Solid Core vs. Hollow Core Doors: What’s the Difference?

Do yourself a solid and get to know when to use each type of door

A happy baby in front of an open door
Photo: Westend61 / Westend61 / Getty Images
A happy baby in front of an open door
Photo: Westend61 / Westend61 / Getty Images
Highlights
  • Solid core doors offer better security and durability, but they’re heavier and pricier.

  • Hollow core doors are lighter and easier to install.

  • Homeowners can save money by installing a hollow core door themselves.

  • Hollow core doors can dent or break in under 30 years, whereas solid core doors can last 40 years or longer. 

Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Geo Icon

Who knew that buying a new door would uncover such a heated debate? The solid core vs. hollow core door battle is a complicated one, as each option has its ups and downs. After all, the cost of installing a new door is a huge factor in your decision, and you'll find quite a gap between the two styles. Let's explore if and when a hollow core vs. a solid core door is right for your home.

Solid Core vs. Hollow Core Doors: Key Differences

Solid core doors versus hollow core doors illustrated comparison

A solid core door is filled with dense material like wood or composite, offering great sound insulation, a sturdy feel, and better security—but it’s heavier and usually more expensive. A hollow core door, built with a lightweight frame and thin panels around an empty or honeycomb interior, is easier to install and more budget-friendly. However, it offers less noise control and durability compared to its more solid alternative.

What Is a Solid Core Door?

A spacious living room with a white double door
Photo: Westend61 / Westend61 / Getty Images

A solid core door is the happy middle ground between a solid wood and a hollow core door. The design uses some of today's strongest and most cost-effective materials such as MDF, or medium density fiberboard. For example, a solid core door may include a center of MDF surrounded by a decorative wood veneer. The shift to solid core has its perks. Solid core doors hold up well against temperature and humidity changes, and do not cost nearly as much to make as solid wood doors. 

ProsCons
Strong soundproofingMore expensive
Good insulationHeavy
Rarely warps or expandsHard to install
Fireproof ratedTricky to repair
Strong security

Best for: Privacy and security-conscious homeowners

Pros of Solid Core Doors

The top benefit of a solid core door is its strength. Not only will it last longer and be less prone to damage, but it will increase the room's security as well. Solid core doors offer better soundproofing and insulation, making this a great pick for bedrooms and the door between your porch and the foyer. Additionally, solid core doors are less likely to warp when the weather changes.

Cons of Solid Core Doors

While solid core doors aren’t the most expensive option out there, you'll still spend far more than the hollow design. Solid core interior doors cost between $70 and $500, whereas hollow core doors cost as low as $30 to $400, and hollow core doors are DIY-friendly. Solid core doors can also be hard to repair due to the multiple layers of varying materials, and because they’re so heavy, you'll almost always need to hire a local door installation team to help get it on its hinges. 

What Is a Hollow Core Door?

A woman opening the door to a bedroom
Photo: Farknot_Architect / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Hollow core doors are almost exactly as they sound. The design features an outer shell of wood or fiberboard. The interior is not quite hollow, but it's close. A honeycomb of paper or plastic offers support to the structure without filling the whole core. They are very easy to maneuver and cost much less than solid core or wood doors. That being said, you'll only find these lightweight doors inside a home.

ProsCons
Lowest door cost optionNot rated for fireproofing
Easy to install on your ownEasily damaged
Easy to paint and finishMinimal soundproofing
Doesn't warp or expandLow insulation
Minimal security

Best for: Budget-conscious, DIY-friendly homeowners

Pros of Hollow Core Doors

Before you sign on for a solid core door, consider that hollow core doors have many upsides as well. Opt for a solid core door if you want to install it yourself without calling a professional. Hollow core doors are ideal for DIY pocket doors, closets, and pantries, for example. Similar to solid core doors, they will not warp in the heat and humidity, and come painty-ready.

Cons of Hollow Core Doors

On the other hand, designers don't often recommend hollow core doors for rooms that require weather and soundproofing. The thin interior allows sound and cool breezes to sail right through. Additionally, hollow core doors will rarely pass fire-rating requirements if you need to meet building codes for your particular entryway. Hollow core doors also offer less security since they are thin and easy to manipulate.

Solid Core vs. Hollow Core Doors

An open door leading to a bedroom
Photo: KatarzynaBialasiewicz / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

If lined up side by side, how does each type fair in the solid core vs. hollow core fight? Let's break things down further.

Solid Core vs. Hollow Core DoorsSolid Core DoorsHollow Core Doors
Appearance
Price
Durability
Soundproofing
Insulation
Resale Value
Ease of Installation

Appearance: Solid Core Doors

Solid and hollow core doors look similar at first glance. However, there's no question that solid core doors have a more stable and high-quality appearance. They will also feel different when handled, beating out the hollow door competition pretty easily.

Price: Hollow Core Doors

As we touched on above, hollow core doors can cost less than half of solid core doors. Additionally, you can often install hollow core doors yourself, saving between $40 and $90 an hour on labor alone.

Durability: Solid Core Doors

A solid core exterior door can last 40 years or more. The hardware is more likely to go before you need to replace the door slab itself. Hollow core doors, however, are not as structurally sound, and can dent or break down in fewer than 30 years.

Angi Tip

High-quality doors can increase your home's resale value. If you plan to sell your home in the near future, a premium door material like solid wood or steel can make a positive impression on potential buyers.

Caroline Gilbert
Director, Content & Editorial, Angi

Soundproofing: Solid Core Doors

The interior of a solid core door is dense enough to block out much more sound than a hollow core door. Exterior, bedroom, and office doors will all benefit from something stronger than a hollow door. That being said, you could consider soundproofing a hollow core door to save money.

Insulation: Solid Core Doors

Knowing the R-value of your door can save you money on utility bills. Solid core doors have a higher R-value than hollow core doors. This is just one of the reasons that hollow core doors are not a good match for exterior entryways. 

Resale Value: Solid Core Doors

Unsurprisingly, solid core doors have a higher resale value than most hollow core doors. They make a room look, sound, and feel better—and for a longer period of time. If you're considering selling your home, consider the higher return on your investment by opting for a solid core door.

Ease of Installation: Hollow Core Doors

Even if you're particularly strong, installing a heavy door on your own is far more difficult than a lightweight door. A professional can ensure that a heavy door sits properly on its hinges. A hollow core door can be ordered as a pre-hung door that’s already set on its frame, and is easier to hang on your own. 

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to door services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A woman replaces door knob
May 20, 2025
May 20, 2025
Door repairs cost around $250 on average but can range from $50 to $700 depending on the type of door, type of repair, materials, and project scope.
A pocket door in a spacious interior
May 20, 2025
May 20, 2025
The average cost to install a pocket door is $1,050, but prices can range from $800 to $2,500, depending on the type of door, materials, and scope.
A house with beige siding and a storm door
May 20, 2025
May 20, 2025
A storm door can protect your front door and let in more fresh air. Find out how much storm door installation costs for materials, labor, and more.
Mom hugs little girl at front door
May 20, 2025
May 20, 2025
Choosing the right front door means weighing factors like style, security, and durability. Use this guide to compare the best front door materials to find the right fit for your home.
White front door
May 20, 2025
May 20, 2025
A new door starts with the right measurements. Skip the guesswork, and learn how to accurately measure a door so your new one fits perfectly the first time.
A panelled fire door with black knobs
May 21, 2025
May 21, 2025
If you’ve ever wondered, “What is a fire door, and do I need one?” check out our all-encompassing guide on fire doors and their pros and cons.