To ensure effective communication of your unique vision for a custom door, it's important to have a basic understanding of the various components involved. Familiarize yourself with the following terms to confidently discuss your preferences with us.

Active Door:

The primary door in a double door configuration. It includes the operational handle set.

Adjustable Threshold:

Also known as an adjustable sill, this threshold can be adjusted up or down to provide a proper seal for the door.

Astragal (T-Astragal):

A "T" shaped component attached to the passive door. Astragals are kerfed to accommodate weatherstrips and seal the gap between the two doors. They also feature top and bottom flushbolts that secure the inactive door in place.

Backset:

The distance from the edge of the door to the center of the lock bore hole.

Ball Bearing Hinge:

A heavy-duty hinge equipped with ball bearings between the hinge knuckles, reducing friction. Primarily used for exterior doors, it ensures smoother and quieter operation.

Brickmould:

A decorative molding used to trim the outside edge of a door frame, concealing the seam between the door frame and the wall.

Came/Caming:

A metal strip, often made of Brass or Zinc, used to hold pieces of glass in place. It is employed for more decorative designs.

Casing:

Molding or trim applied to the perimeter of a door frame, concealing the joint between the frame and the wall and adding a decorative finish.

Core:

The innermost layer of a wood door, providing structural stability and support. Common core types include solid core, hollow core, and engineered core.

Deadbolt:

A security lock requiring a key to open from the exterior side of the door.

Door Stop:

The part of the frame on which the door panel rests when closed.

Dutch Door:

An exterior door divided into upper and lower sections, which can be opened separately.

Finger Joint:

A method of joining short sections of board stock end-to-end to create longer stock. Finger-jointed pine stock is often used for constructing door and frame parts.

Finish:

The final protective coating applied to the surface of a wood door. Finishes can include stains, paints, varnishes, or clear coatings to enhance durability and aesthetics.

Flushbolt:

A bolt that sits flush with the face or edge of the door when retracted.

Hinge:

A movable joint that connects the door to the frame, allowing the door to swing open and closed. Hinges are available in various styles, finishes, and sizes.

Inactive Door:

The door in a pair of doors where the strike is fastened to receive the latch from the active door. While inactive, it remains hinged and can be operated by releasing the flushbolts that hold it in place.

Jamb:

The vertical portion of a door frame that provides support and houses the hinges or door hardware. Jambs are typically made of wood or other materials.

Lock Rail:

A horizontal member between the vertical stiles of a door, positioned at the height of the lock.

Lite:

A glass panel within a door frame. Lites can vary in size and shape, contributing to the door's aesthetic and allowing natural light to pass through.

Lockset:

The complete handle set including the locking mechanism.

Louver:

A panel featuring a series of angled slats or blades that allow for ventilation while maintaining privacy. Louvered doors are commonly used in areas requiring airflow, such as closets or utility rooms.

Mortise:

A cavity or recess cut into the edge of a door or door frame to accommodate hinges, locks, or other hardware components.

Mull Cover:

A molding that covers the mull post.

Mullion:

A wooden piece used to divide the opening of a pair of doors.

Muntin:

A horizontal or vertical bar used to divide a door's glass panel into smaller sections. Muntins add decorative appeal and can create a distinctive pattern.

Panel:

The area on a stile and rail door enclosed by the stiles and rails. For example, a 3-panel door has three distinct panels.

Pre-Hung:

A complete door system consisting of doors or door combinations, jambs, hinges, threshold, T-Astragal, and trim.

Rabbet:

A cut along the jambs that allows the door to fit in snugly.

Rail:

The horizontal components of a door frame, connecting the stiles and providing structural support. Rails are usually located at the top and bottom of the door.

Raised Panel:

A door panel with contoured or shaped edges, creating a visually appealing three-dimensional effect.

Rough Opening:

The unfinished opening in a wall where a door or window will be installed. Typically, the top member is the "header," and the side members are the "trimmers."

Sidelite:

Side panels positioned beside a door, usually filled with glass for decoration and to allow light.

Sill:

A horizontal beam below the door that supports the frame.

Slab:

A door without frames, jambs, or added parts to make it operational.

Stile:

The vertical components of a door frame, providing structural support and stability. Stiles are typically found on the left and right sides of the door.

Strike Plate:

A metal plate or box set into a door jamb, pierced or recessed to receive the bolt or latch of a lock.

Tempered Glass:

Glass that has undergone controlled thermal or chemical treatments to increase its strength compared to regular glass. When broken, tempered glass shatters into small fragments instead of sharp shards, reducing the risk of severe injury.

Threshold:

The horizontal strip at the base of a door opening, providing a transition between different floor surfaces and helping to seal the gap between the door and the floor.

Transom:

A horizontal cross-piece window above a door.

Trim:

A strip applied to the face of a door jamb for decorative purposes.

True Divided Lite (TDL):

Doors with individual panes of glass assembled in the sash using muntins.

Veneer:

A thin layer of high-quality wood applied to the surface of a door to enhance its appearance and mimic the look of solid wood.

Weatherstripping:

The process of sealing openings, such as doors and windows, to protect against the elements. Weatherstripping prevents water and air from entering by blocking or rerouting it. It also helps with energy efficiency.