I'm really unhappy with my current interior doors—they're these white, textured, 6-panel jobs that I can't stand. I asked a contractor about replacing them, and he suggested solid core Masonite, but to me, that just feels like swapping one fake-looking door for another. I have a strong preference for real wood instead of particle board, even though I might need to let that go. It's about $300 for a Masonite door versus $350 for solid wood. Given that I live in Chattanooga, where humidity levels can be high, I'm worried about potential warping or mold with wooden doors. Plus, I plan on painting the doors white, so would solid wood even be worth it?
4 Answers
If you're painting the doors white, you might not notice a difference between solid core Masonite and real wood. Solid core Masonite could be a smarter choice since it's usually more cost-effective and won't expand or contract with humidity changes.
I went with solid pine 6-panel doors from a home improvement store, starting around $200 each. They're great, but if moisture is a concern, just keep in mind that wood does need some care to avoid warping.
Honestly, if you're painting them, there's no real reason to spend extra on solid wood. Solid core Masonite doors are durable and effective. Plus, they'll block sound better than hollow doors, which is a bonus!
I recently switched out some hollow core doors for solid ones for added sound blocking. Solid core MDF doors were more stable than wood, especially in humid conditions, so that's something to consider for longevity. Just remember, if you have an older home, make sure the door fits well without blocking air movement under it!