Looking to better understand the terminology related to interior doors, mouldings, stairs, or hardware? This glossary provides clear and simple definitions of commonly used terms in residential and commercial interior finishing projects. Whether you are a contractor, designer, or homeowner, you’ll find helpful references to guide your product choices.
Muntins are decorative vertical or horizontal elements integrated into the structure of an interior door, most commonly found in French door designs. They help create either a classic or contemporary look and are often combined with clear or frosted glass panels.
The door frame is the structural element that surrounds the opening and supports the prehung door unit. It is essential for ensuring a stable and durable installation while contributing to acoustic and thermal performance.
Wood species refer to the types of wood used in the manufacturing of interior doors, stiles, rails, and muntins. Intermat offers a selection of species such as oak, maple, and pine, allowing doors to be customized according to project requirements and desired aesthetics.
A technical data sheet includes all product specifications, such as dimensions, materials, finishes, core type (solid or hollow), and compatibility with frames and hardware. For interior doors, consulting the technical data sheet helps ensure product compliance with performance requirements, especially for institutional or commercial projects.
Masonite is a high-density hardboard made from compressed wood fibers. It is commonly used in interior door manufacturing due to its durability, affordability, and smooth surface, which is ideal for painting or decorative finishes. Intermat offers a wide selection of Masonite interior doors.
MDF is an engineered wood panel made from recycled wood fibers, resin, and wax compressed under high pressure. It provides a smooth, stable, and uniform surface, making it ideal for interior doors, mouldings, frames, and other architectural components.
Stiles are the vertical components that frame the panels of a panel door. Combined with rails, they form the structural framework of the door. Stiles can be made from solid wood or MDF, depending on the style and project requirements.
A panel door consists of a frame made of stiles and rails with inset panels. This classic design allows for a wide range of styles, from traditional to modern. Intermat offers panel doors in solid wood, MDF, or Masonite, with pre-primed options available.
An interior sliding door is ideal for maximizing space within a room. It can be surface-mounted or installed within a pocket wall system.
A French door is a glazed interior door, typically composed of multiple sections separated by muntins. It allows light to pass through while creating an elegant division between spaces. Intermat French doors are available pre-painted, in five wood species, and can be customized with a wide selection of tempered glass options.
A prehung door is supplied with its frame and hinges already installed, allowing for quick and efficient on-site installation. Intermat offers a wide range of prehung doors suitable for residential, commercial, and institutional projects, including soundproof doors, solid-core doors, sliding doors, and more.
A mirror door is an interior door featuring a full-length mirror on one side, most commonly used for closets.
Pre-primed doors are ready to be painted, simplifying finishing work on site. Intermat offers a wide variety of pre-primed door models.
Rails are the horizontal components of a panel door frame. Combined with stiles, they define the architectural style of the door. Rails can be made of MDF, Masonite, or wood, depending on the desired design.
Soundproof doors are designed to reduce sound transmission between rooms. They are often manufactured with a solid core and specific insulating materials. Ideal for offices, conference rooms, studios, or bedrooms, they integrate seamlessly into residential and commercial projects.
Hollow doors are lightweight interior doors featuring a hollow core, typically with a honeycomb structure. They offer a cost-effective solution for high-volume projects such as rental properties while maintaining an attractive appearance through a variety of available finishes.
A hollow-core door features a honeycomb cardboard core. It is lighter, more affordable, and easier to install than a solid-core door. Intermat recommends this type of door for residential or commercial projects with controlled budgets.
Solid doors are fully constructed from solid materials, usually wood or MDF, providing improved thermal and acoustic insulation. They are recommended for bedrooms, offices, or any space requiring greater privacy.
Solid-core doors feature a dense core, often made of high-density MDF or engineered wood particles, offering excellent durability and sound performance. This is a premium choice for institutional, commercial, or high-end residential projects.
Balusters are vertical elements integrated into a railing or guardrail system. They help prevent falls and must follow specific spacing requirements according to building codes. Their shape and material contribute to the overall style of the staircase.
The riser is the vertical surface located between two steps. It closes the space beneath the treads, improves safety, and gives the staircase a more solid appearance. A staircase without risers is known as an open-riser staircase.
Headroom refers to the clear vertical space between a stair tread and the ceiling or any overhead obstruction. It is essential for safe and comfortable movement on a staircase and must meet minimum height requirements defined by the building code.
