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Interior Door Installation: Upgrading from Hollow to Solid
Handyman 5 min read February 18, 2026

Interior Door Installation: Upgrading from Hollow to Solid

Thinking about upgrading interior doors? Compare hollow-core and solid-core options, installation paths, and practical cost factors for Kentucky homes.


Why Upgrade Doors?

Many Kentucky homes, especially those built in the 80s and 90s, have hollow-core doors that dent easily, transmit sound, and look cheap.

Hollow vs. Solid Doors

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Hollow-Core Doors
- Weight: 10-15 lbs
- Cost: $30-80 per door
- Sound blocking: Minimal (STC 15-20)
- Durability: Dents easily
- Best for: Closets, low-traffic areas

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Solid-Core Doors
- Weight: 40-60 lbs
- Cost: $100-250 per door
- Sound blocking: Good (STC 25-30)
- Durability: Excellent
- Best for: Bedrooms, bathrooms, offices

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Solid Wood Doors
- Weight: 50-70+ lbs
- Cost: $200-800+ per door
- Sound blocking: Very good (STC 30-35)
- Durability: Excellent with care
- Best for: High-end homes, visible locations

Installation Options

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Option 1: Slab Only
Replace just the door panel, keeping existing frame.
- Pros: Lower cost
- Cons: Must match existing size exactly
- Cost: $75-150 labor per door

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Option 2: Pre-Hung Door
Replace door and frame as a unit.
- Pros: Better fit, easier to align
- Cons: More work, affects trim
- Cost: $150-300 labor per door

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Option 3: Slab + New Hardware
Replace door and upgrade hinges, knobs, etc.
- Pros: Fresh look throughout
- Cons: Higher total cost
- Cost: Add $50-150 per door for hardware

What Affects Cost

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Door Size
- Standard (80" x 32-36"): Base price
- Non-standard: May require special order

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Hardware Needs
- Existing hardware compatible? Saves money
- New hinges, knobs, strikes add up

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Painting
- Pre-primed doors need 2 coats
- Stain-grade requires more skill
- Consider having doors painted before hanging

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Skilled plumbing upgrades and repairs
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Quantity Discount
- Single door: Higher per-door cost
- Whole house: Better pricing on materials and labor

Timeline

For a typical home with 8-12 interior doors:
- Day 1: Remove old doors, prep openings
- Day 2: Install new doors, adjust fit
- Day 3: Hardware, touch-up, cleanup

Add 1-2 days if painting is included.

ROI and Appeal

Door upgrades:
- Appeal to buyers (especially solid-core)
- Improve privacy and quiet
- Last the life of the home
- ROI: 70-80% of cost at resale

Upgrade your doors - we'll assess your current doors and provide options.

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