Common Door Terms
See the diagram below for common door components and terminology for rough door openings as well as doors. Click Here, for door installation instructions for all types of doors.
Rough Door Opening
The framed in section of the wall the door will be mounted in.
Wall top plate- top 2x4 that runs the length of the wall and the 2x4 studs are attached to.
Wall sole plate- bottom 2x4 that runs the length of the wall and the 2x4 studs are attached to (treated if on cement).
King stud- vertical 2x4 on the outsides of the rough door opening.
Jack stud- vertical 2x4 attached to king stud and support the header.
Cripple stud- vertical 2x4s that keep wall stud spacing and transfer support from wall top plate to the header.
Header- horizontal board usally 2x6 or larger that spans from top of jack stud to other. Transfers cripple stud support to jack studs.
Door
Casing(trim)- the molding that surrounds the door frame for looks
Sill- bottom of door
Jamb- the door frame that surronds the actual door. Attached to door by hinges.
Stop- small strip of wood that surrounds the entire inside perimeter of the door and stops the door from swinging in to far.
Hinges- attach the door to the door jamb (frame).
Top rail- top portion of the door.
Bottom rail- bottom portion of the door.
Lock rail- middel horizontal portion of door usually same level as the door knob.
Panels- usaually rectangles on front and back face of door for looks.
Mullion- verticle center of door.
Lock stile- leading edge of the door.