Door Installation Comparisons
Side-by-side comparisons for door types, materials, and installation approaches across Australia.
Hollow-Core vs Solid-Core Interior Doors
Compare hollow-core and solid-core interior doors for sound insulation, durability, feel, weight, cost, and which type suits different rooms and budgets in Australian homes.
Hollow-core doors are the budget-friendly standard for bedrooms, wardrobes, and low-traffic areas — they cost $80–$200 per door compared to $200–$700 for solid-core. However, solid-core doors are significantly better for sound insulation, feel heavier and more substantial, last longer in high-traffic areas, and add more perceived value to a home. For bathrooms, home offices, and main living areas, solid-core doors are the better long-term investment. Hollow-core doors are adequate for wardrobes, ensuites, and storage rooms where sound insulation is less important.
Hinged Doors vs Sliding Doors
Compare standard hinged doors with sliding doors (cavity sliders and barn doors) for space efficiency, cost, installation complexity, and which suits different room layouts.
Standard hinged doors are simpler and cheaper to install ($150–$350 in an existing frame) and provide a better acoustic and draught seal. Sliding doors — whether cavity sliders ($350–$900 installed) or barn doors ($350–$750 installed) — save valuable floor space by eliminating the door swing arc, making them ideal for small rooms, ensuites, and tight hallways. Cavity sliders sit inside the wall and are the cleanest solution but require wall modification. Barn doors mount on an external track and are easier to retrofit but do not seal as tightly against the wall.
Security Screen Doors vs Standard Screen Doors
Compare premium security screen doors (Crimsafe) with standard aluminium screen doors for home security, airflow, visibility, durability, and cost across Australian conditions.
Standard aluminium screen doors cost $150–$400 installed and provide basic insect protection and airflow but offer minimal security — the mesh can be cut or forced open relatively easily. Premium security screen doors like Crimsafe ($500–$1,400 installed) use high-tensile stainless steel mesh with tamper-resistant fixings that are tested to withstand sustained forced entry attempts. In addition to security, Crimsafe and similar products offer bushfire ember protection (BAL-rated models), cyclone debris resistance, and UV filtering. The price premium is significant but the security, insurance, and peace-of-mind benefits are substantial.