Internal Doors Buying Guide

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It’s not always as simple as finding replacement doors similar to what's been fitted previously, or just finding the cheapest. For example, maybe a room has little natural light, so a glazed internal door might be beneficial. There are many options to adhere to your style of home, personal taste, longevity and budget.

Which internal door is best based on materials?

Let’s take a look at all of the internal door options, and answer a few questions along the way, starting off with “What are internal doors made of?”

Most internal doors are either:

• Hardwood

• Solid wood

• Moulded

• Glazed

What’s the difference between hardwood and solid wood doors?

Essentially, a hardwood door, also known as an engineered wood door, is made from several pieces of wood, built on a strong central core. These types of door are also known as solid core doors, which comes from their construction of an engineered core that is given a surface veneer. Internal solid wood doors are often made from a single piece of wood, either to construct the whole door or to make the panels. 

There are strong benefits to either type of door, which offer durability and insulation, as well as a level of sound proofing. Particular woods can be versatile too, as internal oak doors, for example, are available in different tones and styles to suit varying decors. If budget is a concern, hardwood doors can be more affordable than solid wood doors, although solid wood doors are of higher quality. 

What are moulded internal doors?

Moulded doors have often been the choice for those on a budget, especially when installing a number of doors at once. They can be hollow or solid, and are made of compressed wood fibres. These come in a variety of designs, including slatted, 4-panel and 6-panel moulded door styles.

One of the major benefits of a molded door is the overall weight. Solid wood doors can be challenging to fit because of their heaviness, which is less of an issue with moulded doors. Thanks to the way they are made, making them a lighter alternative, installation is often much easier.

Why choose glazed internal doors?

Cost isn’t the only factor to consider when choosing the right type of door for your home. Not all rooms get enough natural light, and for that reason a panelled or fully-glazed internal door has the potential to make a room feel brighter. The added benefit of this is it reduces the reliance on electric lighting, keeping overall costs down. When paired with natural woods for designs such as our oak glazed internal doors, the effect is timeless.

Finding the fit: what are the types of internal door? 

As the materials that doors are made from varies, there are different types of door styles, suited for different purposes and needs. The main ones we’re going to talk about here are:

You’ll find everything you need to install the right door for any property at Travis Perkins. Not only do we have a wide selection of interior doors, we also have a full range of door frames and casings, along with ironmongery and security fittings.

Disclaimer: The information contained on this page is intended as an overall introduction and is not intended as specific advice from a qualified professional. Travis Perkins aims to avoid, but accepts no liability, in the case that any information stated is out of date.

Always refer to the manufacturer's guidance and installation instructions.