Mr Info Posted October 21, 2004 Share Posted October 21, 2004 We are building a house and have the flexibility with our builder to choose many of the particulars of our house. We are replicating a Victorian house in a historical district. The next decision we have to make is on the interior doors. We are evaluating using solid hardwood doors vs. a solid core door with veneer. Most likely we will use cherry. We have already obtained most of the hardware for the doors (1877 cast iron steeple hinges, glass knobs, thumbturns, etc.) and we will supply it to whomever we choose as the manufacturer. The issues that appear with solid wood pertain to the potential of panel movement in the doors due to shrinkage/swelling, etc. The other is the potential of non-uniformity of the grain/color. Most likely, we will pre-finish the doors with a slightly darker stain than the natural wood so that should minimize the grain/color differences. The veneer/solid core would allow a more uniform look to the all of the doors and minimize any panel shifting. Any interior door experts out there? Thanks Picture gallery of the construction Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
col_forbin Posted October 21, 2004 Share Posted October 21, 2004 Not an expert on interior doors, but more then welcome to add my .02 cents. I'm gessing that the solid wood doors are way more expensive than the other. There is one advantage, unless cost is not a factor. Secondly, I think you will get less movement of the wood with solid core door. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guffalo Posted October 21, 2004 Share Posted October 21, 2004 Wow, cool house!! I would think the solid core doors will be more stable, if you were doinga restoration the wood doors would be a must, but since it's a new build, I would go with the solid core. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
todd Posted October 21, 2004 Share Posted October 21, 2004 Wood doors would be more authentic. The shifting of the panels depends on the way the door is manufactured and the humidity, temperature, etc. One of the beautiful things about real wood doors is something that people often consider a detriment - the differences in coloring you get when you have real wood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuckincincy Posted October 21, 2004 Share Posted October 21, 2004 We are building a house and have the flexibility with our builder to choose many of the particulars of our house. We are replicating a Victorian house in a historical district. The next decision we have to make is on the interior doors. We are evaluating using solid hardwood doors vs. a solid core door with veneer. Most likely we will use cherry. We have already obtained most of the hardware for the doors (1877 cast iron steeple hinges, glass knobs, thumbturns, etc.) and we will supply it to whomever we choose as the manufacturer. The issues that appear with solid wood pertain to the potential of panel movement in the doors due to shrinkage/swelling, etc. The other is the potential of non-uniformity of the grain/color. Most likely, we will pre-finish the doors with a slightly darker stain than the natural wood so that should minimize the grain/color differences. The veneer/solid core would allow a more uniform look to the all of the doors and minimize any panel shifting. Any interior door experts out there? Thanks Picture gallery of the construction 79234[/snapback] If you are looking for raised panels, and period chamfering, I'd think you would have to go to solid doors. Pricey. As you mention, dimensional stability is less that modern veneered composites. I've got a mid 50's house with composites faced with maple, finished to a medium honey. The maple facing is by nature quite resistant to bangs and dents. But just flat panel - no detail work. Regarding non-uniformity, well, that can be charming - or not. I'd recomment consulting manufacturers such as Minwax or Formsby's for guidelines regarding stain resin choice, use of a grain sealer, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fan in San Diego Posted October 21, 2004 Share Posted October 21, 2004 Great pictures. Who's the hottie by the porta pottie? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest Posted October 21, 2004 Share Posted October 21, 2004 That was my first thought too. Who cares what the doors look like if she is behind one of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Info Posted October 21, 2004 Author Share Posted October 21, 2004 Not an expert on interior doors, but then welcome to add my .02 cents. I'm gessing that the solid wood doors are way more expensive than the other. There is one advantage, unless cost is not a factor. Secondly, I think you will get less movement of the wood with solid core door. Good luck. 79245[/snapback] Thanks for the feedback. Actually, the solid wood is only about 15% more than the veneer/solid core so cost is not that much an issue. We have shopped this around the US in finding a manufacturer and finally located a reasonably priced one that also does quality work in Marietta, OH. They will use Woodport's doors for veneer but manufacture the solid doors themselves. If we choose solid, we will submit them the manufacturing specs for Woodharbor doors and they can copy it. We look at most components in the house as a commodity (windows, doors, tin ceiling, wood floor, etc.). Once we had all the specs set for these components (window/door sizes, etc.), we sent this to the reps for Andersen/Marvin/Kolbe&Kolbe, etc. We would also get quotes from Internet companies for the same inventory and ask them to meet the price. This takes a lot of time and effort but allows you to get the biggest bang for your $. The house is the biggest investment of your life - get the most you can with your $. BTW - like your avatar. Did you see our picture with Phil? Great guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Info Posted October 21, 2004 Author Share Posted October 21, 2004 Great pictures. Who's the hottie by the porta pottie? 79322[/snapback] She's behind my door every night. She's a wonderful woman and I'm a very happy man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TigerJ Posted October 21, 2004 Share Posted October 21, 2004 One plus for natural wood: if the door takes a nasty gash, repairs are easier and more satisfactory with solid wood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#89 Posted October 21, 2004 Share Posted October 21, 2004 SOLID WOOD - let's say some BOZO is over and scratches the door with solid wood you can sand and finish the other is ruined. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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