Uses and Functions of Door Jambs and Architraves

July 19, 2019

Are you considering getting a new front door for your home? If you are, then you may have heard some unfamiliar terms when inquiring about doors for your home, such as door jambs and architraves. Most people think a door frame is just one thing because there are complete door frame sets available, but the truth is that there are many parts that make up a door frame, such as door jambs and architraves.

Door Jambs and Architraves: Uses and Functions

Explaining the uses and functions of door jambs and architraves requires a basic understanding of the parts of a door frame and the materials used to make them. Traditionally, most door frames are made out of hardwood, such as oak and pine. However, interior door frames typically use soft woods. There are other materials such as metal and plastic that are being utilised more often as alternatives to wood, for both external and internal door frames.

A door frame “set” includes all the parts needed to build a door frame. Parts included in a door frame consist of a head, two door jambs or legs, door stops, but no architraves, as these will have to be purchased separately.

Door frames are also called door casings, or door linings, which mean the same thing. While there are different depths of door frames available, to accommodate various wall thicknesses, the basic parts are all the same with the exception of decorative door moulding called architrave.

Door frame jambs/legs are the upright parts that make up both sides of a door frame. One door jamb will have the door hinges screwed into it, while the other door jamb will have the door lock fitted into it. The door head is at the top of the door frame, it is used to determine the width of a door and to join the two door jambs.

Architrave trim is an often decorative moulding of various sizes and styles used to adorn door frames, and are often made to match a room’s mouldings and skirting boards. Bullnose architrave wood strips are commonly used on door frames in homes today to decoratively round off walls and doors.

Architrave moulding is often incorrectly referred to as door casing and door surround, it is simply a strip of material, typically made of wood that is used to cover the transitions between walls and doors. Not only is architrave a great way to upgrade the look of a room by effectively adding decorative finishing touches, but it is also a necessity that hides the joint where the door and wall meet.

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