Photo: Kamaji Ogino

What is the lip on the bottom of a door called?

The piece at the bottom of a door is called a sill. Door sills help prevent air and water from getting in your home.

pella.com - Parts of a Door: Front Door Anatomy 101 | Pella

Are MDF door frames any good?

And yes, it was less durable than solid timber. However, advancements in technology mean that MDF is becoming a “solid” contender amongst doorframe...

Last updated Feb 3, 2021

Should a wood shed be vented?

Good vents in your shed are an absolute must, even if you are only using it for storage. Without a good venting system, your shed can experience...

Last updated Jun 24, 2022

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Doorway

A doorway is one of the easiest parts of a door to see. It is the opening that you walk through to enter a home or go from one room to another.

Door Frame

A door frame is what supports the door and consists of the head, jamb and sill. It is commonly made from wood, aluminum or steel.the frame and sits flat against the floor.

Head or Door Head

The door head is a horizontal section of the door frame that is located at the very top.

Door Panel

The door panel is the part of the door that swings to open and close. When you think of a door, this is typically what you would imagine.

Jamb

A door jamb is the part of the frame that runs vertically up the side of the door.

Sill

A sill of a door is at the bottom of the frame and sits flat against the floor.

Threshold

A threshold covers the entry door sill and provides a protective element. The threshold helps keep wind and water out of your home with a slight slope towards the outside.

Rail

Rails are the horizontal sections on a door panel. They are typically a decorative element and can be used to divide your door into sections.

Stile

Stiles are vertical sections located on the outside edge of both sides of the door. The lock, latches and hinges are all located on the stiles.

Hinge

A hinge is a piece of hardware that allows the door panel to swing in and out. Several types of hinges are used on doors, such as barrel hinges, pivot hinges and concealed hinges.

Mullion

A mullion, sometimes referred to as a mull, is where two units are joined together. With entry doors, a mullion could appear between the door frame and sidelight or transom, or with additional windows to create a unique design.

Casing

Casing is a type of trim. It helps to hide the gap that commonly occurs between the door frame and the wall. It is a decorative element used to create architectural interest.

Brickmould

Brickmould is a type of trim that is applied to the exterior of the home and helps to hide the gap between the door frame and the wall. Brickmould can be used in all applications, regardless of the exterior material.

Weatherstripping

How do you insulate a shed floor from the top?

Here's how: Remove the flooring of your shed. Put wood blocks under each joist cavity. Each joist cavity should have at least two support blocks....

Last updated Apr 21, 2019

How much does it cost to build a kitchen in a garage?

Kitchen. Turning a garage into a kitchen costs at least $6,000, but kitchen remodels can cost more than $65,000 depending on the design, finishes,...

Last updated Sep 23, 2018

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Weatherstripping is a flexible material that is located between the door panel and frame. Along with the threshold, weatherstripping helps keep your home comfortable and protected from bugs, wind and water.

Door Sweep

The door sweep, along with the threshold and weatherstripping, helps to seal the gap and keep out wind, rain and other elements. It is located at the very bottom and lies flat against the threshold.

In-Swing or Out-Swing Door

In-swing doors open into the room and, when you are standing inside your home, are pulled towards you when opening. Out-swing doors open towards the exterior and, when you are standing inside your home, are pushed away from your body when opening.

Astragal

If your front door design includes double doors, an astragal is the vertical piece that runs between the two panels.

Glazing or Glass

Glazing, also known as glass in a front door, is the window inside of a door. It allows in natural light and can help brighten a doorway. The glass in a front door is typically two panes of glass.

Front Door Sidelights

Sidelights are fixed windows that are attached to the side of an entry door. They are typically tall and narrow and help add architectural interest to the front of your home and natural light to your entryway.

Transoms

A transom is a fixed glass window installed above the door and sidelights. They allow in plenty of natural light and help to brighten your entry.

Grilles

Grilles are a decorative element that create the look of divided lites. Grilles can be located between panes of insulating glass, commonly called grilles-between-the-glass, or on the outside of the glass. They help to add design interest and customize the look of your front door.

Dentil Shelf

A dentil shelf is a small shelf typically located under a pane of glass on a door. It is a decorative element that is a hallmark of a craftsman front door.

pella.com - Parts of a Door: Front Door Anatomy 101 | Pella