy frame.
Panels, usually made of MDF, fit within this frame and often feature better milled details than molded doors. The door’s face can be finished with wood veneer or a smooth layer of MDF. While more expensive than others, these doors have a classic appearance and long lifespan.
Materials Used in Interior Door Construction
Here are the most common materials used in interior door construction:
MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard)
MDF is popular due to its affordability and versatility. It’s made from wood fibers compressed with resin, which makes a smooth, uniform surface ideal for painting. MDF is also resistant to warping and shrinking.
Carved MDF doors (#3) offer an inexpensive way to achieve the look of traditional raised panel doors. Two solid slabs of MDF are glued together, and the faces are detailed with a router bit. This method creates the appearance of separate panels, rails, and stiles in one piece, reducing costs compared to solid wood versions with applied molding.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood comprises multiple layers of bonded wood veneers or fibers, combining the benefits of solid wood and manufactured materials. It is also less prone to warping or cracking than solid wood, making it a good choice for areas with fluctuating humidity levels.
Solid Wood
Solid wood doors are timeless and resistant to wear and tear. They can be made from various wood species with unique grain patterns and characteristics. While more expensive than other options, solid wood doors provide excellent sound insulation and can last decades with proper care. It’s often used in high-end stile and rail doors, showcasing the natural beauty of the wood grain. These doors can be stained or painted to match your home’s decor.
Interior Door Styles and Designs
Interior doors come in many styles to suit different architectural designs and personal preferences. Here are some popular options:
Panel Doors
Panel doors feature raised or lowered panels surrounded by stiles and rails. They can have anywhere from one to eight panels, with six-panel doors being a classic choice. Panel doors add visual interest and depth to a room, making them popular for traditional and contemporary homes.
Flush Doors
Flush doors have a smooth, flat surface on both sides, giving them a modern look and making them easy to maintain. Flush doors can be made from various materials, including MDF, plywood, or hardboard, and are often used in contemporary or minimalist interiors.
French Doors
French doors consist of multiple glass panes set within a frame. They allow light to flow between rooms while still providing separation. French doors are often used for entryways to large family rooms or outdoor spaces, adding elegance to your home’s design.
Barn Doors
Barn doors have gained popularity recently for their rustic charm and space-saving design. These doors slide along a track mounted above the doorway, making them ideal for areas where swing space is limited. Barn doors can be made from various materials, including wood, metal, or glass.
Choosing the Right Interior Door
Keep these factors in mind when picking the perfect door for your home:
Considering Room Function
Bedrooms and bathrooms may benefit from solid core doors for increased privacy and sound insulation. Lighter hollow-core doors are better for closets and pantries.
Matching Your Home’s Decor
Your interior doors should complement your home’s overall style. Traditional homes could benefit from panel or French doors, while modern interiors are better suited to flush or barn doors. When making your choice, consider the existing trim, flooring, and furniture.
Budget Considerations
Interior door prices vary widely depending on the material, style, and quality. Set a realistic budget for your project, keeping in mind that investing in higher-quality doors can pay off in terms of lifespan and looks in the long run.
Interior Door Installation and Maintenance
Properly install and maintain your interior doors to make them last longer.
Interior Door Installation Tips
If you’re handy and have some DIY experience, consider hanging interior doors yourself to save some money. Make sure you have the right tools and carefully follow installation instructions. Pay special attention to leveling and properly securing the door frame.
Hire a professional to hang and align your doors properly for complex installations or if you’re not confident in your DIY skills.
Proper Interior Door Care and Maintenance
Regular maintenance can extend the life of your interior doors. Clean them with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap, and avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the finish. Lubricate hinges and hardware as needed and address any issues immediately to prevent further damage.
Interior Door Sizes and Standards
Choose the right door size for your home to avoid expensive custom orders.
Common Interior Door Dimensions
Most interior doors come in standard widths of 24, 28, 30, 32, and 36 inches. The most common height is 80 inches, although taller options are available. The standard thickness for interior doors is typically 1⅜ inches.
Custom Sizing Options
You might need custom-sized doors if you have an older home or unique architectural features. Many manufacturers offer made-to-order doors to fit non-standard openings, though these will cost more than standard sizes.
Cost Factors for Interior Doors
The cost of interior doors can vary significantly based on several factors:
Material Costs
Material choice significantly impacts door cost. Hollow core doors are typically the most affordable, while solid wood doors are often the most expensive. MDF and engineered wood options usually fall in the middle range.
| Material Type | Cost Range |
| Hollow core | $30 – $400 |
| Solid core | $70 – $500 |
| Solid wood | $160 – $590 |
| MDF | $400 – $620 |
Interior Door Installation Costs
Professional installation costs can vary depending on your location and the job’s complexity. Simple replacements will cost less than installing new door frames or modifying existing openings.
Additional Features and Upgrades
Features like decorative glass inserts, high-end hardware, or custom finishes can increase the overall cost of your interior doors. Consider which upgrades are most important to you and budget accordingly.
Our Conclusion
Whether you prefer classic solid wood panel doors or more modern flush MDF doors, consider factors like room function, overall style, and long-term care to pick the best interior doors for your needs. With proper installation and maintenance, your interior doors will last for years.
