Hollow core vs solid core doors

10 years ago

We are doing three panel mission style doors in our new construction house. The door place says there won't be much difference in sound transfer with a solid core door vs a hollow in this style because there isn't much space on the inside of the door itself. (Meaning the doors in this style are thin anyway so doing solid won't do much to keep the noise out). I thought it was nice that the door place mentioned this instead of just trying to sell me then more expensive option. However, I don't want to regret not getting solid core later. Wondering if anyone has an opinion on this.

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PRO

Barbara Griffith Designs

10 years ago

I always prefer solid core doors. They just feel more substantial, I think there is significant additional sound proofing, and also it is a little safer in case of fire.

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Comments (8)

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John van Leeuwen Architecture and Design
10 years ago
I would think that makes sense, sound is a bit like water it finds the its way through the path of least resistance. I think the mass of solid wood mullions and stiles would add very little additional sound resistance; the centre panels will be the weak link. The strength of the door will be less and the feel will be lighter, but there is not reason a hollow door won't perform well overtime. If you have teenagers hollow doors are lighter and harder to slam.
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John van Leeuwen Architecture and Design
10 years ago
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User
10 years ago
I'm sure any articles on sound studio building would disagree with the opinion that solid core doors aren't important to reduce sound transmission. Even composite filled doors are a significant improvement when compared to hollow doors I would imagine. Of course the gaps under and around the door would negate some effectiveness but still,more mass is always superior in reduction of sound I would think. Thin and hollow or thin and solid? I'm confused.
pooks1976
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
I don't know the answer for your doors, but I have hollow core doors (new construction) and I am replacing all the bedroom and bathroom doors in my home because of the noise. The sound transfer through the door is awful. It is like there is a curtain hanging there instead of a door.
shars55
10 years ago
I has hollow doors in all my previous houses, and solid in my new one. I much prefer the solid. The do block out more noise. No one would notice by just looking at them, but you sure do when opening or closing them.
PRO
Glenview Doors
10 years ago
Solid feels better, but as few people already commented above, with flat panels it will not make much difference as far as the sound transfer goes. Thank you.
User
10 years ago
Interesting. It only takes a small amount of difference in sound transmission to make a perceptible/measurable difference. So, maybe not much difference in sound transfer would actually be noticeable. Maybe not helpful if a DJ is in the room cranking two 18" subwoofers, but for the frequencies that are higher like speech, a little extra sound transmission loss may be quite beneficial.. This solid wood alternative must be thin? Maybe solid wouldn't be a good idea if that's the case. Seems it would warp as opposed to something hollow and braced.....