Parts of an Entry Door Frame

Mould

• Mould is essentially the hole that shapes the door frame and the connection between the house and the door frame. This part of the door frame dictates the overall size of the door and provides an inconspicuous area for the door framing to sit.

Frame

• The frame itself is most often wood and sits halfway in and halfway out of the mould. The part that sits within the mould anchors the door and frame system to the house. The part that is outside the mould provides a solid structure on which to build the rest of the door frame.

Casing

• The casing is the visible part of the door frame, and it covers not only the wooden frame section of the door but also the mould rim. Casing can be simple, such as additional wood paneling, or complex and ornate, like structures made of stone or metal. It includes features that enhance security, defend the frame from the elements or enhance the visual aesthetic. Ornate casings often include sidelites, which are large panels placed over the side of the door frame that feature a pleasing design or pattern.

Hinge

• The hinge fits over the casing and is nailed through it into the frame. This hinge is often made of metal and is used to attach the door. Because entry doors require more security than interior doors, hinges for entry doors are almost always placed on the interior of the home and not on the outside. This prevents potential intruders from gaining access to the home simply by ruining the hinge system.

Contact Plate

• Although the door has a lockset, the door frame must also have the corresponding piece of this lockset for the lock to be effective. The part of the lockset that is located on the door frame is the contact plate. This plate receives the bolt as a door closes and is designed to fit over a small hole cut into the casing. This contact plate prevents additional wear from rendering the door frame ineffective and also provides a metal security barrier to deter those who might try to force the door.