When updating your home’s interior doors, one of the first questions homeowners face is whether to choose either solid wood door installation or solid core MDF door installation. Both materials have their benefits — from timeless elegance to budget-friendly versatility. In this guide, the experts at JK Luxury Home Remodeling, serving Toronto and the GTA, break down the differences in cost, durability, and design to help you make the right choice for your home.
What Are Solid Wood Interior Doors?
Solid wood doors are made entirely from natural wood, offering unmatched warmth, texture, and acoustic insulation.
They’re often chosen for their luxurious appearance and long-term durability.
Benefits:
- Authentic natural wood grain and texture
- Excellent soundproofing
- Can be sanded and refinished multiple times
- Adds value and sophistication to any space
Considerations
- Higher Costs ($400-$800 per door installed Depending on wood species)
- Can expand or contract with humidity
- Requires occasional maintenance or refinishing
Pro Tip: Solid wood doors are ideal for detached homes or high-end renovations where aesthetics and longevity are top priorities.
MDF, or Medium-Density Fiberboard, is an engineered wood product made from fine wood fibers combined with resin and compressed under heat. It’s a popular choice for interior doors because it delivers a smooth, paintable surface, excellent consistency, and minimal maintenance compared to natural wood.
MDF doors come in two main types — solid-core and hollow-core — each offering unique advantages depending on your home, budget, and performance needs.
Solid Core MDF Doors
Solid core doors are built with a dense interior structure, giving them added weight and durability that closely mimics solid wood.
They provide excellent sound insulation, resist warping, and feel more substantial when opened or closed — ideal for bedrooms, offices, or main living spaces.
Benefits:
- Superior soundproofing and insulation
- Heavier, more durable feel
- Reduces noise transfer between rooms
- Ideal for higher end or custom homes
Considerations
- Slightly Higher Cost (usually $300-$600 per door installed)
- Heavier doors maybe require reinforced hinges or frames (if hanging a new door into existing frame)
Best For: Homeowners looking for a solid, premium feel without the maintenance or price of real wood — perfect for detached homes, condos, or townhouses seeking comfort and quiet.
Hollow Core MDF Doors
Hollow-core MDF doors feature a lightweight honeycomb or grid-like inner core, covered with MDF panels on both sides. They’re more affordable and easier to handle, making them ideal for secondary spaces like closets, pantries, or laundry rooms.
Benefits:
- Budget Friendly and lightweight
- Easy to install and replace
- Available in many modern profiles and finishes
- Great for non sound sensitive rooms
Considerations:
- Lower soundproofing and insulation
- More prone to dents or impact damage
- Feels lighter and less substantial than solid core doors
Best For: Interior rooms where noise control isn’t critical — such as closets, guest rooms, or hallways — and when staying within a tighter renovation budget.
Comparing Solid Wood and MDF — Key Differences
Choosing between solid wood and MDF interior doors comes down to balancing aesthetics, budget, and performance. Here’s a quick breakdown of how the two materials compare in terms of cost, durability, and design flexibility.
| Feature | Solid Wood Doors | MDF Doors |
|---|---|---|
| Material Composition | 100% natural hardwood or softwood | Engineered wood fibers bonded with resin |
| Cost (Installed) | $400–$800 per door | $250–$600 per door |
| Durability | Extremely durable, long-lasting, can be refinished | Durable but less resistant to impact and moisture |
| Soundproofing | Excellent acoustic insulation | Moderate sound insulation (better with solid-core MDF) |
| Maintenance | Requires refinishing or sealing over time | Low maintenance and easy to repaint |
| Style Options | Traditional, rustic, and luxury finishes | Modern, shaker, and smooth painted profiles |
| Weight | Heavier and more solid feel | Lightweight (varies with core type) |
| Best For | Houses, high-end renovations, luxury interiors | Condos, modern homes, and cost-effective upgrades |
Pro Tip: For a balanced home design, many Toronto homeowners choose solid wood doors for main living areas and solid-core MDF doors for bedrooms or closets — combining premium feel with smart cost efficiency.