A staircase is a structure that connects different levels of a building. It may be residential or commercial and is composed of several components such as treads, stringers, landings, and railings. Its design must comply with strict safety standards.
A self-supporting staircase is designed to support itself without visible wall support. It relies on a strong internal structure and offers a clean, modern aesthetic. This type of staircase is often used as a central architectural feature.
A half-turn staircase changes direction by 180 degrees, typically using one or more landings. This configuration optimizes space while maintaining smooth circulation between floors.
A straight staircase consists of a single flight of steps without any change in direction. Simple to design and install, it is appreciated for its clarity, comfort, and ease of compliance with building codes.
A spiral staircase wraps around a central column. It is often used in compact spaces or as a secondary staircase. Its compact design requires careful attention to safety standards and user comfort.
A curved staircase follows a continuous arc rather than turning sharply. Unlike a spiral staircase, it typically does not have a visible central column. It offers a smooth, architectural appearance and is often selected for high-end or contemporary projects.
A helical staircase resembles a spiral staircase but does not have a central column. The steps follow a continuous helical curve, creating a fluid and sculptural design commonly used in modern architecture.
A quarter-turn staircase changes direction by 90 degrees, usually with the help of a landing or winders. It is commonly used to optimize space while maintaining comfortable circulation.
A custom staircase is designed specifically according to the dimensions, constraints, and style of a project. It allows a perfect adaptation to the space while ensuring compliance with building codes and aesthetic expectations. All staircases sold by Intermat are custom-built.
A guardrail is a safety barrier installed along a staircase, landing, or mezzanine. It prevents falls and must meet strict height and strength requirements, particularly in commercial buildings.
The tread depth refers to the horizontal distance between the front edge of a step and the face of the riser behind it. Proper tread depth contributes to the safety and ergonomic use of a staircase.
Riser height is the vertical distance between two consecutive treads. It must remain consistent throughout the entire flight of stairs to ensure a smooth and safe climb. This dimension is strictly regulated by building codes.
A central stringer is a structural support located at the center of a staircase on which the treads are mounted. It allows for lighter and more contemporary designs while providing adequate structural stability when properly engineered.
A mortise stringer is a structural component installed along the sides of a staircase. It supports the treads through mortise-and-tenon joinery, contributing to the overall strength of the staircase. This type of stringer is common in both traditional and modern staircases.
Stringers are the structural elements that support the steps of a staircase. They provide stability to the entire structure. Depending on the design, a staircase may have one or several stringers, positioned at the center or on the sides.
A handrail is the part of the railing system designed to be grasped by hand. It assists users when ascending or descending stairs and is required in many residential and commercial contexts according to building regulations.
The tread is the horizontal surface of a step where the user places their foot. Its dimensions, finish, and uniformity are essential for comfort and safety. Treads may be open or closed depending on the presence of risers.
The stair nosing is the front edge of a tread that slightly projects over the riser below. It improves visibility and safety while protecting the edge of the tread from wear.
A landing is a flat platform located between two flights of stairs or at a change in direction. It allows a pause in movement and plays an important role in safety and code compliance.
The stairwell is the opening created in a floor to allow the staircase to pass through between levels. Its dimensions must be carefully calculated to maintain proper headroom and ensure safe circulation between floors.
The stair railing refers to the entire assembly consisting of the guardrail and the handrail along a staircase. It provides safe support and improves accessibility, particularly for individuals with reduced mobility.
A flight of stairs is a continuous series of steps between two landings. It forms a section of the staircase and must follow specific rules regarding length, riser height, and user comfort.
Architectural trim refers to more elaborate decorative elements used to enhance a space. This includes items such as keystones, rosettes, door headers, and plinth blocks, which add character and a more refined architectural style to a project.
Baseboards are installed at the junction of the wall and the floor. They protect walls from damage while providing a clean and finished look.
Casing defines the perimeter of doors and windows. It hides the joints between the wall and the frame while providing a clean and aesthetic finish.
A chair rail is installed horizontally on walls to create a visual separation. It is commonly used to structure a wall or add a decorative element.
Crown moulding is installed at the junction of the wall and ceiling to add a decorative and more refined finish.
A finish joint is the gap between two surfaces (wall, floor, or frame) that trim elements are used to cover for a clean, professional result.
A keystone is a decorative element installed at the top center of a door frame or arch. It adds a classic architectural touch and highlights openings.
