MDF Vs. Solid Wood For Interior Doors: Which Is Best?

For building projects across Ontario, you have an ample variety of materials to work with – such as MDF, plywood, and more. However, each material has its own place and is suitable for a different category of applications from the other. 

 

The same holds true for doors. If you have been tasked with installing interior doors, chances are your main choices are going to boil down to MDF and solid wood. Both these materials are excellent in their own way and boast their own pros along with certain drawbacks. 

 

If you are confused about which one of these will be the best pick for your next Ontario building project, let us help you. 

 

With decades of experience, Fonthill Lumber Inc., a supplier of fine lumber in Welland, Ontario, is here to guide you through the strengths and weaknesses of both so you can choose the best material for your project. Let’s begin! 

 

 

What Do MDF Interior Doors Offer?

 

MDF interior doors have become a common fixture in modern projects. Especially when clients demand doors painted in distinct colors. Engineered with resin-bonded wood fibers, MDF doors are made up of smooth, stable, homogenous panels that lend a sense of uniformity to any project. 

 

 

Benefits of MDF Interior Doors

 

• Extremely smooth panels: MDF panels can be easily painted in any color to match the vibe of your project’s interiors. They are also perfect for shaker profiles and routed designs. No chance of grain telegraphing. 
• Highly stable: MDF doors do not expand or contract as natural wooden ones do. This makes them a reliable choice for climate-controlled homes. 
• Cost-effective for builders: For contractors and builders on a budget, MDF is the best material to deliver a premium look without paying a premium. 
• Great for custom designs: MDF machines cleanly – way more so than natural wood. That means fabricators have the flexibility to create detailed door profiles without worrying about damage or subpar finishing. 

 

Limitations of MDF Interior Doors

 

• Moisture sensitivity: In high-humidity climates, MDF doors can swell. The same happens when they are exposed to excess amounts of water. 
• Edge denting: Over time, the edges of MDF doors show wear and tear much faster than their face surface. 
• Heavier than natural wood: This makes it tricky to pick the right fasteners, and it can potentially impact the time taken to install interior doors. 

 

What Do Solid Wood Interior Doors Offer?

 

Bringing the natural beauty, strength, and craftsmanship of solid wood to any project, solid wooden interior doors are typically made of pine, oak, maple, or fir. Each of these offers its own unique grain patterns and character.

 

 

Benefits of Solid Wood Interior Doors

 

• Natural beauty: Wooden doors excel in aesthetics. Their natural grain lends warmth, richness, and authenticity to any space. 
• Impact resistant: Solid wood is more capable of withstanding bumps and knocks when compared with MDF, which tends to bend. 
• Can be refinished: From sanding to re-staining to even painting – a solid wooden door can be renovated time and again as the aesthetics of the space evolve. 

 

Limitations of Solid Wood Interior Doors

 

• Shrinking, swelling, and warping: In humid climates, the natural fibers of wood tend to react. This can make doors shift seasonally. 
• Higher cost: Both upfront and maintenance costs are higher when it comes to natural wooden doors. In fact, certain species of wood can be very expensive, thus driving up your project’s budget. 
• Grain variation: Though aesthetically pleasing, the variation in grain patterns can make wooden doors hard to paint. Achieving a uniform finish is tricky. 

 

 

MDF Vs. Solid Wood Interior Doors: Which Should Contractors Choose?

 

If you ask us, both of them are reliable choices depending on the requirements of your project. That said, you should choose MDF if your project demands shaker-style doors or a cost-effective option that is less prone to weather-induced impact. MDF is also great if you seek precision and stability. 

 

As for solid wood, it is the best choice if your client demands fixtures that feature the natural grain and warmth of wood. Ideal for luxury projects, you can use solid wood doors to achieve high-end finishes. Plus, if durability and high impact resistance are on your radar, you cannot go wrong with solid wood. 

 

 

Conclusion

 

No matter which of these you choose, sourcing interior doors for your project from a good lumber yard should be your top priority. Fonthill Lumber Inc. is the leading provider of high-quality MDF and solid wood interior doors in the Niagara region. Visit our Welland store to find the best match for your project, or contact us to discuss the most suitable door materials for your next build.

 

 

FAQs 

 

Can MDF be used for pocket doors?

 

Absolutely. Just make sure the track system you use can support its weight without sagging or breaking. 

 

Are solid wood doors more soundproof?

 

Not always. In general, MDF doors tend to be denser, which makes them more efficient in blocking out noise than their wooden counterparts. 

 

Can MDF doors be repaired if dented?

 

Yes. Minor dents on MDF interior doors can be easily filled or smoothed out with the help of sanding. Bigger dents or cracks may demand a replacement of the entire panel.