Solid-Core vs. Hollow-Core MDF Doors
MDF interior doors come in two main types — solid-core and hollow-core. Each offers unique benefits depending on your home’s layout, soundproofing needs, and budget. Here’s how they compare in cost, performance, and use for homeowners across Toronto and the GTA.
| Feature | Solid-Core MDF Doors | Hollow-Core MDF Doors |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Dense MDF core for weight and superior sound insulation | Lightweight honeycomb or grid-style core for easy handling |
| Durability | Highly durable and impact-resistant; long lifespan | Moderately durable; may dent or crack with force |
| Soundproofing | Excellent — ideal for bedrooms, offices, or living areas | Basic — suitable for closets, pantries, or hallways |
| Weight & Feel | Heavier and more substantial, similar to solid wood | Lightweight and easier to install or replace |
| Cost (Installed) | $350–$600 per door (Toronto average) | $275–$400 per door (Toronto average) |
| Best Use Cases | Bedrooms, home offices, high-traffic areas, luxury renovations | Closets, laundry rooms, secondary doors, budget-friendly projects |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance; only occasional paint touch-ups needed | Minimal maintenance; easy to replace if damaged |
Pro Tip: Many Toronto homeowners choose solid-core MDF doors for bedrooms and offices, and hollow-core doors for closets or pantries — a practical way to balance cost, performance, and comfort.
Which Option Is Best for Your Home?
If you’re after warmth, luxury, and sound insulation, solid wood doors are unmatched.
If you prefer modern style, easy maintenance, and affordability, MDF doors deliver incredible value and performance.
Many Toronto homeowners mix both — using solid wood for main living areas and MDF for bedrooms or closets to balance cost and aesthetics.
Why Choose JK Luxury Home Remodeling
With over 25 years of experience and 1,500+ installations, JK Luxury Home Remodeling is Toronto’s trusted expert in interior door and trim installation.
We specialize in precision carpentry, offering custom-fit solutions that complement your home’s design perfectly.
Call JK Luxury Home Remodeling Today at (647)-522-0939
or fill out the form below and we will get back to you within 24 hours
Final Thoughts
Choosing between solid wood and MDF doors comes down to your home’s style, budget, and priorities.
Whichever you choose, professional installation ensures a seamless fit, smooth operation, and flawless finish — all backed by craftsmanship that lasts a lifetime.
Serving Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, and the entire GTA.
The cost to replace an interior door depends on what kind of door installation we are doing, typically the labor price for a pre hung door installation starts at 130-150$ depending on the opening. The price for other door installation services depends on the style of door, height and complexity of the installation. For the most accurate estimate, its always best to request a personalized quote based on your home layout and door style you choose.
Yes, it’s possible to install a new door without replacing the existing frame or casing—but it depends on their condition and alignment. If your current frame is square, level, and free from damage, a slab door installation is a cost-effective option that preserves your existing trim. However, if the frame is warped, cracked, or misaligned, replacing it is recommended to ensure a proper seal and smooth functionality. At JK Luxury Home Remodeling, we assess every project to help you choose the most practical and durable option for your home.
Choosing the right door size depends on the dimensions of your existing rough opening. A standard interior door typically measures 80 inches in height and 24-36 inches in width, but precise measurements are key for a perfect fit. To determine the correct size, the rough opening should usually be about 2 inches wider and 2 1/2 inches taller. than the door slab itself—allowing room for the frame and shimming during installation. If you have an opening that is 82 inches heigh and 32 inches wide the door required for that opening would be a 30×80″ Doors. At JK Luxury Home Remodeling, we take exact on-site measurements to ensure your new door fits seamlessly, whether it’s a standard pre-hung unit or a fully customized size for older Toronto homes.
The time required to install an interior door depends on the type of door, its size, and the existing frame condition. In most Toronto homes, a standard pre hung interior door can be installed in as little as 30-40 Minutes, making it one of the fastest upgrades for your home. However, custom sized doors or specialty doors—especially in older houses with uneven walls or unique openings—can take a few hours to complete. At JK luxury Home Remodeling, our experienced installers ensure each door fits perfectly, operates smoothly, and aligns with your trim and flooring for a flawless finish every time.
JK Luxury Home Remodeling provides both residential and commercial installation services.
Our specialties include crown moulding, wainscoting, coffered ceilings / waffle ceilings, concrete cladding, renovation services, custom trim work and other finish carpentry services
We have proudly been serving Toronto and the GTA for over 20+ Years, specializing in ceiling designs, waffle ceilings, wainscoting, and custom carpentry projects.
Yes! We offer free estimates for all trim, moulding, and interior door installation projects. Our team will assess your needs, discuss options, and provide a detailed, no-obligation quote so you can plan your project with confidence.
Yes, JK Luxury Home Remodelling is fully insured. We prioritize protecting both your home and our team on every project. Our insurance coverage gives you peace of mind knowing your property is in safe hands. Beyond protection, we take pride in delivering quality finish carpentry, reliable service, and 100% customer satisfaction. Learn more about our story on our About Us page.
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