Architraves are used to provide a finishing touch to rooms. Its main function is to cover the gap around the door frame. Architrave is available in a variety of designs, ranging from highly decorative pieces to less noticeable, functional designs. Which ever style of architrave you chose will be prepared and fitted in the same way. To help you get a perfect fit we have provided a quick guide below.
If there is already an architrave in place you will need to remove it first. Starting from either side, use a crow bar to peel away the existing architrave. Position a block of wood under your crowbar to reduce any damage to the wall and work from the bottom of the frame to the top.
To finish preparing the door for a new architrave, remove any old nails from the previous fixture using a claw hammer or pliers. Sand away any old paint around the frame using a sanding block.
Take a measurement of the internal width of the frame. To get the correct fit add 12mm to the length to ensure the architrave will settle in place inside the frame.
Mark the length you have just measured on the bottom edge of the architrave. Cut off the ends of the architrave at a 45° angle using a mitre box ensuring the top edge of the architrave has more length than the bottom.
Fix the architrave to the frame using a hammer and nails. Start at the top length and set it 6mm back from the frame. Be careful to line it up so that an equal amount is visible at each side of the door.
Tap the side lengths into place with a hammer towards the top of the architrave. To get a good fit make sure that they are also set back 6mm from the frame.
Hammer in all the nails below the surface and fill in any gaps between the ends of the architrave with wood filler.
Now sand the edges and finish your architrave with either paint or varnish.
If you are having trouble fitting an architrave then many joinery firms are available to help out. Other similar finishing and trim work such as skirting can also be contracted. Contact your local joinery firm today for details of services and prices.