Glossary of Terms

Door Panel: The main part of the door that swings open and shut. It can be made of wood, metal, glass, or composite materials.

Door Frame: The structure that surrounds and supports the door, consisting of the head (top), jambs (sides), and sill (bottom).

Door Jamb: The vertical parts of the door frame where the door is hinged and latched.

Head Jamb: The horizontal top part of the door frame.

Threshold: The bottom part of the door frame, often raised slightly, where the door meets the floor.

Door Sill: The horizontal piece at the bottom of the door frame; often the same as the threshold.

Stiles: The vertical components of the door panel.

Rails: The horizontal components of the door panel.

Mullion: A vertical or horizontal element that forms a division between units of a door, such as between panes of glass in a French door.

Astragal: A vertical molding attached to one of a pair of double doors to prevent drafts and ensure a snug fit when the doors are closed.

Lite: A pane of glass in a door or window.

Transom: A window located above the door, typically for ventilation or added light.

Door Stop: The part of the door frame against which the door closes.

Door Handle: A mechanism used to open or close a door, which includes levers, knobs, and pulls.

Door Knob: A round or oval-shaped handle that you turn to open a door.

Lever Handle: A handle that you push down or lift up to open a door.

Escutcheon Plate: A decorative or protective plate surrounding the door handle or keyhole.

Latch: A mechanism that holds the door closed, typically operated by a door handle or knob.

Deadbolt: A lock with a solid metal bolt that slides into the door jamb, providing extra security.

Strike Plate: The metal plate attached to the door jamb where the latch or bolt engages.

Hinge: A pivoting mechanism that allows the door to swing open or closed, typically made of metal and attached to both the door and the frame.

Butt Hinge: A type of hinge consisting of two plates (leaves) joined by a pin, typically used on doors.

Mortise Lock: A lock that is fitted into a pocket (mortise) cut into the edge of a door, often more secure and complex than a cylinder lock.

Cylinder Lock: A lock operated by a key inserted into a cylinder, commonly used in residential doors.

Faceplate: The flat metal plate on the edge of the door through which the latch or bolt extends.

Backset: The distance from the edge of the door to the center of the borehole where the latch or lock is installed.

Spindle: A rod that connects the door handles on either side of the door, allowing them to operate the latch.

Door Closer: A hydraulic or spring-loaded device that automatically closes the door after it has been opened.

Panic Bar (Crash Bar): A horizontal bar across a door that, when pushed, unlatches the door for quick egress, often used in emergency exits.

Flush Bolt: A bolt used to lock a door in place, typically flush with the door edge and manually operated.

Single Door: A door with a single panel that swings open and closed.

Double Door (French Door): Two doors that meet in the middle, often used for wider openings.

Sliding Door: A door that opens horizontally by sliding along a track, often used for closets or patios.

Pocket Door: A sliding door that disappears into a compartment in the adjacent wall when fully open.

Bifold Door: A door that folds in half when opened, typically used for closets.

Barn Door: A sliding door mounted on a track above the door frame, often used for a rustic or modern aesthetic.

Dutch Door: A door divided into two halves horizontally, allowing the top half to open while the bottom half remains closed.

Flush Door: A door with a flat surface and no raised or recessed panels.

Panel Door: A door with framed sections (panels) that can be raised, recessed, or flat.

Louvered Door: A door with horizontal slats that allow for ventilation while maintaining privacy.

Pre-Hung Door: A door that is already mounted in its frame, ready to be installed into a rough opening.

Rough Opening: The framed opening in a wall where a door or window will be installed.

Shim: Thin wedges used to adjust the fit of a door frame within the rough opening during installation.

Plumb: Ensuring that the door frame or door itself is perfectly vertical.

Square: Ensuring that the door frame is at right angles to the floor and ceiling.

Level: Ensuring that the door frame or other components are perfectly horizontal.

Weatherstripping: Material used to seal gaps around the door to prevent drafts, water, and sound from entering.

Casing: The trim that covers the gap between the door frame and the wall, providing a finished look.

Caulking: A material used to seal joints or seams between the door frame and wall to prevent moisture and air leaks.

Sidelight: A vertical window positioned on one or both sides of a door.

Kick Plate: A metal plate attached to the bottom of a door to protect it from damage caused by foot traffic.