What Are Interior Doors Made Of? Your Guide to the Most Popular Materials

Interior doors aren’t always a top-of-mind item when it comes to home projects. Many homeowners view them as purely functional, not fully realizing how much the material affects durability, style, and even comfort. Interior doors need to perform well in the spaces where you live every day and look good doing it.

At Northern Building Supply, we carry a wide range of interior doors crafted from high-quality materials to suit every need. Below, we’ll explore the most popular interior door materials and styles — including real options we have available — to help guide your next home project.

3 Most Popular Interior Door Materials

Interior doors come in a variety of materials, each offering unique benefits in terms of durability, cost, and style. The three most common material options are:

Composite wood, a durable, stable, and budget-conscious option
Hardboard, with molded, cost-effective styles for everyday use
MDF (medium-density fiberboard), with smooth and paintable finishes that are ideal for modern looks

Let’s take a closer look at each.

1. Composite Wood Doors: Affordable Durability

Composite wood interior doors are engineered from a mix of wood byproducts. They are virtually identical to solid wood doors but are even stronger and more durable. They are a reliable and cost-effective alternative for homeowners who want the look of wood at a more budget-friendly price.

Benefits of Composite Wood Doors	Drawbacks of Composite Wood Doors
Strong and stable (less prone to warping than natural wood) Cost-effective Available in a variety of finishes, including wood veneers	Limited ability to refinish compared to solid wood Slightly less authentic look and feel than real wood

2. Hardboard Doors: Budget-friendly with Molded Style

Hardboard is a fairly soft material that is usually covered with a hard-baked paint. Hardboard doors are often the most affordable choice and can be molded with the look of natural wood grain. They’re an excellent option for homeowners who want an affordable way to achieve a stylish paneled look throughout their home.

Benefits of Hardboard Doors	Drawbacks of Hardboard Doors
Extremely cost-effective Lightweight and easy to install Available in a variety of molded styles Paintable surface	Less durable than composite wood doors Not ideal for high-traffic areas where doors are prone to dings or dents

3. MDF Doors: Smooth & Paint-ready Finishes

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is one of the most popular materials for interior doors among homeowners seeking a sleek, modern finish. Made from recycled wood fibers and resin pressed into panels, MDF offers a smooth, uniform surface that takes paint beautifully.

Benefits of MDF Doors	Drawbacks of MDF Doors
Smooth surface ideal for painted finishes Won’t split or crack Resistant to warping and shrinking Available in a range of styles and panel designs	Heavier than hardboard (requires sturdier hardware) Not suitable for areas with high humidity or excessive moisture

Interior Door Materials Comparison Chart

Material	Key Benefits	Considerations	Price	Best For
Composite	Affordable, durable, stable	Less authentic look, limited refinishing	$$	Budget-conscious homeowners, everyday use
Hardboard	Very affordable, lightweight, molded styles	Less durable, dents more easily	$	Low-traffic rooms, style on a budget
MDF	Smooth, paintable, won’t crack or split	Heavy, not moisture-resistant	$$	Modern designs, painted finishes

Popular Interior Door Styles & Material Configurations

While material determines performance and maintenance, door style defines the look and functionality of interior spaces. Here are some of the options we have available and what materials are typically used for them.

Panel Doors

A timeless option available in raised, flat, or molded panel designs. Works beautifully in traditional or transitional homes. Available in wood veneer, composite, or MDF materials.

Flush Doors

Featuring a smooth, flat surface, flush doors offer a clean, minimalist aesthetic perfect for modern homes.

Commonly made from MDF or composite.

Glass-Panel & French Doors

Designed with clear or frosted glass inserts, these doors allow natural light to flow between rooms while maintaining privacy.

Available in wood veneer, composite, or hybrid materials.

Barn Doors

Sliding barn doors make a bold design statement and save space in tight areas.

Available in wood veneer, composite, or MDF, plus customized finishes to match decor.

Bifold Doors

Foldable, space-saving designs ideal for closets, laundry rooms, and pantries.

Available in wood veneer, composite, or MDF materials.

Find the Perfect Interior Doors at Northern Building Supply

The right interior doors can elevate both the style and function of your home. From the classic appeal of wood-look finishes to the smooth, paint-ready surface of MDF, today’s interior door materials make it easy to match your budget and design preferences.

At Northern Building Supply, we proudly carry interior doors in a variety of materials and from top-name brands like JELD-WEN®, providing Northern Michigan homeowners with numerous options to suit their space. Whether you’re remodeling a single room or outfitting an entire home, our team can guide you through your options and ensure you get doors that look great and last for years to come.

Ready to find the right doors for your home project? Contact us online or visit one of our locations in Traverse City or Suttons Bay to view our full selection.