MDF is a composite material widely used in interior finishing. It offers a smooth surface that is ideal for painting.
Mouldings are decorative elements used to enhance a space. They create elegant transitions between different surfaces.
A moulding profile refers to the shape and design of a moulding, which directly influences the overall style of a space.
Paneling or wainscoting is a wall covering made of wood or MDF panels. It adds texture and character while also protecting walls.
Pre-cut casing is a set of mouldings already cut to fit the dimensions of a door or window. It simplifies installation and ensures a fast, uniform finish.
Primed trim is pre-coated with a primer in the factory. It is ready to be painted, saving time during installation.
Quarter round is a small rounded moulding typically installed at the base of baseboards to hide gaps between the floor and the trim.
A rosette is a square or circular decorative element installed at the corners of door or window casings. It eliminates the need for angled cuts and adds a decorative detail.
Wood species refers to the types of wood used for trim (pine, oak, maple, birch, MDF, etc.). Each species offers different aesthetics, durability, and cost.
Interior trim includes all finishing elements installed on walls, ceilings, doors, and floors. It plays both a functional and aesthetic role in construction and renovation projects.
A plinth block is installed at the base of door casings. It creates a smooth transition with the baseboard and adds visual weight to the design.
Door headers are decorative elements installed above door casings to enhance the architectural style of a space.
Bifold door hardware allows the door panels to fold onto themselves. It is commonly used for closets and utility spaces.
A bifold door system includes the tracks, hinges, and mechanisms that allow the door to fold. It offers a practical solution for compact spaces.
A deadbolt is a reinforced security mechanism that locks independently from the handle. It is primarily used to secure entry doors.
Decorative hardware includes the visible components that contribute to the overall style of a door. It helps coordinate the hardware with the interior design of the project.
A door bolt is a security mechanism installed on the interior side of a door to control access. It is often used in addition to a primary lock.
A door handle is a device used to open and close a door. It is often chosen for its ergonomic design and contemporary style.
A door knob is a gripping mechanism designed to open and close a door without a traditional handle. Available in a variety of styles and finishes, it can easily complement the design of your project.
It is mainly used for bifold and pivot doors.
A door protection plate is installed on the surface of the door to protect it from impacts and wear. It also contributes to the overall appearance of the door.
An entry door lock is designed to secure the main access points of a building. It combines strength, durability, and reliable everyday performance.
Fasteners include all screws used to install and secure hardware. They are essential to ensuring the strength and durability of the installation.
A hinge, also referred to as a door hinge, allows a door to rotate on its frame. It plays an essential role in the durability and smooth operation of the door.
A latch is a simple mechanism used to keep a door closed without fully locking it. It is commonly used for interior doors or secondary applications.
The latch bolt is the movable part of a lock that engages with the strike plate to keep the door closed. It can be operated by a handle, lever, or key.
A lockset includes all the components required to lock a door, including the handle or lever, locking mechanism, and cylinder. It ensures both security and functionality.
The lock cylinder is the component into which the key is inserted to activate the locking mechanism. It directly impacts the security level of a door.
Pocket door hardware allows a door to slide into the wall cavity when opened. It is ideal for maximizing space in smaller rooms.
A pocket door system includes all the components that allow the door to slide and disappear into the wall. It is designed to maximize space and improve circulation.
Sliding door hardware allows a door to move laterally along a track. It is designed to provide smooth operation while optimizing available space.
A sliding door system includes the track, rollers, and accessories required for the movement of the door. It ensures smooth and quiet operation.
A sliding door track is the structure along which the door glides to open and close. It must be durable and properly aligned to ensure optimal performance.
The strike plate is the piece attached to the frame into which the latch or bolt engages to keep the door closed. It contributes to the stability and security of the locking system.
Access control systems manage entry to and exit from a building using card readers, electric strikes, electronic locks, or other security devices. They are commonly integrated with commercial steel doors and secure entry systems.
An accessible threshold is designed to comply with accessibility standards through its low-profile, beveled design. It is used with accessible commercial doors to provide a barrier-free passage while maintaining weather resistance.
An acoustical core is specifically designed to improve a door's sound insulation performance. It is commonly used in steel acoustic doors for offices, corridors, and multi-residential buildings to reduce noise transmission between spaces.
An acoustical door is designed to reduce sound transmission between adjacent spaces. It is commonly installed in offices, mechanical rooms, educational facilities, healthcare buildings, and multi-residential projects where enhanced sound control is required.
