Door Installation and Repair Key Terms

Speak the language of door installation and repair

Doors may seem simple until you have to install or repair one. Several small elements work together to produce a working door. While the purpose of a door is fairly rudimentary, getting it to properly function can be complex, particularly as commercial doors become more advanced.

When installing and repairing doors, it's important to know the names of the door's parts as well as how they work together. Without the proper terminology, ordering the correct materials may be difficult.

Architectural door

Architectural doors, also called commercial doors, are designed specifically to be used for commercial and industrial purposes. The standards for the construction materials used in these doors exceed the standards for residential doors. Architectural doors generally offer qualities, such as high fire ratings and low sound transmission, not seen in their residential counterparts.

Door frame

The door frame is comprised of several parts that work together to keep the door functional. A header and two jamb legs form the shape of the frame, which resembles a rectangle that is missing a side. The stop is the small strip of material that allows the door to close without swinging through the frame. Depending on the type of frame, the stop may either be built into the frame, referred to as a rabbetted stop, or applied separately, known as a stitched stop.

Stiles

Stiles are the vertical pieces within a door's framework. Stiles may also be called side jambs. The stile that is used to mount the hinges is referred to as the hinge stile or hanging stile. The stile that is used for the door's latch and lock is called the lock stile.

Plinth block

A plinth block, also referred to as a base block, pilaster base, or foot block, is a decorative square that connects the door's side casing to the baseboard. In addition to hiding unsightly seams, a plinth block adds stability.

Header

A header can refer to either the horizontal piece of a door frame or the support beam that is used to provide stability when studs are interrupted for the installation of a door or window. A header must be installed whenever the width needed for the door installation is greater than the width between the studs.

Weatherstrip

A weatherstrip helps the efficiency of a door by preventing air from passing through openings between the door and its frame and baseboard. Weatherstripping also lowers energy costs.
U.S. Department of Energy website. The website also offers tips on applying weatherstripping.