In carpentry and construction, a reveal is the visible, intentional step-back or gap between the edge of a door or window frame (the jamb) and the face of the molding (the trim). It typically measures between 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch, leaving a consistent strip of the jamb exposed.
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 in (4.8 mm) to 1⁄2 in (13 mm).
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.
Basically, a reveal is the timber surround of a window that the window frame itself is attached to. Imagine this: if you sit a small pot plant against the window in your loungeroom so it can get some extra sun, you'll likely rest the plant on the flat timber edge that juts out slightly away from the glass.
A reveal hides alignment imperfections especially later when things shift. I've always seen a reveal with casings. But it's your house. Do what works for you.
The standard, professional reveal for door trim is 3/16 inch to 1/4 inch back from the edge of the door jamb. This consistent gap allows for minor inaccuracies, prevents the trim from covering the hinges, and creates a polished, architectural look.
Door Jamb: Know the Difference. – The door reveal is the space or offset between the finished wall face and the edge of the frame. – The door jamb is the vertical part of the door frame that the door actually mounts to. In simple terms: The jamb is the component, and the reveal is the visible space or gap around it.
In construction, a reveal refers to the visible setback, recessed groove, or the inner lining of an opening in a wall. It serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, primarily by framing transitions, creating clean shadow lines, or neatly connecting materials.
The reveal forms a sort of a box, framing the window or door and covers the stud or wall cavity. The depth of the reveal depends on the thickness of the wall and the wall type. An architrave is then attached to the reveal and covers the clearance between the reveal and the plasterboard or internal lining.
A 1/2" reveal, or Reglet, is a design element in construction and architecture. Specifically a narrow, recessed channel or groove that creates a separation or shadow line between two surfaces. In millwork, reveals are used to create clean lines between different panels.
We will walk you through some of the most common beginner mistakes when installing trim molding and how to avoid them so your next project goes smoothly.
Window casing vs. trim is largely a matter of the specific versus the general. Trim is a broad umbrella term for all interior and exterior decorative woodwork and molding in a house, while casing is a specific type of trim used exclusively to frame and conceal the gaps around windows and doors.
Twenty-year-old windows are often nearing the end of their typical 15–25 year lifespan and, while they may still function, they are likely less energy-efficient than modern alternatives. If they are wood-framed, vinyl, or showing signs of damage, upgrading usually offers significant benefits in energy savings, comfort, and noise reduction.
Trimming over a manufacturer's tolerance will void any warranties. The construction of the door will impact how much you can trim too as, with hollow core doors for example, you will eventually cut into the void and render the door unusable.
Fry Reglet Reveal creates an attractive vertical or horizontal recessed reveal in drywall installations. Reveals can become a design element to enhance building interiors. Reveal widths from 1/8" to 6" for choice of design effects.
Reveal – On a framed cabinet, the distance between the outside edge of the face frame and the outside edge of the door. Stile – The vertical-framing members of a cabinet face frame or cabinet door.
Here's how you can determine the correct size for your project: Measure the Stud Size: The reveal size should match the combined width of the timber stud, the internal lining, and the cavity (for brick veneer). For example, if you have a 75mm stud and a 10mm internal lining, your reveal size should be around 85mm.
Cabinet overlay, also known as the reveal, refers to the amount of the cabinet frame covered by the door or drawer front. This influences the overall design and look of the cabinets. There are three types of overlay: Full, partial, and inset. Each type of overlay varies in how much of the cabinet frame is covered.
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. This intentional gap between the trim and edge is called a reveal.
A reveal in carpentry is the exposed edge of a frame or the intentional gap between two pieces of wood. Depending on the project, it serves as an aesthetic shadow line, prevents seasonal wood expansion from creating sloppy joints, or helps ensure proper door clearance.
One of a pair of vertical posts or pieces that together form the sides of a door, window frame, or fireplace. Jamb reveal: the part of the jamb of a window or door opening between the outer wall surface and the window or door frame.
A wall reveal in construction and interior design refers to either a recessed groove cut into a wall surface for aesthetic appeal, or the internal return lining of a window or door opening.
To reveal means to make something known, to uncover, or to expose something that was previously hidden or kept secret.
In architecture, the term 'reveal' refers very broadly to the inner surface of an opening or recess in a wall, typically in relation to a window or door.