Architectural frames are custom-manufactured to meet the specific design requirements of a project. They can accommodate sidelites, transoms, glazing, and other custom configurations commonly found in commercial and institutional buildings.
An architectural wood door is designed for commercial, institutional, and multi-residential projects where both performance and appearance are essential. It is available in a variety of wood species, finishes, fire ratings, and core constructions to meet project specifications.
An automatic door bottom is a sealing device installed beneath a door that automatically lowers when the door closes. It improves protection against air, smoke, sound, and light infiltration and is commonly used on acoustical doors, fire-rated doors, and corridor doors.
An automatic door operator automates the opening and closing of a door to improve accessibility and convenience. It is commonly installed on commercial entrance doors and in institutional buildings to meet accessibility requirements.
A ball bearing hinge provides smoother operation and greater durability than a standard hinge. It is recommended for heavy steel doors and high-traffic applications where long-term performance is essential.
A classroom storeroom lock is commonly used for storage rooms, maintenance areas, and service spaces in commercial and multi-residential buildings. Depending on the application, it may be configured as either a single- or double-cylinder lock.
A door bottom sweep is installed along the bottom edge of a door to improve weather resistance and reduce air and water infiltration. It is commonly used on exterior steel doors.
A door closer is a hydraulic device that automatically closes a door in a controlled manner after it has been opened. It is essential for commercial doors, fire-rated openings, and emergency exit doors.
Door electrification refers to the components used to automate or control access through a door. These systems may include electric strikes, automatic door operators, electronic locks, power transfers, and other electrified hardware commonly used in commercial applications.
A door holder is installed to limit a door's opening angle and prevent damage to nearby walls, equipment, or adjacent doors. It is commonly used on commercial steel doors and fire-rated openings.
A door stop prevents a door from striking a wall or other obstacle when opened. Depending on the project requirements, it can be wall-mounted, floor-mounted, or attached directly to the door.
A door viewer is an optical device installed in a door that allows occupants to see who is outside without opening it. It is commonly used on apartment entry doors and multi-residential buildings.
An electric strike is an access control device that allows a door to be unlocked remotely through an electronic access control system. It is compatible with a wide range of commercial locksets and security systems.
An electronic lock provides keyless access using a keypad, access card, key fob, mobile credential, or smartphone application. It is increasingly used in modern commercial and multi-residential buildings to improve convenience and security.
An exterior exit door provides safe access from a building to the outdoors and serves as an emergency exit when required. It is commonly installed at stairwells, exit routes, and commercial, institutional, and multi-residential buildings where strict life safety and accessibility requirements apply.
A fire-rated product is designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke between different areas of a building. Fire-rated doors, frames, glazing, and hardware must comply with strict fire-resistance standards and building code requirements.
A frame anchor is used to securely fasten a steel frame to a wall or structural assembly. Various anchor types are available depending on whether the wall is constructed of concrete, wood, or steel studs.
A honeycomb core is a lightweight kraft paper core manufactured in a honeycomb configuration. It is commonly used in steel doors, providing an economical solution with good fire resistance and structural stability.
A kick plate is a metal plate installed on the lower portion of a door to protect it from impacts, scuffs, and everyday wear. It is commonly used on commercial steel doors in schools, hospitals, institutional buildings, and other high-traffic environments.
Left Hand (LH) indicates the handing of a door when the hinges are located on the left side from the secure or key side of the opening. Correct handing is essential when specifying commercial doors, frames, and hardware.
The Lost Ball System is a keying system that allows a lost key to be automatically deactivated without replacing cylinders or the entire locking system. It is widely used in commercial, institutional, and multi-residential buildings to simplify key management and improve security.
A master key system allows multiple doors to be operated with a single master key while maintaining individual keys for each lock. It is commonly used in commercial, institutional, healthcare, educational, and multi-residential facilities where controlled access is required.
A mullion is a vertical structural member used to divide or support adjacent glazed sections or door openings. It is commonly incorporated into architectural steel frame systems for commercial and institutional buildings.
A panic bar is an emergency exit device that allows a door to open quickly when pressure is applied to the crossbar. It is commonly installed on commercial exit doors and fire-rated doors to facilitate safe emergency egress while meeting life safety code requirements.
A polystyrene core is made of expanded polystyrene insulation and is commonly used in steel doors. It provides good thermal insulation while maintaining excellent durability and structural performance.
