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


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


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


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

Hollowcore doors are commonly used as internal doors in residential and commercial
properties due to their affordability, lightweight design, and ease of installation. They are
constructed using a hollow or semi-hollow core sandwiched between two thin outer panels,
typically made from materials like MDF (medium-density fiberboard), HDF (high-density
fiberboard), or plywood. Here's an in-depth look at the construction of a hollowcore internal
door:
1. Hollowcore Door Composition
The construction of a hollowcore internal door involves several key elements, which combine to
make the door lightweight, affordable, and easy to install. Here's a breakdown of the
components:
a. Outer Skin (Face Panels)
The outer surface or face panels of the hollowcore door are the visible parts of the door and are
typically made from:
● MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): This is a common material for face panels due to
its smooth surface, which is ideal for painting or laminating. It is less prone to warping or
splitting than natural wood.
● HDF (High-Density Fiberboard): Similar to MDF but denser and stronger. HDF is used
for higher-quality hollowcore doors to provide better resistance to dents and damage.
● Plywood: Another option for the outer layer, plywood consists of thin layers of wood
veneer glued together. It offers better resistance to impact than MDF or HDF but is often
more expensive.
The thickness of the outer panels is usually around 3 to 6 mm, depending on the door's
intended use and the level of durability required.
b. Core (Internal Structure)
The core of a hollowcore door is where it differs from solid core or solid wood doors. The
internal structure consists of a honeycomb or cellular pattern that fills the hollow space
between the outer skins. This core provides basic structural support while keeping the door
lightweight.
Common types of hollowcore structures include:
● Honeycomb Cardboard Core: A honeycomb-shaped cardboard lattice is often used
as the core material in hollowcore internal doors. This pattern is lightweight and
cost-effective, providing sufficient internal support to prevent the door from collapsing.
The honeycomb structure adds rigidity while still keeping the door relatively lightweight.

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

● Wooden or Plastic Stiffeners: Some hollowcore doors use narrow strips of wood or
plastic (vertical or horizontal) to create a lightweight support grid inside the door. These
stiffeners increase stability and help prevent bowing or warping.
The internal space between these structures remains largely empty, which is why the door is
classified as hollowcore.
c. Stiles and Rails (Frame)
The stiles and rails are solid components that form the perimeter frame of the door. These are
the parts that give the door its basic shape and ensure that it can be properly mounted with
hinges. They are usually made from:
● Solid wood (often softwood like pine)
● Engineered wood (such as MDF or plywood)
● Stiles: These are the vertical components located along the sides of the door. They
provide a solid structure for mounting hinges and the lockset.
● Rails: These are the horizontal components located at the top and bottom of the door.
They provide structural integrity and support for the overall door frame.
The stiles and rails are glued to the outer face panels and are critical for the door's stability and
handling.
d. Lock Block
In hollowcore doors, a lock block is often integrated into the structure. This is a solid piece of
wood or engineered wood placed inside the door where the lock and handle will be installed.
The lock block provides a solid anchoring point for the lockset and handle hardware, as the
rest of the hollow structure wouldn’t be strong enough to securely hold these components.
The lock block is typically located on one side of the door (the side where the handle will be),
and its position is usually marked on the door by the manufacturer.