Ovilehdet

Ovilehdet are the movable panels that form doors in a doorway. In Finnish construction and carpentry, the term refers to the door leaves—the parts of a door that move on their hinges—as opposed to the frame, hardware, or glazing. A single leaf is used for a standard door, while double doors consist of two leaves that meet in the frame.

Leafs vary in material and construction. Common types include solid-core wooden leaves, veneered or laminated wood, MDF-based composites, steel, aluminum, and PVC leaves. Exterior leaves are often reinforced for weather resistance and security, whereas interior leaves emphasize weight, finish, and acoustic properties. Some leaves include glazing panels for light. Fire-rated and sound-insulated variants are available to meet building codes and acoustic requirements. Finishes range from paint and stain to veneer and laminate.

Each ovilehti has a thickness and size designed to fit a corresponding door frame. Leaves are manufactured to standard openings or customized to fit specific measurements. Hardware such as hinges, locks, latches, and door closers is mounted on the leaf and frame. Edges may be edge-banded, and weather stripping or thresholds are used to seal against drafts.

Installation and maintenance: correct alignment with the frame, secure hinge mounting, and proper shimming are essential during fitting. Regular maintenance includes cleaning, refinishing, and checking for warping, swelling, or hinge wear. Leaves exposed to moisture or temperature changes may require more frequent inspection and sealing.

Ovilehdet are widely used in residential and commercial settings for interior partitions, exterior entry doors, and specialized doors, and the term is common in Finnish architectural and carpentry contexts.