If you’ve ever shopped for new doors, you know there’s a lot more to them than just door hinges and door panels. Doors have a long list of parts and pieces the average homeowner may not be familiar with. Below you’ll find a brief introduction to some of the most common parts of a door that will help you better understand your purchasing options and hopefully lead to a more informed decision about which new door is right for your project!
Door Structure
The door structure is the support system of the door that allows it to function.
Door Frame
Made up of side jambs, head jambs, and mulls, the door frame provides the structure to the door opening. It’s the surrounding part of the door opening that the door panel fits into.
Door Panel
Sometimes called a slab, the door panel is the whole part of the door that swings back and forth. A door panel can be made of a single piece or multiple pieces. Many doors are divided into several smaller panels of wood or glass.
Rails
The rails are the horizontal segments along the top, bottom and sometimes middle of the door, depending on the panel configuration. Rails provide stability for the door and help hold the panels in place.
Stiles
The narrow, vertical components on either side of a door panel are called the stiles. The lock stile is on the side with the door knob or handle, while the hinge stile is on the side with the hinges. Stiles provide stability and structural support for the door panels.
Casing
The casing is essential for door replacement, as it is the interior trim that surrounds the door and covers the gap between the door and the drywall. It also serves as a decorative element to hide the door frame, insulation and caulking.
Cladding
The vinyl, fiberglass or aluminum jacket that covers the wooden core on the exterior side of a door is called the cladding. Usually used on exterior entry doors, it helps preserve the wood and improve its weather resistance. Cladding can also improve insulation and sound proofing.
Door Jamb and Head Jamb
A door jamb is the vertical component of the door frame, located on either side of the door. The head jamb is the horizontal piece at the top of the door frame, spanning the width of the door and connecting the two vertical jambs. The door jamb and head jamb work together to provide support and stability to the door.
Door Hardware
Door hardware includes locking systems and hinges. The hardware provides security and can be a stylish design element.
Hinges
These are the pieces of hardware that allow the door to swing open and closed. Standard-sized doors typically have three hinges while larger, heavier doors may have four or more to help bear the load. Hinges can be in-swing or out-swing. Standard exterior doors are typically in-swing but if the door leads to a small interior area, out-swing may be a better option.
Strike Plate (or Strike)
This thick metal plate is attached to the door jamb and has a hole to accommodate the door bolt (or multiple holes for multiple bolts). The strike plate guides the bolt into the jamb and is essential for security. It reinforces the door jamb and helps prevent forced entry.
Lockset
The lockset is the complete door lock system including the lock mechanism, knobs, keys, plates, strikes, door latch, key cylinder, and other components that allow the door to lock in place and better prevent forced entry.
Multi-point Lock
This is a locking system where the hardware locks at different places in the door but can still be controlled by a single lock mechanism. It allows for added security and ease of use.
Door Sweeps and Seals
This section covers the door parts that help fill the gaps between the door and frame.
Door Sill
The bottom, floor-fastened component of an exterior door frame is called the sill, which helps to seal the entry from leaks and other intrusions.
Door Sweep
Creating a weather-resistant barrier between the bottom of door panel and the sill, the sweep is made of rubber, foam, neoprene or vinyl.
Threshold
The threshold is the strip of metal, wood or fiberglass that covers the sill on an exterior entryway, providing an added seal against things like weather, drafts, and pests.
Door Glass and Door Windows
Sidelights (or Sidelites)
These tall, narrow windows are found on one or both sides of the door, allowing more light into the entry way and improving the view.
Divided Lites
Divided lights can also be called Grids, Grilles or Muntins. Divided lites create the look of multiple, individual panes of glass in a door. They can use many different panes of glass or can be simulated to mimic the look of multiple panes to take advantage of the improved energy efficiency of a single pane. Divided lites are popular in a wide range of architectural styles, from historic replications to modern farmhouses.
Insulating Glass (IG)
This glass panel assembly consists of two or more sealed glass panes separated by a space between to reduce heat transfer. Insulating glass, which can contain argon for improved thermal insulation, is one of the most impactful window and door features in terms of energy efficiency.
Obscured Glass
Often used on entry doors and bathroom windows, obscured glass features a pattern in the pane that provides privacy while maintaining some visibility, as well as allows in some natural light.
Tempered Glass
This safety glass is required for doors with large glass elements. The glass is heated and then cooled rapidly in a controlled environment for added strength. The tempering process also makes the glass safer due to the pebble-like fragments created when shattered.
Transom Windows
These windows are located above a door and can be either stationary or operating. They allow more natural light to enter while also adding a decorative touch. Transom windows come in a variety of sizes and shapes and some open for better venting. You can opt for double paned glass or decorative glass.
Custom Doors to Match Your Style
Door Store and Windows offers a wide variety of doors with an almost endless selection of options to incorporate into your home, no matter your style or need. We also love to talk doors! Our consultants would be happy to meet with you to help you decide what type of door functions and looks best in your home.
Of course, if you have any other questions about entry doors, interior doors, storm doors, or whatever kind of door you need for your next project, CONTACT US today. You can also learn even more about doors, parts of a door, or other door-related goodness our Doors 101 video
