Glossary P

Pairs-

Term used to describe the two side members of door jambs, frames, or casing trim.

Palladian Window-

A large, arch-top window flanked by smaller windows on each side.

Panel Divider-

A moulding which separates two vertical wood panels along their common edges.

Parting Stop-

A small strip of wood let into the plough of the jambs of a double hung check-rail window frame to separate the top sash from the bottom sash; also parting bead, parting strip or check strip.

Passage Door-

An interior door connecting two inside rooms or used for a closet door; this door type does not have the same strength, insulation or security requirements of an exterior door. Panel construction on passage doors is designed to allow the wood to expand and contract with changes in moisture and temperature; the center panels are allowed to float within the door's frame.

Passive Solar Gain-

Solar heat that passes through material and is captured naturally, not by mechanical means.

Patio Door-

A door that opens onto a patio, deck or backyard of a house, usually made of glass to allow for viewing.

P.G.-

Profile with a reverse "S" shape and a fillet on one or both ends. Sometimes called a reverse OGEE.

Picture Frame Moulding-

Rabbeted moulding forming a frame for pictures.

Picture Mould-

Used to support hooks for picture hanging. Applied around a room's circumference near the ceiling line.

Picture Window-

The same as a stationary or fixed sash, a picture sash or window usually implies a relatively large-sized sash.

Piece-

A term used to describe cut-to-length mouldings sold by the piece rather than per hundred lineal feet.

Pilaster-

A rectangular, circular or semi-circular member used as a simulated column in entrances and other door openings and fireplace mantels; usually contains base, shaft and capital.

Pitch-

An accumulation of resinous material.

(a) Light pitch is the light but evident presence of pitch.
(b) Medium pitch is a somewhat more evident presence of pitch than is the light.
(c) Heavy pitch is a very evident accumulation of pitch showing by its color and consistency.

Pitch Streak-

A well-defined accumulation of pitch in the wood cells in a more or less regular streak. It should not be confused with dark grain.

Plant on Moulding-

A moulding applied to a surface which projects or remains above it. An applied moulding.

Plinth Block-

A block at the base of a pilaster; a block of wood placed at the bottom of side door casing to terminate the casing as well as the base. Since the door casings and bases are moulded, "plinth blocks" offer a good looking, sturdy member which solves the problem of joining casing and base mouldings with different profiles. "Plinth blocks" are thicker and wider than the abutting members; also base block, foot block or pilaster base.

Plow-

A rectangular slot of three surfaces cut with the grain of the wood.

Pocket-

A well-defined opening between the rings of annual growth which develops during the growth of the tree. It usually contains pitch or bark.

Prefinished-

Millwork with an applied finish coating. May be grain printed, vinyl wrapped, toned or in a solid opaque color.

Prehung Door Unit-

A precut and assembled unit consisting of a wood door with the locking or passage hardware that is hung on hinges in a wood frame. The wood frame includes the one or two piece jamb either in adjustable or pre-ordered widths as well as the door stop mouldings and casings.

Preservative-

Any substance that, for a reasonable length of time, will prevent the development and action or wood-destroying fungi, borers of various kinds and other harmful insects that deteriorate wood.

Primed-

A wood part which has been coated with paint primers either in the factory or on site.

Prime Coat-

The first coat of paint in an application that consists of two or more coats; also refers to the paint used for such an initial coat; priming; primer; paint-primed.

Prime Coat Finish-

A hardware finish of baked enamel intended for a later application of paint.