doorposts

Doorposts are the vertical members at the sides of a doorway that form part of the door frame. They run from the floor to the lintel and provide structure for the opening, guiding the door as it opens and closes. In common usage the term jamb is often used, but doorposts appear in architectural writing to emphasize the structural enclosure of the opening, especially when the doorway is set into thick walls or masonry.

Materials and construction vary. Doorposts may be built as part of a timber frame, carved or plain, or they can be masonry elements made of stone or brick that are integral to the wall opening. In modern buildings, metal or reinforced frames may include doorpost components for added strength. When referring to the door leaf itself, the vertical parts of the door are called stiles, while the surrounding frame portions are the jambs or doorposts.

Function and hardware are core aspects of doorposts. They provide anchorage for hinges and strike plates, help align the door, and contribute to weather sealing. The detailing can include a rabbet or groove to receive the door edge and weatherstripping. The exact appearance and construction of doorposts vary by region, era, and architectural style, ranging from simple, functional frames to elaborately carved jambs in historic buildings.

Notes on terminology: the term doorpost is sometimes used interchangeably with jamb, but it can also refer more specifically to the structural members of a doorway within a wall. In some stone architectures, doorposts are formed by the surrounding masonry blocks rather than a separate frame.