Solid wood interior doors have a number of advantages that should certainly be considered when installing new or replacement doors. While solid wood tends to make a door substantially more expensive, some people feel that the cost is acceptable when considered in the context of its benefits. For people who do opt for this style of door, many home supply and hardware stores carry an array of designs, and they can also order custom doors by request.
For some people, the key advantage is aesthetics. Solid wood interior doors look better than hollow core doors or engineered doors, and they have more heft, which can be an appealing feature. The doors will also continue to look good over time, because they are extremely sturdy, and as a result, a solid wood door can withstand years of heavy service, unlike the alternatives.
These doors also make sense from an energy efficiency stance. They provide much more insulation, which will keep rooms cool or hot as needed, especially when the door is framed well. Solid wood also cuts down substantially on traveling sound, a major issue in many households. Noise will not pass as readily through the wood, keeping the house quiet and allowing people to engage in a variety of activities around the house without upsetting each other; grandmother can sleep in the guest room while children play, for example. These doors can also be useful for privacy in settings such as legal offices and medical clinics.
Burglars tend to have more trouble with solid doors, a good reason to use them for all doors that connect to the outside. Using solid wood interior doors can also slow the progress of a burglar through a house, if these doors are locked to prevent access to rooms such as an office. Solid wood also provides more resistance to fire than engineered wood or hollow core doors, although these doors will burn eventually.
The strength of solid wood interior doors is another feature in their favor. These doors should not crack or chip with time, and they will not be dented or perforated by carelessly moved furniture or other accidents around the house. Especially when paired with a good set of hinges, a solid interior door will hold up to even the hardest use. There are also a range of woods to choose from, allowing people to select woods that mesh well with their interior design scheme and the look and feel of the home.