The leaf: the door you open
A slab is not necessarily a solid piece of wood. It may be wood, a layered construction, metal, glass or another specified assembly. Buying a slab generally means the frame is a separate item; the included machining and hardware still need to be stated.
On a panel door, stiles run vertically and rails run horizontally. Infill panels sit between them. The top and bottom rails are part of the leaf, not the surrounding frame. A flush face may conceal its internal structure.
The frame and trim
The side jambs border the opening, and the head jamb spans the top. A hinged leaf attaches to the hinge jamb and latches toward the opposite jamb. Casing is the finish trim around the frame; it should not be confused with structural framing in the wall. See the door jamb guide for replacement planning.
A frame stop is the surface the closed leaf meets. It can be a separate strip or part of the frame profile. A floor-mounted or wall-mounted bumper is also often called a doorstop, but its job is to limit the open swing. These are different parts.
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Hinge | Connects a hinged leaf to the frame and supports its movement. |
| Face bore | An opening through the broad face for compatible lock hardware. |
| Edge bore | An opening from the door edge for a latch or bolt. |
| Backset | Distance from the door edge to the center of the relevant face bore; it is not the bore diameter. |
| Latch and strike | The latch projects from the leaf; the strike receives it at the frame. |
| Deadbolt | A separate locking bolt or part of an integrated lock system. Its preparation depends on the hardware. |
| Pull or lever | The component used to move the door or operate the latch. Projection and function affect fit. |
The bottom of an exterior opening
The threshold is the transition you cross at the base of the doorway. Sill may refer to the broader bottom assembly supporting that transition and managing weather; terminology varies between systems. Use the product section drawing to identify the replacement part.
A sweep or door-bottom seal closes the intended gap below the leaf. Weatherstripping seals other parts of the closed perimeter. These work together with the sill and installation, so a random thicker strip is not automatically a better repair. See door weatherstripping options.
Glass beside and above the door
A sidelight, also written sidelite, is a glazed section beside the leaf. A transom window sits above it. Their frames and joining members need to be included in the overall unit dimensions.
Within a glazed door, a lite is a glass area. Decorative grille bars may create the appearance of smaller panes without dividing the glass into separate pieces. Identify the actual construction before requesting replacement glass.
What changes on a sliding door?
A sliding system adds a track, hangers or rollers, stops, guides and other specified safety components. The visible track is only one part of that assembly. Pocket, bypass and wall-mounted doors use different arrangements.
Use the hardware function guide to distinguish a fixed pull, passage latch and privacy mechanism. Not every exterior door needs two round bores, and not every interior door uses the same preparation.
Describe a problem with a location and a photo
Instead of “the frame is broken,” identify the hinge jamb, strike area, casing or sill and photograph it with the door open and closed. Include the door model and a wider view of the opening. That makes it easier to distinguish a damaged part from a misaligned assembly.
Examples and details
Updated .
