Hollow core interior doors are known for their cost efficiency and lightweight utility in bathrooms, closets, and laundry rooms. Although not always the most appealing option, the reality of potential expenses for your home's doors makes this door a good alternative to costlier materials. Read on to learn more about hollow core interior doors.
The Basics of Hollow Core Interior Doors
Roughly half the weight of solid core doors, hollow core interior doors are light and easy to swing. Although their name may lead you to believe otherwise, hollow core interior doors aren't actually hollow. These doors are made of a thin plywood exterior layer and an interior cardboard honeycomb, effectively creating a hollow feeling door. This cardboard inside serves little purpose other than to hold the plywood together. Hollow core interior doors tend to offer minimal soundproofing.
Compared to other door material options, hollow core interior doors generally have a much shorter lifespan, with less room for refurbishing or repairs if they are damaged. Because many hollow core interior doors are made with just a medium density fiberboard (MDF), any damage sustained over their lifetime can only be repainted and never sanded out. While there are hollow core interior doors made with wood veneer finishes available, these doors have a coating that is only around 1/8” thick, leaving room for just light sanding to the surface in case of scratches or scuffs.
General Costs for Hollow Core Interior Doors
Most significantly, hollow core doors are inexpensive. Most hollow core interior doors cost between $50 and $100 for a standard model, with another $50 for a prehung door with hardware already installed. Consequently, both budget-conscious contractors and homeowners tend to choose toward hollow core doors. These doors will still do the basic job of a door, providing minimal privacy, and they are also a great way to cut costs.
However, keep in mind that although hollow core doors are cheap, their basic construction and shorter lifespan can lower your home's value. For homes that incorporate custom features or other high-grade materials and architecture, you may want to choose a stronger door material, such as solid core doors.
Bottom Line: Cheap and Basic
Hollow core doors are a good choice for the homeowner on a strict budget. With minimal sound proofing and basic construction, these cost-efficient doors may be good choices for rooms that don't need much privacy, such as laundry rooms or closets. Additionally, choosing hollow core interior doors can create room in your budget for other home improvements that you need.
