Our Word(s) Of The Week: Plinth and Casings

Plinth and Casings

Our Word(s) Of The Week : Plinth and Casings

This week’s word of the week is actually going to be two words: Casing and Plinth. This is because we have a video to present that features both words. Before we get to that…

Casing: The casing is the trim around a door, a window, or an opening. The casing facilitates the transition from wall to door (or window, or opening). Casings can be found in many different styles and sizes.

Plinth: A plinth is the base or platform upon which a column, structure, or (in this case) a door casing rests. According to Gottfried Semper (famed, 19th Century, German architect), the plinth exists to negotiate between a structure and the ground. In the video you’ll see how this plinth sticks out from the baseboard where it meets the casing. This gives it the appearance of being a structural element – it appears that it’s holding something up.

Bill Hirsch | Architect

Bill Hirsch

2 Comments

  1. neneng on March 3, 2016 at 11:14 am

    I have an open space living room and kitchen in one piece, is it better to use a plinth of the same material as the tiles or wood plinth on tiles. I have a grey shade of 60X60 tiles. thanks

    • Bill Hirsch | Architect William Hirsch on March 3, 2016 at 11:49 am

      Neneng – Plinths should always be the same material as the door casing (trim). So the plinths should be wood.

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