BRENLO GLOSSARY
Understanding the craft.
The right terminology can make all the difference when planning a project. Our Glossary is a handy reference for builders, designers, and homeowners alike—providing clear definitions of the most commonly used terms in moulding, trim, and door manufacturing. By understanding the language of our craft, you’ll be better equipped to communicate your vision and achieve the perfect result.
A
APRON
A moulding applied to the wall immediately below the window stool; this moulding conceals the joint made by the window frame sill and the interior wall surface.
ARCHITRAVE
A moulding installed high above an interior door or a window to add ornamentation.
ASTRAGRAL
An interior moulding attached to a pair of doors to prevent swing-through. This moulding ensures a tight fit where the doors meet.
B
BACKBAND
A rabbeted moulding used in conjunction with casing applied to the outside corner and edge of an interior window and/or door, this additional moulding increase helps to increase the width of your casing as well as creates a stronger detail.
BASEBOARD
Moulding installed around the base perimeter of the wall.
BASE CAP
A moulding applied on top of a piece of baseboard to create a decorative look. Base cap can also be used as a panel moulding or multipurpose profile.
BASE SHOE
Commonly referred to as shoe mould. This moulding is a transition that protects the base from damage and it also serves as a way to conceal uneven lines where the base meets the floor.
BAR RAIL
This decorative moulding is the edging that borders a bar top at the front of a bar.
BATTEN
This moulding is a thin strip typically with a rectangular cross-section used to cover seams between panels either for exterior siding or interior paneling.
BEAD MOULDING
A simple moulding that’s applied where two surfaces come together at an angle; the profile is typically a bead or cove and it’s often used in place of crown.
BED MOULD
Traditionally this moulding was installed under a cornice to create enhanced ornamentation. It can be similar to crown moulding, as it is used to cover the joint between the ceiling and wall.
BOLECTION
This ornamental mould was used originally in the 18th century. The detail protrudes beyond the face of raised panel walls, doors, and fireplaces.
BRICK MOULD
A moulding used on an exterior or window as a casing creates a surface for brick or other siding material to butt against.
C
CAP MOULD
This moulding can be used as a panel moulding or multipurpose profile.
CASING
Moulding used around interior door and window openings.
CHAIR RAIL
The original use of this mould was to prevent chairs from damaging the walls; it has since become a decorative application. It is traditionally applied on the wall about a third of the way up from the floor, although more contemporary installation can be seen at various different heights. It is commonly seen being used in conjunction with wainscoting.
CORNER BLOCK
Square blocks that can be plain or have embellishments which are used in place of mitering the side and head casings.
CORNER GUARD
Moulding that is used to add protection to the outside corner edges of a wall.
COVE MOULD
This moulding has a concave profile which can be used to soften the transition between two planes at right angles to each other. A cove can also be used as a crown or a vertical installation as a corner guard.
CROWN MOULDING
Traditionally referred to as a cornice moulding, it’s used to cover the point in which the walls and the ceiling meet. This moulding is always installed angled.
D
DENTIL MOULDING
The moulding is a type of crown moulding that features a series of small square blocks uniformly spaced and projecting like teeth. This is commonly used in Traditional design aesthetics.
D4S
This is a term to describe our Flat Stock material. D4S stands for “Dressed 4 Sides”; these are boards with 4 finished sides for use in shelving, window ledges, base or casing.
G
GLASS BEAD
This moulding is usually semi-circular. There are many different types of bead profiles which have various uses. This subtly curved detail can also be used as an applied moulding for interior doors.
H
HALF ROUND
A moulding that’s half of a full circle. It is typically used to cover the seam or gap where two cabinets or wall paneling come together.
HANDRAIL
This moulding is designed to be grasped by the hand to provide support on a stairway.
J
JAMB
A vertical perimeter frame of a window or door, it contacts the edges of the stiles and top rail of a door.
M
MULLION
This small piece of moulding is traditionally used in a vertical installation as part of a window or doorframe.
N
NOSING
This piece of solid wood moulding is part of the staircase. It is the projecting edge at the front edge of a stair tread.
P
PANEL MOULD
This is a decorative moulding which is used to create a wall panel detail. Panel moulds can have a plain or ornate profile; they are also commonly used on interior door panels. These moulds can either be installed inset (recessed) or applied (atop) a panel.
PICTURE MOULD/RAIL
This is a traditional narrow mould runs along the perimeter of a room near the ceiling line to support hooks for picture hanging.
PILASTER
A pilaster is a flat vertical wall ornamentation that protrudes and a flat column or half pier. The moulding only projects slightly from the wall.
PLINTH BLOCK
This is a decorative moulding found at the base of a door. It is thicker and wider than the casing and back band to allow those moulding to finish within it. Its purpose is to be used as part of the door trim at the base to enhance the overall appearance.
Q
QUARTER ROUND
This moulding is one-fourth of a full circle. It is most typically used as a decorative element in fireplace mantels and other architectural details.
S
SHELF EDGE
This small decorative detail is a moulding that offers a level of refinement to any project. It is typically used on the front shelf edges of cabinets to character.
SHINGLE MOULD
This was originally used for exterior window frames; it is now commonly used as part of a wall panelling detail. It has a variety of practical and decorative applications for the interior and exterior.
STOOL
A horizontal moulding that is applied against the wall immediately below the window frame; an apron mould or casing then conceals the joint between the window frame and the wall.
T
TOUNGE & GROOVE
This is moulding material that is applied to the walls or ceiling, fitting together edge to edge. The wood joint is concealed with a beaded detail or other moulded profile.
For additional resources, inspirational images, or design advice, explore our Gallery pages to see how these components come together in real-world applications. If you have questions or need personalized guidance, feel free to contact us—we’re here to help you bring your vision to life.