---
title: "Door Components & Terminology"
description: "Learn entry door terminology, including panels, glass inserts, sidelites, transoms, frames, sills, weatherstripping, and component options before buying."
image: "https://auroradirect.ca/logotype-116x41-10.png"
---

Education

# Door Components & Terminology

Homeowner guide to understanding the parts of an entry door so you can choose confidently and describe what you have during a quote.

[Design & Price Online](https://auroradirect.ca/design-and-price)[Book a Free Visit](https://auroradirect.ca/book-a-visit)

![Entrance door components](https://auroradirect.ca/_astro/oso-1-accents-79-0.BDmcEJ-G.jpg)

### At a Glance: Single Door with Sidelite & Transom

Visual diagram showing door anatomy will be added here. Door component diagram placeholder.

## Core Parts

### Door Slab (Panel)

The part that swings. May have solid sections and/or a glass insert (doorlite).

### Frame

Surrounds and supports the slab. Includes the two vertical jambs and the top head jamb.

### Sill/Threshold

Bottom of the frame. Threshold cap provides a durable, weather-resistant surface.

### Sweep

Flexible seal on the bottom edge of the slab that contacts the threshold.

### Weatherstripping

Seals around the edges when the door is closed for draft and water control.

### Casing / Brickmould

Trim that covers the gap between the frame and the wall. Casing (interior) vs Brickmould (exterior).

## Glass & Decorative Elements

### Doorlite (Glass)

The glass panel within the slab. Can be clear, privacy, or decorative.

### Grilles (Muntins)

Decorative bars that create a grid pattern on/in the glass.

### Sidelite

Narrow fixed window next to the door (one or both sides).

### Transom

Fixed window above the door (flat or arched).

### Lite Frame Style

The trim around the glass (e.g., contemporary or colonial look).

## Hardware & Security

### Lockset

Handle/knob + latch + interior mechanisms

### Deadbolt

Additional locking bolt for security

### Strike Plate

Reinforced plate on the jamb where the latch/deadbolt engage

### Hinges

Allow the slab to swing. Heavier slabs use heavy-duty hinges

### Multi-Point Lock

Upgraded system that locks at multiple points (top/middle/bottom) for seal and security

## Handing & Swing (How to Tell)

### Quick, Consistent Method:

1.  1.Stand on the **exterior**, facing the door.
2.  2.If the hinges are on your **left**, it's a **Left-hand** door; on your **right**, it's **Right-hand**.
3.  3.If it opens toward you (to the outside), it's **outswing**; if it opens inward, it's **inswing**.

#### Examples:

LHI: Left-hand inswing

RHO: Right-hand outswing

LHO: Left-hand outswing

RHI: Right-hand inswing

### Common Sizes You'll Hear

Slab Widths: 28", 30", 32", 34", 36", 42" | Slab Heights: 6'8" (80"), 7'0" (84"), 8'0" (96"). Sidelites and transoms come in standard widths and heights; we'll size them to your opening.

## Options & Add-ons

### Storm Door Prep

Add a protective outer door

### Peep Hole (Viewer)

In your preferred finish

### Mail Slot

Location and finish options

### Decorative Shelf

Common on Craftsman styles

### Retractable Screen

Where compatible

Best For

## Why This Matters for Your Quote

Having a few details ready speeds things up and ensures accuracy:

Door type (single or double) and swing/handing

Approximate size (width × height) or photos with tape measure

Glass preferences (clear/privacy/decorative; approximate size)

Color/finish ideas (inside and outside), plus hardware finish

Whether you want sidelites and/or a transom

Resources

## Brochures & Technical PDFs

Download detailed product information, installation guides, and specifications.

![Novatech Style Guide](https://auroradirect.ca/_astro/2025_Novatech_Style_Guide.Bz1r7nDF_Z11aOEz.webp)

### Novatech Style Guide

Entrance doors, door glass, and patio doors.

![Trimlite Fiberglass Brochure](https://auroradirect.ca/_astro/2025_Trimlite_Fiberglass.Cxd7OxAU_Z2qp6TC.webp)

### Trimlite Fiberglass Doors

High-quality fiberglass entry door systems.

![ODL Door Glass Brochure](https://auroradirect.ca/_astro/2025-ODL-Canada-Door-Glass-Brochure.Ce3-rZKx_1OellF.webp)

### ODL Door Glass

Decorative decorative and clear glass options.

![Richersons Brochure](https://auroradirect.ca/_astro/2025_Richersons_Brochure.Dyqxq0mi_Z1doTuF.webp)

### Richersons Doors

Entry door collection.

### Palma Doorlites

Doorlite collection for entry doors.

![Palma Novatech Catalog](https://auroradirect.ca/_astro/2025_Palma_Door_Systems_Novatech_Catalog.DMgH51yI_12fB1s.webp)

### Palma Novatech Catalog

Novatech products available through Palma.

Resources

## Related Pages

[

### Steel Entry Doors

Configure, price & quote

Read More →](https://auroradirect.ca/products/doors/steel-entry-doors)[

### Fiberglass Entry Doors

Configure, price & quote

Read More →](https://auroradirect.ca/products/doors/fiberglass-entry-doors)[

### French Patio Doors

Configure, price & quote

Read More →](https://auroradirect.ca/products/patio-doors/french-patio-doors)[

### Sliding Patio Doors

Configure, price & quote

Read More →](https://auroradirect.ca/products/patio-doors/sliding-patio-doors)[

### Care & Maintenance

Windows & doors maintenance guide

Read More →](https://auroradirect.ca/education/maintenance-and-care)[

### Warranty

Manufacturer & labour coverage

Read More →](https://auroradirect.ca/education/warranty)

## Ready to Get Your Quote?

Now that you understand door terminology, configure your door online or book a consultation to discuss your project.

[Design & Price Now](https://auroradirect.ca/design-and-price)

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