What is a door reveal?

Author: Virginie Gerlach  |  Last update: Friday, December 19, 2025

A door reveal refers to the space between the edge of a door and the door frame. This space is also sometimes called a door jamb or door stop. The reveal serves several important functions in the construction and operation of a door.

What is the purpose of a reveal?

The main purpose of a reveal—regardless of which type you choose—is to provide extra support to the aluminium frame of the window unit. Did you know: There are some instances where you can install a window without needing a window reveal for additional stability.

What does a reveal look like?

In carpentry, a reveal is a feature resembling a rabbet, but constructed of separate pieces of wood. A reveal may typically be seen at the edge of a door or window, where the face molding is set back, often by a distance from 3/16" (5 mm) to 1/2" (12 mm).

Why do you leave a reveal on door trim?

Its also to clear the hinges on that side of the door. Normally I set the reveal based on the how much reveal is needed for the hinge to work properly.

What is a reveal in construction?

The term “reveal” refers a piece of wood that is fitted to the space between the frame of a door or window and the outer surface of the wall that it's attached to. It becomes the new frame of the window and eliminates places where moisture can enter the window.

Drywall Finishing (How to Install Reveal Beads)

What is a reveal in a door?

The Reveal is a timber surround fitted to the fin of the window or door and used for installing the product into timber framing. The reveal becomes the frame of your window or door covering the stud. The architrave attaches to the reveal to cover the gap between the reveal and the plasterboard (or internal lining).

What is an example of reveal?

Examples of reveal in a Sentence

They revealed the plans for the new building. The expression on his face revealed how he felt. The curtain was lifted to reveal the grand prize. Pulling up the carpeting revealed the home's beautiful hardwood floors.

What is a typical door casing reveal?

The reveal is the small gap between the edge of the door jamb (i.e., the frame from which the door is hinged and where the latch engages) and the trim. To outline it, use a combination square to mark a consistent reveal of 1/8 to 1/4 inch around the entire door frame.

What is the difference between a jamb and a reveal in a door?

The jambs of a window outside the frame are called reveals. Small shafts to doors and windows with caps and bases are called jamb-shafts; when in the inside arris of the jamb of a window, they are sometimes called scoinsons. A diagram of a door, with the jambs labeled.

How much reveal should a door have?

The reveal should be wide enough to accommodate the thickness of the door and provide a secure fit, but not so wide that it becomes visually distracting or takes up too much space in the doorway.

What is a reveal and why is it important?

The reveal (also known as the big reveal) is a plot device in narrative structure and is the exposure to the reader or audience of a previously unseen key character, or element of plot or performance.

What is a reveal on trim?

A REVEAL is simply the offset positioning of two trim boards along an edge. You find reveals primarily around doors and windows, where two casings meet at 90 degrees to one another, and travel together along an edge. The reveal on interior casings is often 3/16" to 1/4".

What is a door reveal depth?

The Reveal size is the actual opening inside the frame that the doors will sit in. So in the case of a 2040 x 920mm door, the standard reveal size would be 2055 x 924mm.

What is the stone above a window called?

Cast Stone Heads and Lintels. A window head is the stone which spans the aperture above a window, and a door head spans the aperture above the door. These are non-structural decorative features that enhance the visual appearance of a project.

What is the difference between reveal and architrave?

Timber reveals play a crucial role in properly fitting the window or door into the opening, while architraves are affixed to the reveal to conceal the gap created by the plasterboard.

Should you leave a reveal on window trim?

Mark the Reveal Lines

If window casing is installed flush to jamb, unintentional gaps can form over time as the wood dries or the house settles. Installing the trim slightly away from the jamb edges will help hide discrepancies. This intentional gap is called a reveal.

What is the bottom horizontal member of a door called?

Posts: These are the vertical members of the door frame provided alongside to hold the doors. Rails: These are the horizontal members of the door. Sill: This is a bottom-most horizontal portion of a door frame.

Should trim be flush with door frame?

A door trim that is flush to jamb can lead to unintentional gaps forming over time as the wood dries or the house settles. Installing the door trim slightly away from the jamb edges will help hide the discrepancies.

How much clearance between door and jamb?

A gap of around 1/8th of an inch is recommended for standard doors to keep the elements out, protect the paint on the trim, and ensure that the door closes and opens smoothly. The right amount of space is equal to the thickness of your door with a little extra room for clearance while opening or closing.

What is the reveal on a cabinet door?

What is a Reveal? A reveal is the part of the cabinet frame that can be seen after the door is attached. A reveal overlay occurs when there is slight space between cabinet doors that allows the cabinet's frame to be viewable. A reveal is a type of cabinet door in which a portion of the frame can be seen.

What is the casing around a door called?

Interior door casing is the term used to describe the trim found around a door opening. According to This Old House, “Door casings are both decorative and utilitarian, enhancing the look of the door while also concealing the transition between the wall and the jamb.”

What is the opposite of reveal?

So, from the meanings of the words given as options, the most apt answer which means the opposite of the word 'reveal' is 'conceal' i.e option B.

What is the correct form of reveal?

/rɪˈvil/ Verb Forms. he / she / it reveals. past simple revealed. -ing form revealing.

What is the acronym reveal?

Answer: Reveal - Research, Examine, Verify, Educate, Assist, Liberate.

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