Why Solid Interior Wooden Doors: What You Need to Know

Published: December 01, 2020

Doors are one of your home's most visible interior design choices and every door we offer has unique properties to consider. Do you prefer a more modern style or a more rustic look? How important is sound insulation and security?

Benefits of Solid Wood Interior Doors

Solid wood interior doors offer several benefits, like security and insulation. When it comes to insulation properties solid wood doors are far better than their hollow core counterparts, not only does solid wood provide a far better sound barrier but it also controls room temperature far better.

When it comes to sound insulation and keeping unwanted noise out or in solid doors absorb sound far better than a thinly veneered hollow core door. When it comes to regulating temperature solid wood doors are superior at controlling the internal room temperature when compared to lesser doors such as hollow core.

Replacing Hollow Core with Solid Wood

Yes you can replace that cheap hollow core door with a new solid wood interior door. It is a fairly straight forward process and as long as you are using the existing frame and jamb you can even use the dimensions of your existing door when looking for a replacement. In this case you will likely want to order a slab door without any hinge or lockset prep done so that you can match these to the existing mortises in the frame.

When replacing an existing door but keeping the frame you can use the old door as a template for where to make the hinge mortises and handle cutouts simply by laying the new door down on top of the old and marking off the locations. While marking the door off this is a good time to make sure the new door lines up with the new one, sometimes doors are shaved slightly if the frame went out of square when the house settled.

Finishing your door is probably the most important step as doors see a lot of hands. When you are finishing your door you will want a finish that can withstand the traffic and can be cleaned relatively easy.

If you have any questions about sizing, ordering, or maybe you're wondering what wood species is best please contact us at sales@estatemillwork.com or 412.641.0177.

Frequently Asked Questions

What wood species work best for interior doors?

Poplar is the most popular choice for painted interior doors due to its smooth grain and affordability. For stained doors, Red Oak, Maple, Cherry, and Walnut each offer distinctive grain patterns and color tones. The best species depends on whether you plan to paint or stain.

How are custom wood doors different from big-box store doors?

Custom wood doors are built to your exact dimensions using solid hardwood and traditional joinery methods like mortise and tenon. Big-box store doors are typically hollow-core or use engineered materials. Custom doors offer superior sound insulation, durability, and a solid feel that mass-produced doors cannot match.

Can I order a custom door in a non-standard size?

Yes. Estate Millwork builds every door to your specified width and height. Whether you need a narrow pantry door, an oversized entry door, or a door to fit a historic opening with non-standard dimensions, we can accommodate your requirements.

What door styles does Estate Millwork offer?

We offer louvered, raised panel, flat panel, French, barn, arched, and mission style doors. Each style is available in multiple wood species and can be ordered painted or unfinished. Our online designer lets you configure every detail and see an instant price quote.

Design Considerations for Custom Wood Doors

Measure the rough opening, not the existing door, when ordering a replacement. Include the width, height, and wall thickness so the door and jamb fit correctly.
For high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways, choose a harder wood species like White Oak or Maple that resists dents and wear better than softer species.
Louvered doors are an excellent choice for closets, laundry rooms, and utility spaces because the slats promote air circulation, reducing moisture buildup and musty odors.
When matching new doors to existing trim, bring a sample of your current wood or finish to compare. Estate Millwork offers the same species and can match stain colors for a cohesive look.