When it comes to replacing internal doors or choosing the right entrance door replacement, one of the most important decisions is whether to choose solid core or hollow core. At Doors Replaced, we always recommend solid core — here’s why.
What Is a Hollow Core Door?
Hollow core doors are constructed with thin MDF or veneer skins wrapped over a cardboard honeycomb structure. Lightweight and inexpensive, these are common in budget builds and rental properties across Melbourne.
The Problems with Hollow Core Doors
- Flimsy feel with little substance – They feel cheap from the moment you install them
- Poor sound insulation – Virtually no acoustic separation between rooms
- Easily damaged – Susceptible to knocks, dents, and holes from everyday use
- Short lifespan – Often needs replacing within just 5-10 years
- No premium finishes – Cannot support quality veneers or custom upgrades
For entrance door replacement or any high-traffic area, hollow core doors simply don’t deliver the quality, security, or longevity that Melbourne homes deserve.
What Is a Solid Core Door?
Meanwhile, these kinds of doors are built with a heavy engineered or timber core and skinned in MDF, veneer, or custom finishes. Designed specifically for strength, sound insulation, and longevity, they’re the professional choice for both residential and commercial properties.
The Benefits of Solid Core Doors
- Excellent soundproofing – Perfect for bedrooms, studies, apartments, and offices
- Fire-rated and BAL-rated compliance options – Meet Australian building standards
- Supports premium finishes – Can handle veneers, battens, and glass cut-outs
- Premium “solid” feel – Quality you notice with every use
- Long lifespan – Decades of reliable service
- Better security – Ideal for entrance door replacement where security matters
Solid Core vs Hollow Core: The Key Differences
Here’s a direct comparison showing why solid core doors are worth the investment:
| Feature | Hollow Core | Solid Core |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Very light | Heavy, substantial |
| Strength | Weak, dents easily | Durable, impact resistant |
| Soundproofing | Poor | Excellent |
| Fire/BAL Compliance | Not possible | Fire-rated/BAL-rated options |
| Lifespan | 5-10 years | 20+ years |
| Feel | Flimsy | Premium |
| Security | Minimal | Excellent for entrance doors |
The True Cost Factor: Why Solid Core Saves Money
The biggest hidden cost in door replacement isn’t the door itself — it’s the labour, disposal, and installation. This is especially true for entrance door replacement where professional installation is critical.
Here’s what most people don’t realise:
- Labour costs are identical – Whether installing a cheap hollow core or premium solid core door, the labour cost is the same
- Short-term savings are wasted – Saving $100-200 upfront means nothing when you need to replace hollow cores again in 5-10 years
- Solid core maximises your investment – By lasting decades, a solid core door makes the most of your labour investment
- One installation vs multiple – Pay for professional installation once, not twice or three times
When you consider the full lifecycle cost, solid core doors are significantly better value. This is why we recommend them for all door replacement projects in Melbourne.
Compliance & Safety: Why It Matters for Entrance Doors
Hollow core doors cannot meet fire ratings (AS 1905.1) or BAL requirements. For entrance door replacement in apartments, offices, or bushfire-prone areas, this makes them unsuitable.
A solid core door, on the other hand, can achieve fire ratings and BAL compliance, and they support compliant hardware, seals, and glazing options. For strata properties and commercial buildings, they are often mandatory — not optional.
Australian Building Standards
Many Melbourne apartments and commercial properties require fire-rated doors for entrance door replacement. Solid core doors meet these requirements, while hollow cores simply cannot be certified.
Noise, Privacy & Everyday Living
One of the most underestimated benefits of a solid core door is soundproofing. Hollow core doors do virtually nothing to block noise between rooms.
Where Solid Core Soundproofing Makes a Difference:
- Bedrooms – Block noise from living areas for better sleep
- Home offices – Create quiet workspace free from household noise
- Apartments – Reduce noise from hallways and neighbouring units
- Bathrooms – Privacy and noise reduction for shared homes
- Entrance doors – Block external street noise from entering your home
For entrance door replacement specifically, solid core doors provide crucial acoustic separation from busy Melbourne streets, apartment corridors, and commercial areas.
Design Flexibility: Premium Finishes & Custom Options
When acquiring a door your replacement (or whatever your need may be), there are many premium options that hollow core doors simply cannot handle.
