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A door sill is the bottom portion of your door frame, while a threshold is the transition piece that separates the two types of flooring between rooms, or serves as the transition between the interior and exterior on an exterior door. The threshold sits on top of the door sill. A kick plate is a protective plate that sits against the face of a door to prevent damage to the door from feet and shoes. You’ll usually only find kick plates on exterior doors, while every door has a door sill, and most exterior and interior doors have a threshold.

The width of your door jamb should match your wall thickness exactly, so it depends on your wall. For standard door openings, the width is equal to the width of a 2-by-4-inch  stud, plus the width of the drywall on both sides—about 1/2 inch each—which comes out to 4 9/16 inches. Block walls and framed walls that use 2-by-6-inch framing require a door jamb that’s 6 9/16 inches. You should always measure your finished wall thickness to get an accurate width for your door jamb material.

Wood is by no means the only type of front door material on the market. You can also choose from several other options, including:

• Aluminum: Low-maintenance and affordable, but lacks insulation 

• Fiberglass: Offers excellent insulation and durability for a decent price 

• Glass: Offers beauty but less security or insulation, and a higher price tag 

• Steel: One of the most economical options if you’re looking for affordability, low maintenance, high security levels, and a door that will last

• Wrought iron: Attractive and secure, but costly and heavy 

Ideally, a gate should be able to swing both in and out. However, if it can only open in one direction, it is generally best for it to swing inward. This is often the safest option, especially for deck gates near steps, as you'll want the gate to swing away from the stairs. An inward swing also prevents the gate from opening into a public space, like a sidewalk, and can be more convenient when carrying heavy items like a wheelbarrow into a garden.

There are exceptions, however. The layout of your property may require a different approach. For example, if your property is on a slope, the gate may not be able to swing inward. You should also ensure the gate can open fully without colliding with any objects or blocking access to other areas. For a backyard garden gate where public access isn't a concern, the direction it swings is largely a matter of personal preference. Finally, always check your local building codes, as they may have specific requirements for which way a gate must swing.