Fillet
The word ‘fillet’ comes from the Latin ‘filum’, meaning ‘thread’
In classical architecture, a fillet is a narrow band with a vertical face. Fillets are often interposed as rectangular or square ribbon-like bands between curved mouldings and ornaments. They may also be found between the flutings of columns.
Types of fillet include:
- Raised: A fillet that is raised in a band from an architectural element.
- Scotia: A concave moulding between two fillets. This is also one of the elements used in the attic base of columns.
- Sunk: A fillet that is depressed in a band between two other architectural elements.
- Tænia: A fillet that is part of the entablature and positioned directly above the architrave.
In modern construction, the term ‘fillet’ can be used to refer to any thin strip of material, for example a tile fillet, in which roof tiles are set into mortar beneath a parapet to form a flashing, or a mortar fillet, used in place of a flashing at the joint between roof slates and a wall.
In engineering, the term ‘fillet’ can be used to refer to a round joint between two parts connected at an angle.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Architrave.
- Balustrade.
- Bas-relief.
- Classical orders in architecture.
- Cornice.
- Elements of classical columns.
- Entablature.
- Fluting.
- Frieze.
- Keel moulding.
- Moulding.
- Pedestal.
- Pediment.
- Pilaster.
- Rustication.
- Soffit.
[edit] External references
- Doric Column - Moulding
Featured articles and news
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.