Doors Terms and Definitions

Back Band: Type of molding that is used as a door casing.
Backset: The distance from the middle of the handle or knob to the edge of the door.
Bifold Door: Door composed of panels that are hinged vertically in the middle, which fold back upon themselves.
Bolection: Heavy raised molding which appears to be carved when installed to a door surface.
Bypass Door: Sliding door, often used in closets, installed so that one door passes in front of the other door.
Combination Door: A door with glass and screen panels that are interchangeable.
Concealed Hinges: Invisible hinges when the door is not open.
Coulisse: A grooved piece of wood that guides a sliding door or panel in a piece of furniture.
Door Bevel: When a door has a slight bevel cut on the vertical edge, lock side, of a swinging door, it can clear the edge of the jamb as the door swings but still fit tightly into the jamb.
Door Buck: Rough opening into which door framing is installed or the wood or metal jamb on which the finished doorframe is hung.
Door Casing: Also called door trim, this molding is used to trim both door and window openings.
Door Check: Device that slows the closing of a door.
Door Knob: Handle that is used to open or close a door.
Door Frame: Structure around the door opening where the door is hung.
Door Header: Uppermost horizontal doorframe member.
Door Jamb: Framework surrounding a door opening. Also called a doorpost.
Door Post: Framework surrounding a door opening. Also called a doorjamb.
Door Shoe: Weather strips at the bottom of a door to seal out the elements.
Door Sill: Part of an exterior door that runs the full depth and width of the casing on the bottom portion, from the inside to the outside.
Door Trim: Also called door casing, this molding is used to trim both door and window opening.
Doorway: Passageway or entry into a room.
Double-Acting Hinge: Door hinge that allows a door to swing both inward and outward.
Dutch Door: Horizontally divided door where the upper and lower halves open and close independently of each other.
Flush Door: Door with a plywood facing over the internal core of wood or wood products. A hollow core door is one with plywood facing over framework without a solid core.
Folding Door: Door that is manufactured in multiple sections that are hinged and fold back as they are slid open. Ceiling tract mounting is preferable so that the weight of the doors can be held more firmly and without sag.
French Door: A tall casement window that reaches to the floor and opens like a door. It is a popular accent that brings more light into a home.
Hollow-Core Door: A flush door with plywood facing over framework that does not have a solid core.
Jack Stud: A partial stud nailed next to full studs to support the header at door openings.
Panel Door: Door whose cross and vertical members are exposed with decorative wood or glass panels in the spaces.
Patio Door: A door, usually glass-paned, used as for a rear or side entrance to a house. Usually refers to a sliding glass door with two sections moving on a track - one side slides open and the other remains stationary.
Pocket Door: Sliding door, on an overhead track, which recesses into a pocket in the wall when opened.
Prehung Door: Door that is factory built with frame, hinges, and trim and is installed as a unit. One type has the door and jamb assembly installed as a single unit with another type having the door hung on the hinge-side jamb, which is installed in the opening followed by the top and latch side jambs.
Reveal: The end of a door that is exposed only when the door is open.
Rolling Door: Type of door that can roll up overhead, because it is made from interlocking, hinged metal panels.
Sliding Door: Door with sections that slide back and forth mounted on or suspended from a track.
Sliding Glass Door: Door with two or more glass panels in a wood or metal frame. One frame is often stationery with the other allowed to slide back and forth on a track to open and close. Commonly used for patio doors, they provide light as well as access.
Solid-Core Door: Door with a solid interior.
Storm Door: Door that provides insulation and weather protection and is usually installed outside of a wooden exterior door. Windowpanes and screens may be interchangeable to provide ventilation in warmer weather.
Swinging Door: Door that is installed on hinges so that it can swing both ways in the doorway.

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Patio Doors
Patio doors are an uplifting feature to any home. Their design is made to let in natural light which creates a more cheerful and safer interior space. Not only can a patio door enhance natural light, but it can also be a striking architectural accent. Not to mention, you will be able to enjoy an outdoor view and expend your entertaining space.

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Flush vs. Panel Doors
A door’s design contributes much to the overall scheme of a room and, indeed, an entire home. Flush doors do their function, but they bring little to the table as far as style goes. Panel doors, on the other hand, offer the look of fine craftsmanship while also allowing builders to customize a home’s interior. However, personal taste and price often dictate what kind of door surface to choose.

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Interior vs. Exterior Doors
The main difference between interior and exterior doors is obvious in that interior doors are constructed to suit the needs of interior floors plans and exterior doors are constructed to perform according to exterior needs. When shopping for doors your first consideration will be whether you need interior or exterior doors. Interior and exterior doors have several small distinct differences.

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Making Your Doors Draft Free
One of the most important functions of an exterior door is to keep outside temperatures from entering into the house. In order to do this, your exterior door needs to be properly sealed. Unfortunately, a door's weather seals can rip, compress, bend, or wear out over time, leaving chilly winter air or scorching summer air free to enter.

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