A polyurethane core uses high-performance insulation to maximize the thermal efficiency of steel doors. It helps reduce heat loss and temperature transfer while providing excellent strength and durability.
Right Hand (RH) indicates the handing of a door when the hinges are located on the right side from the secure or key side of the opening. Correct handing is essential when ordering commercial doors, frames, and hardware.
A sidelight frame is a steel frame designed to accommodate one or more fixed glazed panels alongside a door. It is commonly used in commercial entrances, institutional buildings, and multi-residential projects to increase natural light while maintaining the strength and durability of a steel frame.
A smoke seal is a gasket installed around a fire-rated door to help prevent the spread of smoke between building compartments. It enhances occupant safety during a fire by limiting smoke infiltration and supporting code-compliant fire door assemblies.
A spring hinge automatically returns a door to the closed position after it has been opened. It is commonly used on residential unit doors and selected commercial applications where an automatic closing device is required.
A steel door is a durable, high-performance door designed for commercial, industrial, institutional, and multi-residential applications. It provides excellent strength, fire resistance, security, and long-term durability.
A storeroom lock remains locked from the outside at all times and requires a key for entry, while allowing free egress from the inside. It is commonly used for storage rooms, maintenance areas, utility rooms, and other restricted spaces in commercial buildings.
A thermal break frame is designed to reduce heat transfer between the exterior and interior of a building. It is commonly used with exterior commercial steel doors to improve energy efficiency and reduce condensation.
A thermal break threshold minimizes heat transfer between indoor and outdoor environments. It is commonly installed with exterior steel door assemblies to improve thermal performance and energy efficiency.
A three-piece steel frame is designed for installation after wall construction is complete. It is commonly used for existing openings, prefabricated walls, or renovation projects where a welded frame cannot be installed before wall finishes.
A transom is a glazed or solid panel installed above a door. It is commonly incorporated into architectural frame systems to increase natural light, improve aesthetics, or accommodate taller openings in commercial buildings.
A welded steel frame is manufactured as a single welded assembly, providing superior strength, rigidity, and a seamless appearance. It is commonly used with commercial and institutional steel doors in high-traffic and demanding environments.
Wire glass is a fire-rated glazing material that incorporates an embedded wire mesh for enhanced fire performance. It is commonly used in commercial fire-rated doors, sidelites, and institutional openings where fire protection requirements apply.
A 3/15 delayed egress system is a life safety device installed on certain emergency exit doors. When the panic bar is pressed continuously for a specified period, an alarm sounds before the door automatically unlocks, helping prevent unauthorized exits while allowing safe emergency evacuation.
An accent wall is a wall highlighted with a material, colour, or texture that differs from the other surfaces in the room. Wall coverings are frequently used to create this type of feature in residential and commercial projects.
Commercial wall covering is designed for offices, restaurants, hotels, and commercial spaces looking to add character to their interiors. It typically combines aesthetics, durability, and ease of maintenance.
A concealed fastening system allows a wall covering to be installed without visible screws or nails. It helps achieve a cleaner, more refined, and professional finish.
A decorative wall covering is designed primarily to enhance the aesthetics of an interior space. It is available in a variety of profiles, textures, and finishes suited to different design styles.
A decorative wall panel is a finishing element designed to add depth, texture, or an architectural effect to a wall. It is often used in living rooms, offices, commercial spaces, and reception areas.
A grooved wall covering features a series of grooves or repeating lines that create depth and dimension. This type of panel is very popular in contemporary interior designs.
An MDF wall panel is made from medium-density fibreboard. It provides a smooth, uniform surface that is easy to paint and ideal for decorative wall coverings.
A textured wall covering adds movement and character to an otherwise uniform surface. It is often used to create a distinctive visual effect in a room.
Wall cladding refers to any covering installed on a wall to improve its appearance or performance. It can be used to create an accent wall, add texture, or transform the atmosphere of a space.
A wall covering is a product installed on the surface of a wall to improve its appearance or durability. It adds character, texture, and a customized finish to a space.
A wall-mounted headboard is a decorative feature created using panels or wall coverings behind a bed. This application is particularly popular in high-end residential projects.
Wall panelling is a wall covering made of panels or slats installed on a wall. It adds texture, warmth, and an architectural touch to an interior space.
Wall texture refers to the relief or visual effect created on the surface of a wall. Decorative panels and wall coverings are often used to add depth to interior spaces.
