🏠 Types of Doors and Where They Should Be Used

Choosing the right door is about more than just looks — it’s about function, privacy, insulation, and durability. In South Africa, a variety of door types are commonly used across residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Here's a guide to the most popular door types and where each is best suited.

1. Hollow Core Doors

Description: Hollow core doors have a timber or composite frame with a cardboard honeycomb or similar filler inside. The outer surfaces are typically hardboard or MDF panels.

Best for:

• Bedrooms, bathrooms, and internal doors in low-traffic areas

• Budget-friendly projects

  
  

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to install

• Cost-effective

• Acceptable for areas that don’t require high durability

  
  

Cons:

• Poor sound insulation

• Can be easily damaged if knocked

  
  

2. Semi-Solid Core Doors

Description: These doors have a mix of solid and hollow core sections, providing a middle ground between strength and cost. They often have a solid perimeter and partially filled inner sections.

Best for:

• Interior doors in moderate-traffic areas

• Rooms where better sound insulation is desired (e.g., studies or home offices)

  
  

Pros:

• Stronger and more durable than hollow core

• Moderate soundproofing

• Affordable compared to fully solid doors

  
  

Cons:

• Heavier than hollow core

• Still not as sound-insulating as solid core

  
  

3. Solid Core Doors

Description: Constructed entirely from solid timber or a solid engineered core (e.g., chipboard or MDF) and faced with veneer or MDF.

Best for:

• Front and back doors

• High-traffic internal areas

• Sound-sensitive rooms

  
  

Pros:

• Excellent sound insulation

• Highly durable and secure

• Feels premium and substantial

  
  

Cons:

• More expensive

• Heavier and may require stronger hinges

  
  

4. LB, LBB, FLB, FLBB Doors

These are industry-standard abbreviations in South Africa and often refer to specific construction and bracing styles.

➤ LB (Ledged & Braced) Door

Description: Horizontal ledges with diagonal braces, often made from pine or hardwood.

Best for:

• Outbuildings, storerooms, sheds

• Rural or rustic-style interiors

  
  

➤ LBB (Ledged, Braced & Battened) Door

Description: Same as LB, but with vertical battens covering the door face for a more finished look.

Best for:

• Cottages, workshops, or farmhouse aesthetics

  
  

➤ FLB (Framed, Ledged & Braced)

Description: An LB door with an external timber frame for added strength and shape retention.

Best for:

• Exterior doors in less secure areas

• Durable internal doors in rustic settings

  
  

➤ FLBB (Framed, Ledged, Braced & Battened)

Description: The most complete form — framed, braced, and battened — offering both strength and a finished look.

Best for:

• Utility rooms, storerooms, garages

• Traditional or rural properties needing durability

  
  

5. Framed and Paneled Doors

Description: These consist of a solid timber frame with panels (flat or raised) inserted in between. The panels can be wood, glass, or MDF.

Best for:

• Main entrance doors

• Formal areas like lounges or dining rooms

  
  

Pros:

• Classic, elegant appearance

• Strong and durable

• Can be customized with glass inserts or decorative panels

  
  

Cons:

• More expensive than flush doors

• Can be heavy depending on materials used

  
  

✅ Summary Table

Door Type	Best Use	Key Benefit
Hollow Core	Bedrooms, internal low-traffic areas	Light and affordable
Semi-Solid	Studies, hallways, moderate-traffic rooms	Balance of price and durability
Solid Core	Front doors, sound-sensitive areas	Strength and insulation
LB	Sheds, storerooms	Simple and budget-friendly
LBB	Rustic homes, cottages	Decorative but still basic
FLB	Utility doors, exterior in low-security areas	Stronger with better shape retention
FLBB	Garages, back doors	Tough and traditional
Framed & Paneled	Entrances, lounges	Elegant and secure

🛠️ Final Tips

• For internal residential doors, hollow core or semi-solid options are often sufficient.

• For exterior doors, always go for solid core or FLBB-type designs.

• If aesthetic appeal is important, framed and paneled doors offer a timeless look.

• In budget builds, LB or LBB doors are a durable and economical solution for non-critical spaces.