A door is considered a “panel door” because of its construction style, which involves the use of multiple panels set within a frame. The term “panel” refers to the individual sections that make up the door’s surface. These panels are typically rectangular or square and fit within the frame created by the stiles (vertical side pieces) and rails (horizontal top and bottom pieces).
The panels in a panel door can be raised or recessed, adding dimension and texture to the door’s surface. The frame-and-panel construction technique used in panel doors has been employed for centuries, known for its durability, visual appeal, and the ability to accommodate variations in wood movement due to changes in temperature and humidity.
The panel design allows for creativity in door aesthetics, as different configurations of panels, as well as the choice of materials, finishes, and decorative elements, can give the door a distinctive and unique appearance. The number of panels can vary, with common configurations being two-panel, four-panel, or six-panel doors.
In summary, the name “panel door” comes from the fact that these doors are constructed using panels set within a frame, which results in a textured and visually appealing surface that has been a hallmark of interior door design for centuries.