Primer on Standard Door Frame Component Knowledge

Whether you’re considering an entry door, patio door or several other potential door needs, the pros at Peach Building Products are here to help. We have a huge selection of quality door replacement options, including fiberglass, wood, steel, Craftsman selections and many others available, plus a team to assist you with installation needs.

Have you ever stopped to fully understand the components included in a standard door or door frame? There’s a lot more to it than just a knob and a slab of wood or fiberglass – let’s look at all the important door frame components you’ll want to have a handle on when considering your options for new doors.

Door Head

In many cases, it’s possible to purchase full door frame sets that allow you to replace entire door frames from top to bottom. In these sets, or if you’re just purchasing parts individually, the head is the horizontal section found directly above a given door. It contains two specific grooves – these are where the door jamb goes, a connection we’ll discuss below.

Door Jamb

The door jamb, also sometimes referred to as the door “legs,” refers to the interior parts of the door frame that hold the mounting hinges and the strike plate (these are on separate sides of the door). The door jamb is not to be confused with the door casing or jamb casing, which is also called door trim and is not actually part of the door’s operation (more on this below as well).

Jamb Casing or Architrave

As we noted, while the name here is often similar to the door jamb, this isn’t the same feature at all. Rather, jamb casings, also called architraves, are simply decorative trims placed around the door, usually on the wall. This trim plays no role in opening or closing the door, and is mostly for aesthetic purposes. It can be removed or replaced very easily without impacting other parts of the door.

Sill

A door sill is very different from a window sill – these are usually only found on exterior doors. They are a horizontal component that sits on the floor below the door area, also sometimes referred to as a threshold. The sill offers structure and rigidity to the door, plus protects the entryway from possible moisture invasion.

Door Stop

Mounted along the lengths of the door jamb and door head will be the door stop, which as the name suggests is meant to stop the door so it never rips off its hinges. In some cases, however, door stops are not needed – doors with their jambs rebated (a notch is taken out of them) will stop themselves without any need for the door stop.

Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is often placed on a door frame to assist with airtight sealing. It’s mounted against the jamb and door stop, with a door sweep also attached to the bottom of the door that prevents air from making its way in.

For more on the components of your door frame, or to learn about any of our new doors, windows, shutters or other materials we offer, speak to the staff at Peach Building Products today.

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