Door Glossary

Welcome to our door glossary, designed to help you navigate the world of door terminology. Whether you are a homeowner, interior designer, or contractor, understanding the language of doors is essential for making informed decisions. Read on to expand your knowledge and become a door expert!

- Door: A movable barrier used to open and close an entranceway or passage.

- Frame: The structure surrounding the door that provides support and stability.

- Hinge: A mechanism that allows the door to swing open and closed.

- Latch: A fastening mechanism that secures the door in a closed position.

- Handle: A device used to open and close the door manually.

- Knob: A rounded handle used to operate the latch mechanism.

- Deadbolt: A type of lock that extends a solid metal bolt into the door frame.

- Strike plate: A metal plate attached to the door frame where the latch or bolt engages.

- Jamb: The vertical part of the door frame where the door is hinged or latched.

- Threshold: The bottom part of the door frame where the door rests when closed.

- Sill: The horizontal part of the threshold at the bottom of the door frame.

- Weatherstripping: Material used to seal gaps around the door to prevent air and moisture infiltration.

- Sweep: A strip of material attached to the bottom of the door to seal the gap between the door and the threshold.

- Astragal: A molding or strip used to seal the gap between double doors.

- Casing: Trim or molding surrounding the door frame for decorative purposes.

- Transom: A window above the door.

- Panel: A rectangular section of the door, often made of wood or other materials.

- Stile: The vertical components of a door panel.

- Rail: The horizontal components of a door panel.

- Muntin: A strip of wood or metal that divides a door panel into smaller sections.

- Louver: A slatted opening in a door for ventilation.

- French doors: Double doors with glass panels extending the full length.

- Pocket door: A door that slides into a recessed pocket in the wall.

- Bifold door: A door that folds in half when opened.

- Dutch door: A door divided horizontally, allowing the top and bottom halves to open independently.

- Sliding door: A door that moves horizontally along a track.

- Bypass door: Two or more doors that slide past each other on separate tracks.

- Pivot door: A door that rotates on a central pivot instead of swinging on hinges.

- Fire door: A door designed to prevent the spread of fire for a specified period.

- Soundproof door: A door designed to reduce the transmission of sound.

- Security door: A door equipped with enhanced locks and reinforcements to deter forced entry.

- Garage door: A large door used to access a garage.

- Barn door: A rustic sliding door often used in barns and farmhouses.

- Scuttle door: A small door providing access to an attic or crawlspace.

- Panel door: A door constructed from multiple panels.

- Flush door: A door with a flat surface on both sides.

- Glass door: A door with one or more glass panels.

- Screen door: A door with a mesh screen to allow airflow while keeping insects out.

- Storm door: An additional outer door installed for protection against severe weather.

- Pet door: A small opening in a door for pets to pass through.

- Access door: A small door providing entry to a confined space, such as a utility closet.

- Revolving door: A door consisting of multiple panels that rotate around a central axis.

- Electric door: A door operated electronically, often used in commercial buildings.

- Panic door: A door designed to allow quick exit during emergencies, typically equipped with a crash bar.

- Swing door: A door that opens and closes on hinges.

- Inswing door: A door that swings inward when opened.

- Outswing door: A door that swings outward when opened.

- Prehung door: A door that comes preassembled in a frame, ready for installation.

- Core: The inner material of a door, which may be solid wood, hollow, or filled with a composite material.

- Lintel: A horizontal support beam above a door opening.

- Mullion: A vertical or horizontal divider between adjacent door panels or windows.

- Soundproofing: The process of reducing or eliminating sound transmission through a door.

- Insulation: Material used to improve thermal efficiency and reduce energy loss through the door.

- Kick plate: A metal plate attached to the bottom of a door to protect it from damage caused by kicking.

- Sidelight: A narrow window beside a door.

- Peephole: A small opening in a door fitted with a lens to allow viewing without opening the door.

- Lockset: The complete locking mechanism, including the knob or lever, latch, and deadbolt.

- Cylinder: The part of a lock where the key is inserted.

- Keyhole: The opening in a lock where the key is inserted.

- Keyway: The specific shape and configuration of a key that matches the lock.

- Mortise lock: A type of lock installed within a recess (mortise) in the edge of the door.

- Rim lock: A surface-mounted lock installed on the interior face of the door.

- Cylindrical lock: A type of lock operated by a key cylinder mounted on the outside of the door.

