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

Author: Prince Parisian  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 21, 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 difference between jamb and reveal?

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.

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 considered a door jamb?

A jamb is the flat surface that runs vertically up either side of the door frame. The door jamb is vital to the running of the door. This is where the hinges are placed to hang the door, as well as the striker plate on the opposite door jamb which helps you to open, close and lock your door.

How much reveal between door and jamb?

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.

How to measure door jamb width (depth)

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).

How deep should door jamb be?

For interior doors, a door jamb's size is 4 ⅝-inches in-depth - this is the standard size for a door jamb. With this depth, you'll get ⅛-inch extra to accommodate for walls that may be a little thicker than the standard.

Why is it called a jamb?

The Old French origin is jambe, which means "pier or side post," but was originally "a leg or a shank," from the Late Latin gamba, "leg."

What do door jambs look like?

In simple terms, a door jamb is a frame that surrounds a door opening in a wall. It's typically made up of three pieces: two vertical pieces called the "legs" or "side jambs," and a horizontal piece called the "head jamb." Together, these pieces form a rectangular frame around a door.

What is the purpose of a jamb?

Simply put, the door jamb is a specific part of the frame. It's there to take the weight of the door, as well as help keep the rest of the frame square and stable. Your hinges are affixed to the jamb on one side of the door, while the bolt passes through the jamb on the other side.

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.

Should door trim be flush with jamb?

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.

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 a door?

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 are the different types of jamb?

Different Types of Door Jambs
  • Exterior vs. ...
  • Split Jambs: These come in two pieces that fit together, making them easier to install in pre-existing walls. ...
  • Solid Jambs: These are a single, solid piece of wood (replace wood with jamb), offering durability and a clean look.

What is the definition of a jamb?

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is a Nigerian entrance examination board for tertiary-level institutions. The board conducts Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination for prospective undergraduates into Nigerian universities.

What is the bottom of a door jamb called?

The head is the horizontal piece at the top, while the jambs are the vertical sides. The door sill is at the bottom. Together, these sections of a door create a sturdy frame.

Do Prehung doors come with jambs?

A prehung door comes with the door and hinges already installed in a frame. The frame includes the door jambs, or legs (the vertical elements), as well as the header that forms the top of the frame and connects the jambs.

How do you pronounce door jamb?

2 syllables: "DAW" + "jam"

What makes a door jamb?

A door jamb is an individual section of a door frame. Two side jambs make up the vertical components of the door frame and the head jamb is the top horizontal component. Together, the jambs (along with mullion) comprise the door frame.

Why does Doorjamb have AB?

Why does a doorjamb have a 'b'? Door jamb or doorjamb has a “b” because it originates from the French word “jambe” which means leg. The opposite sides resemble two “legs” supporting the door.

How much bigger should a door jamb be than a door?

Framing rough opening sizes are really quite simple. Just add 2″ to the width of the actual door size. You should add 2-1/2″ to the height of the actual door. This will give you room to space the door frame off of the sub-floor.

Can you replace just a door jamb?

If only one leg of the door jamb is damaged, usually the side where the lock and doorknob engage, known as the strike side, you can actually just replace the damaged side. This is a little trickier than it seems at first, but it's certainly not an impossible task.

Previous article
Is celery good in air fryer?
Next article
Will fluff air shrink clothes?