Available Upgrades for Solid Core Doors:
- Real timber veneers – Oak, walnut, or custom timber finishes
- Decorative battens – Modern vertical or horizontal batten designs
- Lining board features – Architectural detailing for statement entries
- Glass cut-outs – Vision panels or decorative glazing
- Oversized designs – Larger doors for impressive entrances
- Custom paint finishes – Premium Dulux enamel in any colour
Hollow core doors lack the structural integrity to support these upgrades. Their cardboard honeycomb construction cannot handle the weight of quality veneers, glass inserts, or heavy hardware.
For doors in Moorabbin and throughout southeast Melbourne, solid core doors offer the design flexibility to match any property style — from heritage Federation homes to contemporary apartments.
Commercial & Multi-Residential Applications
In commercial settings, apartments, and offices, a solid core isn’t just recommended — it’s often essential:
Why Commercial Properties Choose Solid Core:
- Durability under heavy use – Withstand constant opening/closing in high-traffic areas
- Compliance requirements – Meet strata and building regulations for entrance door replacement
- Security standards – Resist forced entry and provide proper access control
- Professional appearance – Premium feel appropriate for commercial environments
- Noise control – Critical for apartment buildings and office spaces
Commercial Upgrade Options:
Solid core doors for commercial use can be enhanced with:
- Kick plates – Stainless steel protection from trolleys, boots, and wheelchairs
- Vision panels – Safety glass inserts for visibility in offices and healthcare settings
- Drop seals – Enhanced acoustic and weather sealing
- Heavy-duty hardware – Commercial-grade handles, closers, and hinges
For more information on commercial door solutions, visit our door installation services page.
Solid Core Doors for Melbourne Homes
Melbourne’s diverse property types — from Victorian-era homes to modern apartments — all benefit from solid core door installation:
Heritage Properties
Period homes in areas like Moorabbin, Brighton, and Caulfield require doors with substance and quality that matches their architectural heritage. Solid core doors with timber veneers deliver the premium feel these properties deserve.
Modern Apartments
High-density living demands excellent soundproofing. Solid core entrance door replacement in apartment buildings provides the acoustic separation residents need for comfortable living.
Family Homes
Growing families need durable doors that withstand daily wear. Solid core internal doors handle the punishment of kids, pets, and busy households while maintaining their appearance for decades.
Professional Installation: Making the Most of Your Investment
Solid core doors are heavier and require professional installation for proper performance:
What Professional Installation Includes:
- Precise measurements – Ensuring perfect fit in existing frames
- Frame assessment – Checking for level, square, and structural integrity
- Hinge reinforcement – Supporting the additional weight of solid core doors
- Hardware installation – Properly fitted handles, locks, and closers
- Alignment and adjustment – Smooth operation and proper clearances
- Sealing and finishing – Weather sealing and paint touch-ups
At Doors Replaced, our door installation Melbourne service ensures any doors you may need installed are fitted correctly the first time. Most installations are completed within 1.5-2.5 hours, with your property never left unsecured.
The Bottom Line: Why We Recommend Solid Core Every Time
Hollow core doors are a false economy. They feel cheap, fail quickly, and waste your labour investment. The money saved upfront is lost within years when replacement becomes necessary.
Solid core doors are:
- Quieter – Excellent soundproofing for privacy and comfort
- Stronger – Durable construction that resists damage
- Safer – Fire-rated options and better security
- Longer-lasting – Decades of service, not years
- More versatile – Support premium finishes and compliance requirements
- Better value – Lower lifetime cost when you factor in labour and replacement
Most importantly, they feel right every time you use them. That premium, solid feel is something you notice daily — and it’s worth every dollar.
That’s why at Doors Replaced, we recommend solid core doors every time. Do it once, do it right.
Ready for Your Entrance Door Replacement?
If you require any entrance or internal door replacement for your Melbourne property, Doors Replaced delivers professional service with high-quality doors.
Our Services Include:
- Complete door replacement for $1,099 – 14-day turnaround guarantee – limited time only!
- Professional door installation – Expert fitting in 1.5-2.5 hours
- Emergency door services – Same-day response for urgent situations
- Local Moorabbin door services – Serving southeast Melbourne
Get your same day quote for solid core door installation. Contact us today or browse our extensive range of quality doors using our Door Finder tool.
Professional installation. Quality solid core doors. Trusted by Melbourne homeowners and builders.