A home theater recreates the movie-watching experience, and
this will typically include booming sounds and loud speakers. To help contain
the loud sounds of a home theater, consider installing a new door with extra
features for the room.
A number of features allow you to block out sound from the
rest of the home and provide an isolated home theater experience. Learn about
the features and what to look for when you purchase a new door.
1. Solid Core Design
Doors typically come in two styles - solid core and hollow
core. A hollow-core door features a middle with a particleboard or honeycomb
design. The doors are typically lighter and will have an echo sound when you
knock on them.
A solid-core door comes in a variety of styles but features
a more dense design, which will help block out sound from the room. The door
may be a solid piece of wood or have wood inserts filled on the inside. Sound
does not penetrate through the door as easily, and this door provides natural
sound protection when shut.
Additionally, solid-core doors come in a number of styles
you can use to match your home theater room.
2. Weather Stripping
Even when a door is shut, gaps or openings may allow sound
and light to leak through. The leaked light could create glares, which adds to
the sound issues. Luckily, you can block extra sound and light out of a home
theater with weather stripping.
Weather stripping prevents air leaks, and the cushioned
material also provides sound blockage. The weather stripping is typically
installed on the side of the doors with the hinges. When the door fully shuts,
the frame pushes into the cushioned stripping to close up all the gaps.
Along with the side of the door, you can use weather
stripping at the bottom or top of the door.
3. Thresholds
Similar to weather stripping, a threshold installation
provides sound blockage on the bottom of the door. The threshold includes an
elevated part that prevents the door from swinging outward when open. When
shut, the door presses up against the threshold to block out both light and
sound.
Thresholds are made in a variety of different materials,
including rubber and steel. A rubber threshold will offer a quieter performance
and adds extra sound protection for the home theater. Weather stripping on the
bottom of the door may slide into the threshold to double the protection and
keep sound in.
A professional will screw the threshold directly into the
flooring below the door, rather than connecting it to the door itself. Door
installers can place the threshold over multiple materials, including both hard
wood and carpet.
4. Panel Doors
Doors without glass will offer the best sound proofing for a
home theater, but consider the purchase of a panel door as opposed to a flat
solid door. The panels on a door often curve inward and will help absorb the
sound.
The panels also offer small areas where you can attach sound
proofing kits. The panels will help block out sound from the door and also help
reduce echoes in the room. A door with two large panels gives options for
larger sound proofing pieces, but the design and style is up to you and your
needs.
Browse through various panel door options to see which ones
will look best in the home theater and accommodate any sound proofing kit you
own.
For more information on our doors and accessories, contact Mikro Corporation. We have a large variety
of doors to choose from and will help you pick the best selection for your home
theater needs.
