Entry Door Parts and Features to Know

The top horizontal portion of the door is called the top rail. It connects the lock stile and hinge stile.

The lock stile is the vertical part of the door and wide enough for the lock and hardware to be mounted onto.

The lock set consists of several components including the handle or knob, latch, deadbolt, and keylock.

The door panel is the whole door that swings back and forth. The rails, mullion, and stiles divide the large door panel up into smaller panels.

The vertical component on either side of the door panel that divides the door into different sections is called the mullion.

The bottom rail is the bottom, horizontal part of the door that is almost flush with the floor.

The door frame surrounds the entire door and consists of the head, jamb, and sill. Door frames are usually made of wood but can also be aluminum, composite, or fiberglass.

The hinge stile is the vertical part of the door on the side where the hinges are mounted.

Hinges allow the door to swing open and closed. Most doors have three hinges but larger doors have four or more. Hinges traditionally match the finish of the lock components.

The door stop moulding is attached to the frame and stops the door from swinging through the frame.

The door jamb is the section around the door frame that keeps the door frame stable. The jamb also keeps the frame square so the door is aligned and level, allowing it to bolt and lock.

A sidelight is a narrow panel of windows or glass alongside a door. Sidelights are optional when purchasing your entry door and can flank one side or both sides of the door.

The threshold is traditionally made of material such as metal so it can withstand foot traffic. It is sloped to the outside to direct water away from the house or building.