Home
Fact-checked

At HomeQuestionsAnswered, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Different Types of Door Casing?

B. Turner
B. Turner

Door casing is a type of trim or molding used around a door opening or frame. It can serve a functional or aesthetic purpose, or both. Aesthetically, door casing helps blend the door opening in with the surrounding wall. It can also be used as a focal point in the room's decorating scheme. Functionally, door casing helps to hide the gap between the frame and the wall on either side while covering up insulation or other materials installed within the wall cavity.

In some homes, door casing is chosen to match other types of trim, including baseboards, crown molding or chair rail. In others, the door casing may be the only trim used in the room. Generally, door casing is smaller and plainer than other types of molding, though it can also be quiet elaborate in some cases.

Woman holding a book
Woman holding a book

There are many different types of casing available for doors, and each type can vary based on material, design, finish or profile. Like all molding, door casing is made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF), solid wood, aluminum or vinyl. It can be painted or stained during installation or pre-finished by the manufacturer. Some casing is built-in to the door frame itself, while other types are added separately after the door and frame are installed. Some trim is designed only for interior use, while other casing can be used both indoors and out.

One of the best ways to differentiate between different types of door trim is to compare the profile, or design of each unit. The simplest types of casing have a square or rectangular shape, while others are rounded or oval. Some wood casing is carved with elaborate designs and profiles, and handy woodworkers can even carve their own designs into wood to personalize their door casing.

These profiles and materials give the casing different looks that complement various types of décor. Sleek, rounded trim is often used in homes with modern or sparse decorating schemes, while elaborately designed casing works better in more traditional or Victorian decors. Different types of casing can even be combined together to create a whole new look that's unique to the homeowner.

The most basic door casing consists of simple molding around three sides of the door frame. With more complex casing, the vertical members may be thicker or wider. These larger types of vertical casing are known as “pilasters,” and may feature traditional Greek or Roman column designs. At the top of the frame, some homeowners choose larger panels instead of smaller sections of casing. These panels are known as “plinths,” and often feature intricate designs or a series of rosettes.

Discussion Comments

Rundocuri

@raynbow- As long as you have a sample of the color of paint that you want your door casing to be, the company where you buy it should be able to match it exactly.

Ocelot60

@raynbow- I think that your best bet is to get the type of door casing that you need to paint yourself. Though companies that offer pre-finished door casings are pretty accurate when it comes to matching paint colors, the only way to be sure that you get an exact match is to paint it with the exact same color.

Raynbow

I was wondering which is the better option- door casing that you can paint or the kind that is pre-finished. I have shutters and trim that are painted in a light green color, and I want to make sure that my new door casing matches perfectly.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Woman holding a book
      Woman holding a book