https://directdoorsscotland.co.uk/internal-doors-glasgow/


https://directdoorsscotland.co.uk/internal-doors-glasgow/


https://directdoorsscotland.co.uk/internal-doors-glasgow/

Oak veneer internal doors are a popular choice for many homeowners due to their natural
wood appearance, durability, and affordability. While they offer the look of solid oak, they are
constructed differently, typically using engineered materials to achieve strength and stability at a
lower cost than solid oak doors. Here’s an in-depth look at how an oak veneer internal door is
constructed:
1. Basic Construction of an Oak Veneer Door
An oak veneer door typically consists of multiple layers:
● Core: The main body of the internal door, made from materials like MDF
(Medium-Density Fiberboard), HDF (High-Density Fiberboard), or particleboard, with
engineered timber for strength.
● Veneer: A thin layer of real oak wood bonded to the door's surface to give it the
aesthetic appeal of solid oak.
● Lippings: Solid oak edge strips that are added to the sides, top, and bottom of the door
to allow for trimming and durability.
These components are assembled together to create a door that is both strong and visually
similar to solid oak but much more cost-effective.
2. Core Types
The core is the most critical part of the door's structure and provides the bulk of its strength,
stability, and insulation. Different cores are used depending on the desired characteristics of the
door:
a. Hollow Core
● Description: In a hollow core internal door, the internal structure is mainly empty with a
honeycomb cardboard or lightweight filler to support the surface.
● Advantages: Lightweight and cheaper than other core types.
● Disadvantages: Less durable and provides limited sound insulation compared to solid
or semi-solid cores. Suitable for less frequently used areas like closets or bedrooms
where sound insulation isn’t as important.
b. Solid Core
● Description: Solid core doors are filled with dense materials like MDF, particleboard, or
a composite material. This gives them the heft and feel of a solid oak door while still
keeping costs down.

https://directdoorsscotland.co.uk/internal-doors-glasgow/

● Advantages:
○ Good sound insulation.
○ Stronger and more durable than hollow core.
○ Mimics the weight and feel of a traditional solid oak internal door.
● Disadvantages: Heavier and more expensive than hollow-core doors, though still less
expensive than a solid oak door.
c. Stile and Rail Core (Engineered Timber)
● Description: Some oak veneer doors feature an engineered timber frame made from
laminated softwood, MDF, or HDF that forms the internal structure, often reinforced with
solid wood stiles and rails along the edges.
● Advantages:
○ Greater structural stability.
○ Prevents warping or twisting over time.
○ Solid wood stiles and rails can allow the door to be trimmed slightly to fit,
enhancing versatility.
3. Oak Veneer Layer
The defining characteristic of an oak veneer door is the thin outer layer of oak veneer. This
layer is typically around 0.6mm to 1mm thick, though premium doors may feature thicker
veneers.
● Material: The veneer is made from real oak, which is sliced or peeled from an oak log.
The thin sheets are then bonded to the door’s core using adhesives.
● Appearance: Because the veneer is real wood, it displays all the natural grain patterns,
texture, and color variation of oak. This gives the door the appearance of a solid oak
door, making it a popular choice for those who want the traditional look of oak without
the cost.
● Finishing: Oak veneer doors can be pre-finished (already treated with stain or lacquer)
or unfinished (allowing the buyer to apply their own stain or paint). Pre-finished options
offer convenience and protection right out of the box, while unfinished versions provide
flexibility for customization.
4. Lippings
Lippings are solid strips of oak (usually 10-20mm thick) that are applied to the edges of the
door, such as the sides, top, and bottom. These serve several purposes:

https://directdoorsscotland.co.uk/internal-doors-glasgow/

● Durability: They provide extra strength to the most vulnerable parts of the door,
protecting the edges from chipping or damage during use.
● Trimability: The lippings allow the door to be trimmed down slightly (typically 10-20mm)
to fit into custom-sized door frames. This is important for ensuring a perfect fit during
installation.
● Aesthetic: The lippings maintain the consistent appearance of oak around the edges of
the door, reinforcing the illusion of a solid oak internal door.