While they are more commonly used for the exterior, especially as entry doors, solid wood doors are occasionally used for a home's interior as well. Solid wood interior doors are most often chosen for their beauty, and they can give your home a traditional, elegant look. Read on for more information about solid wood interior doors.
The Basics of Solid Wood Interior Doors
Solid wood doors are different from solid core doors, which are made with an exterior skin of plywood or composite and filled with a wood fiber blend. Solid wood doors are instead made from a solid piece of wood. This type of interior door material can be made with both hardwoods and softwoods–some popular wood options include cherry, mahogany, red oak, alder, maple, and pine. The most common solid wood door is a 6-panel pine door. 6-panel solid pine doors are most often used for a home's exterior, but they are occasionally used for a home's interior as well.
Wood has excellent soundproofing qualities that will keep most noises in or out when the door is closed and help your home to feel more private. These doors are also very heavy and secure, which gives them a stable feeling. Other advantages include the fact that solid wood interior doors are strong and energy efficient, keeping heat or coolness inside your home's rooms. They can also be easily customized, painted, or stained.
Solid wood interior doors such as this mahogany door are sturdy, elegant additions to the home. | @ fotolia.com / grahammoore999
Costs for Solid Wood Doors
Solid wood interior doors are approximately 50% more expensive than other interior door materials that are hollow inside.The price of a solid wood interior door depends on the kind of wood used and the style of the door–whether the door is flush or paneled, for example.
In general, solid wood interior doors start around $200 to $500 for a basic model. Expect to pay between $500 and $1,000 or more for higher-end woods such as mahogany or walnut. Installation costs usually add between $50 to $300 to your overall price.
Maintenance for Solid Wood Doors
As with most wood doors and frames, solid wood doors will warp, expand, or shrink with fluctuating temperatures. If you choose solid wood interior doors for your home, keep in mind that these are not the best doors for bathrooms, saunas, or other areas that experience high levels of moisture. Be sure to check your home's solid wood interior doors regularly for any signs of warping or rotting due to moisture.
Despite this difficulty with moisture, solid wood interior doors are very stable and can last years. Unlike flimsier door materials, these doors will not crack or chip over time. Solid wood interior doors' strength will protect them from most dents and dings caused by moving furniture or minor household accidents.
Bottom Line: A Luxurious and Secure Addition to the Home
With superior soundproofing qualities and strong energy efficiency, solid wood interior doors will keep your home feeling quiet, classic, and secure. Additionally, as long as they are not exposed to a lot of moisture, solid wood interior doors are very durable and can last years.
