Astragal

Diagram of an astragalus as part of a Ionic order column

An astragal is a moulding profile composed of a half-round surface surrounded by two flat planes (fillets). An astragal is sometimes referred to as a miniature torus. It can be an architectural element used at the top or base of a column, but is also employed as a framing device on furniture and woodwork.

The word "astragal" comes from the Greek and Latin for "vertebra," and the original astragals used in architecture were made in a beaded design, thereby resembling a vertebra.

On doors

An astragal is commonly used to seal between a pair of doors. The astragal closes the clearance gap created by bevels on one or both mating doors, and helps deaden sound. The vertical member (molding) attaches to a stile on one of a pair of either sliding or swinging doors, against which the other door seals when closed. Exterior astragals are kerfed for weatherstripping.

An astragal may also be known as a “meeting stile seal”. It is sometimes confused with the wooden trim that divides the panes of a multi-light window or door, known as a muntin.

References

External links

 Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Astragal". Encyclopædia Britannica. 2 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 794.