- Keyless entry: A locking system that allows access without a traditional key, often using a keypad or electronic fob.

- Master key: A single key that can operate multiple locks within a building.

- Passkey: A key that operates only one specific lock within a master key system.

- Keycard: A plastic card with a magnetic strip or RFID chip used to unlock a door.

- Deadlock: A type of lock that cannot be opened without a key, even from the inside.

- Privacy lock: A lock that can be engaged to prevent entry from the outside but can be unlocked from the inside without a key.

- Panic hardware: Hardware designed to allow quick and easy exit from a building during emergencies.

- Escutcheon: A decorative plate surrounding a keyhole or knob.

- Cylinder guard: A metal ring that surrounds the key cylinder to protect it from tampering.

- Bolt: A sliding metal bar that extends from a lock to secure a door.

- Chain lock: A secondary lock that allows the door to be partially opened while still providing security.

- Interlocking system: A mechanism that connects multiple doors or locks to operate together.

- Keyway compatibility: The ability of a key to operate multiple locks with the same keyway design.

- Lock cylinder replacement: The process of removing and replacing the cylinder of a lock.

- Rekeying: The process of changing the internal configuration of a lock to work with a new key.

- Key duplication: The process of making copies of a key.

- Lock picking: The practice of opening a lock without the correct key, typically using specialized tools.

- Bumping: A technique for opening a pin tumbler lock using a specially cut key and a tapping motion.

- Locksmith: A skilled tradesperson who specializes in installing, repairing, and adjusting locks and security systems.

- Door closer: A hydraulic device that automatically closes a door after it has been opened.

- Kickstand: A device attached to the bottom of a door to hold it open.

- Doorstop: A device used to prevent a door from swinging too far and damaging the wall or furniture.

- Door viewer: A small lens or peephole installed in a door to allow occupants to see who is outside.

- Threshold ramp: A sloped surface placed over the threshold to facilitate wheelchair access.

- Panic bar: A horizontal bar mounted across the inside of a door that, when pushed, releases the latch to allow quick exit.

- Door coordinator: A device used on pairs of doors to ensure that they close in the correct sequence.

- Electric strike: A device that releases the latch of a lock electronically when triggered.

- Access control system: A system that regulates entry to a building or area using electronic locks and credentials.

- Biometric lock: A lock that uses unique biological characteristics, such as fingerprints or retinal scans, for authentication.

- Keyless entry system: A system that allows entry to a building or room without using a traditional key.

- RFID lock: A lock that uses radio-frequency identification technology to authenticate users.

- Keypad lock: A lock that requires a numerical code to unlock.

- Smart lock: A lock that can be operated remotely using a smartphone or other connected device.

- Electronic deadbolt: A deadbolt lock that can be operated electronically.

- Burglar alarm: An alarm system that sounds an alert in response to unauthorized entry or intrusion.

- Surveillance camera: A camera system used to monitor and record activity in and around a building.

- Motion sensor: A device that detects movement and triggers an alarm or other response.

- Security guard: A person hired to protect property, prevent theft, and ensure the safety of occupants.

- Security system: A combination of locks, alarms, cameras, and other devices designed to protect a building from unauthorized access and intrusion.

- Panic button: A button that, when pressed, triggers an alarm to summon help during emergencies.

- Security code: A numerical or alphanumeric code used to arm or disarm a security system.

- Tamper-resistant: Designed to resist or deter tampering or sabotage.

- Reinforced door: A door constructed with additional strength and security features to resist forced entry.

- Security grille: A metal gate or barrier installed over a door or window for added security.

- Security film: A transparent film applied to glass doors and windows to increase resistance to breakage.

- Security lighting: Outdoor lighting designed to deter intruders and improve visibility at night.

- Security patrol: Regular monitoring of a property by security personnel.

- Security clearance: Authorization granted to individuals allowing access to restricted areas.

- Security checkpoint: A designated area where individuals and belongings are screened for security purposes.

- Security breach: Unauthorized access to a secure area or information.

- Security protocol: Rules and procedures designed to protect against security threats.

- Security risk assessment: An evaluation of potential security threats and vulnerabilities.

- Security perimeter: The boundary around a property that is secured and monitored.

- Security guard dog: A trained dog used to patrol and protect a property.

- Security gate: A barrier that can be opened or closed to control access to a property.

- Security camera system: A network of cameras used to monitor and record activity in and around a building.