What is a reveal trim?

Author: Miss Vena Beahan PhD  |  Last update: Monday, September 22, 2025

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). (This noun is unrelated to the verb reveal but is from the obsolete verb revale 'to lower, bring down,' which is related to vale and valley.)

Why do you need a reveal on door trim?

One of the primary purposes is to provide a seal around the door to prevent drafts and outside elements from entering the building. The reveal should be tight enough to create a seal, but not so tight that the door becomes difficult to open or close.

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.

Why do 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 a reveal cut?

Designed with Safety in Mind

With OSHA compliance in mind, RevealCut is designed to decrease jobsite accidents by eliminating the need for dangerous manual cutting and reducing blade changes. With up to 80% less blade handling and changing, the RevealCut workstation greatly reduces opportunities for accidents to occur.

This HIDDEN TRIM DETAIL Affects Your Whole House! See Why...(Reveals/Trim Reveal/Trim Carpentry)

What is a typical trim reveal?

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).

What is the difference between a reveal and a jamb?

A jamb (from French jambe 'leg'), in architecture, is the side-post or lining of a doorway or other aperture. The jambs of a window outside the frame are called reveals.

How to mark a trim reveal?

This intentional gap between the trim and edge is called a reveal.
  1. You'll need a set square to calculate the side lengths of the trim. ...
  2. Place a sharp pencil against the end of the set square blade, and run along the length of the jamb, drawing a line for the reveal.

How much reveal should a window have?

Typically, an installed window should have an 8–10 mm gap between the back of the reveal and the framing trimming the opening. This tolerance allows the window to be fitted into the opening and trued as well as giving sufficient space for the air seal. >

What is a reveal on a window?

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 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 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 standard reveal for a door?

The door frame manufacturer will then add their standard clearances to these dimensions to give what is called the Reveal Size. 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 reveal molding?

Fry Reglet “T”: Reveal Molding is a versatile interior or exterior molding which creates a reveal at junction of dissimilar materials.

What is the average door trim reveal?

The standard reveal for window molding and door trim is 1/4-in., but this can be adjusted a little if needed. A combination square works well for marking reveals.

What does scribe trim look like?

Scribe molding is a thin strip of wood that covers gaps or inconsistencies where the cabinet meets the ceiling or wall. The piece of wood is typically straight on the end that is placed against the wall, but the other end is curved to fit the cabinet.

Should door trim and window trim be the same?

While there is no unwritten rule that all exterior trim should match, matching can make a lot of design sense and make the design appear well thought-out.

What is the wood frame around a window called?

The terms window casing and trim are used interchangeably to describe the decorative wood that surrounds the perimeter of the window to cover the space between the wall and jamb.

How much reveal between door and frame?

The right amount of space is equal to the thickness of your door with a little extra room for clearance while opening or closing. For example, if you have a thicker door you would want more space between your door and frame to allow for movement when opening and closing.

Why is a door jamb 4 9 16?

Standard residential door jambs sizes typically measure about 4 9/16 inches wide by 9 9/16 inches tall. This size fits standard wall thicknesses.

What is the best reveal for door 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. These marks will serve as your guide for positioning the trim. Carefully measure the reveal to create a balanced and symmetrical appearance around the door.

What is difference between carpenter and finishing carpenter?

The contrast between form and finish carpentry essentially captures the two aspects of construction: appearance and utility. While form carpenters create the framework for structural solidity and integrity, finish carpenters add beauty and refinement to interiors.

What is the technical meaning of reveal?

: to make (something secret or hidden) publicly or generally known. reveal a secret.

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