Do Solid Doors Reduce Noise?

Do Solid Doors Reduce Noise Effectively?

Doors and windows are perhaps the most important things that need to be soundproof properly to achieve a quiet ambiance in a room. It doesn't mean that I am underestimating the importance of the walls of a room. However, the doors and windows are the direct interfaces between the room and the outer world. Any crack or gap can put all the effort of the soundproofing into vain.

But, we aren't gonna discuss soundproofing a room in this post rather our discussion will revolve around the benefits of having a solid door in the context of noise dampening.

What are hollow core doors?

As the name suggests, hollow core doors are the doors that are completely hollow from inside. The hollow doors are used as a cost-effective alternative to the solid core doors.

Just by seeing, it is difficult for anyone to differentiate between hollow and solid core doors.

Since the hollow doors are weak and offer less insulation as compared to solid core doors, so they are mostly used as interior doors. Conventionally hinged doors and sliding doors are some of the examples of hollow doors.

The core of hollow doors is filled with waste papers or honeycombs.

Since the density and weight of the materials used in hollow doors are very less so, sound can easily travel through the hollow doors.

To conclude, a hollow door isn't a good choice to counter target the noise.

What are solid core doors?

As the name suggests, solid core doors are solid from top to bottom. They are made up of wood byproducts, and as a result, they are heavier and dense.

Solid doors can be used as entryway doors as well as interior doors.

A uniform and consistent solid core door are made by heating the wood particles and then exposing it to the constant hydraulic pressure.

Are Solid Wood Door and Solid Core Door Same?

NO, Definitely NOT...

Solid wood doors are made with lumber. They are more exclusive as well as expensive as compared to the solid core doors.

Difference between Solid Core Doors and Hollow Core Doors

• Hollow core doors are lighter and easier to handle and install as compared to the solid core doors.
• On the other hand, solid core doors are more secured. It prevents unlawful entry, and thus are mostly used for the entry gate. They can resist a tremendous amount of beating from the tools.
• Solid core doors can act as a superior weather resistance if you are maintaining it properly using sealant.

Do Solid Doors Reduce Noise?

Well, the obvious answer is it DEPENDS. However, you aren't here to listen to this answer, right?

In fact, it's relative. Both solid doors and solid core doors can reduce noise as compared to the hollow wood doors.

So if we talk about the sequence, then it is like solid door > >solid core doors >>> hollow doors.

The solid doors and solid core doors insulate against sound penetration. These doors have mass and density suitable to target. However, supplementing soundproof curtains, soundproof blankets etc with the solid core doors can give better results.

For example, if you are on a verge of soundproofing a door, and if the door is a hollow one, then I will recommend you to replace the hollow door with the solid door or a solid core door whichever caters to your requirement and budget.

If you failed to do so, then even by using the best of the soundproofing techniques will not give you a great result.

Remember, It's always advisable to replace the hollow doors with at least solid core doors in case you are planning to soundproof your room or door.

[Related]: How much does it cost to soundproof a room?

Wrapping UP: Do Solid Doors Reduce Noise?

The solid doors reduce noise as compared to the hollow doors because of the extra mass and density that the solid doors possess.

If you are planning to soundproof your door, then the first step you should take is to replace the hollow doors with the solid one.

Let me know your view on solid doors and its capability to reduce noise.