By If you are thinking about upgrading your doors, solid wood is the way to go. This type of door offers superior sound insulation and is durable enough to withstand extreme weather conditions. However, if you are looking for a cheaper option, you may want to consider hollow core doors. These are the most popular option for exterior use.
Good sound insulation
Solid wood doors can provide good sound insulation for your home. However, they don’t come with perfect soundproofing, so you may need to make other adjustments before installing them. One way to improve their soundproofing is by applying mass loaded vinyl. This material is applied to the back of the door to increase its density and block noise.
While this material can increase sound insulation, it can also damage the door. You should only drill a hole in a solid wood door if it’s being replaced. Otherwise, you’ll damage it. However, if the door is in good condition, you can soundproof it by using a soundproof door cover or door sweep.
Longevity
The longevity of solid wood doors can vary from two to thirty years, depending on the type of wood used and the level of maintenance required. They should be painted every two to five years and need to be oiled once or twice a year. However, composite front doors have a longer lifespan and should only need to be oiled every year. These doors are low maintenance and offer good thermal and noise insulation.
As a natural material, wood is susceptible to many environmental conditions. In some locations, it can be subject to severe temperature changes. This solid wood doors is particularly problematic in areas with high humidity levels. In these locations, wood can be susceptible to mold, which colonizes in even the smallest cracks. While MDF doors are often moisture-resistant, they may not be suitable for high-humidity areas. Ordinary MDF panels can be damaged by water, so it is important to get a moisture-resistant solid wood door. MDF doors have the strength of solid wood, but can be more affordable.
Cost
Solid wood doors are expensive but are very dependable and environmentally friendly. However, the price of solid wood doors can sometimes be prohibitive, so you will need to ask your door supplier if you can opt for an alternative material. These doors are available in different types of wood, and the price will depend on the type of wood you select.
MDF, for example, is a cheaper alternative to solid wood. It is made from wood chips and compressed under high pressure to form sheets of the desired dimensions. It has several advantages over other types of wood, including being light and durable. It also resists decay. However, the maintenance of an MDF door is much more complicated than that of a solid wood door.
Appearance
When purchasing a solid wood door, its appearance is an important consideration. The traditional look of wooden doors isn’t always possible to duplicate with a molded or fabricated door. But there are some options available to make this look as authentic as possible. These include wood veneer wrapped MDF mouldings. These types of doors can be more affordable and can still be used to create the appearance of a solid wood door.
Although hollow-core doors have an attractive appearance, they are not as durable as solid wood doors. They tend to expand and contract in response to temperature and moisture changes. That means they may need to be replaced sooner than later. Solid wood doors are also more expensive than hollow core doors, but they last longer.
