The short answer
Moulded panel doors are the economical choice for large unit counts. Flush and grooved doors give a clean modern look with smooth faces. Shaker doors use true stile-and-rail construction, so they’re heavier, quieter and the premium tier. Pick one family for the whole building so repairs and turnovers stay simple.
The three families
| Moulded panel | Flush and grooved | Shaker | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it’s made | Moulded MDF skins over a core | Flat MDF skins over a core, with routed grooves on some | Stiles, rails and flat panels, like a frame |
| Look | Raised panels, from 1-panel to 6-panel and arch tops | Smooth, modern, often horizontal grooves | Recessed flat panels with square edges |
| Price tier | Economical | Economical to mid | Premium |
| Weight and sound | Set by the core you choose | Set by the core you choose | Heavier and quieter by construction |
| Cleaning | Panel edges hold dust | Flat faces wipe clean | Panel edges hold dust |
| Our range | 18 styles | 12 styles | 5 styles |
The core matters more than the face
Moulded and flush doors come in hollow, tubular, solid particleboard or solid wood cores. A solid core moulded door is quieter than a hollow core Shaker-look door. Choose the face for the look and the core for sound. See solid core vs hollow core doors.
Smooth or textured skin
Moulded and flush doors come with a smooth skin or an embossed wood-grain skin. Smooth paints to a modern finish and suits condo-style interiors. Textured hides light scuffs and reads as traditional.
Matching trim
| Look | Door | Casing | Baseboard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional | MD002 2-Panel Square Top | DC001 Colonial | BB001 Colonial Ogee |
| Classic colonial | MD006 6-Panel Colonist | DC009 Ogee | BB003 Ornate Colonial |
| Transitional | SK002 2-Panel Shaker | DC008 Tapered Flat | BB006 Bevel Top |
| Modern | GF003 Berkley | DC004 Square Flat | BB009 Square Edge |
Not sure which suits the building? A sample kit has a door corner and trim pieces you can hold up on site.
Sources
- Interior doors: families, cores and skins, Premier Building Products
- Trim pairings, Premier Building Products
Code requirements change and local rules vary. Confirm sizes and clearances with your designer and building department before ordering. We supply doors, trim and hardware; we’re not a code consultant.
