How to fit door architrave

Painting or adding specific designs to the front of a door are not the only ways you can decorate it. Architrave is often used in UK homes, workplaces, and buildings, and this article will explain what it is and how to install it to make your door look as neat and attractive as possible. So, are you in need of a new door architrave to replace your old, chipped one? Whether you want a luxurious or modern look, replacing old door architrave is an excellent way to brighten up your house.

Therefore, this article will demonstrate how to install door architrave in a few simple stages. If you follow the instructions below, you'll be able to fit door architraves like an expert in no time.

dark brown and white wooden door architrave

@jasonpagelamb

The tools you need will be as follows:

Hammer
Combination Square
Tape Measure
Nail Punch
Mitre Box

And for materials you will need:

man cutting architrave in mitre box

https://thecarpentersdaughter.co.uk/diy/architrave...

What is architrave?

The architrave is used to decorate the area surrounding a door, window, or loft hatch. It is available in a wide range of designs and materials to meet the demands of the installation while also complementing your inside doors. Door frame architraves are ideal for concealing residual paints, or just for adding a basic decorative element.

wooden architrave slabs stacked neatly

https://www.gumtree.com/p/wood-timber/3-ogee-architrave-21mm-x-69mm-4.2mtr-lengths/1330271153

What styles of architrave are there?

Ogee architrave

The rounded profile of ogee architrave may offer a stylish framing to a doorway while softening its edges to create a seamless finish to a space. Its hardwearing construction is built of manufactured materials and is coated against damp to avoid water damage and warping over time. It is designed to protect room entrances from knocks and bumps.

Torus architrave

Torus architrave's smooth curve produces a flowing shape that enhances the look of any entryway and provides a more fluid design component to a room. This border is ready-to-paint and made with a moisture-resistant core, allowing homeowners to add an on-trend tone to a room with a fast lick of paint, or it may be used in a neutral colour to provide a complementing element to other finishing items in a space.

MDF

MDF architrave is a cost-effective alternative to other premium materials such as timber and is ideal for individuals on a tight budget. It is resistant to swelling and warping, gives long-lasting design, and is a popular choice for busy homes looking for less trouble and care.

woman measuring door for architrave

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/637189047261825080/

Preparation

Checking for pipes and wires

In the future, you or plumbers and electricians may require access to specific wires or pipelines. Checking for concealed pipes or wires will help you avoid having to remove the freshly installed architrave in the future. If you discover any pipes or wires and want to get any possible adjustments out of the way first, you will need to contact professionals to discuss other alternatives.

Measurements

Before making any changes to any architrave on a door, the first thing you will need to do is to measure the surrounding door first. Draw 6mm markings from the inside edge of the door casing with a tape measure. This should be done on both sides as well as over the top of the door casing. Then, using a spirit level on a straight edge, connect these marks. There should be three lines. This will assist with architrave alignment.
Then, measure the line you drew across the top. Mark its length onto the architrave's inner edge, giving enough area at each end for mitre cuts. For mitre cuts, lightly outline the direction you want to cut onto the architrave.

Cutting the architrave

After taking measurements, insert the architrave into the mitre box (flat side down) and make two 45-degree mitre cuts into the architrave using a tenon or fine tooth saw. When the mitre cuts appear on both sides of the door, they are oriented in opposing directions, so the outside edge is broader than the inner edge. After that, sand the ends to make them smoother for a better fit.

wooden and grey door architrave in room

http://www.howdoityourself.com/how-to-fit-architrave-and-skirting/

Fitting the architrave

Step 1:Apply adhesive

When using the adhesive, apply it to the back of the architrave. And be sure to check any manufacturer’s directions beforehand applying, as some adhesives are stronger or weaker than others.

Step 2: The headpiece

This is the piece that will be hung above the front entrance. Place the headpiece at the 6mm marker and make sure the mitred corners are aligned with the markings on the frame's sides. Hammer four nails through the architrave and into the door casing to support the headpiece as it settles.
You can also substitute nails for glue or vice versa. So, if you want a tighter fit, use a stronger glue or fill up nail holes after they've been removed.

Step 3: Cutting the side pieces

You must take measurements from the floor to the bottom of the headpiece. Mark this distance on both pieces of the architrave that will be attached to the door frame's sides.

Mark the intended direction of the mitre cut onto the side pieces as previously, making care to leave one side piece end cut square because it will be laying on the floor. Sand one outside edge of each side piece mitre to make it higher than the inside edge for a better fit.

Step 4: Fitting the side pieces

You'll need glue and nails, same as for the headpiece. Fit one side piece at a time. Apply PVA glue to one end of the headpiece and the side piece's mitre cut. This is where the two will meet, and it will aid you in securing the architrave in place.

After you've finished all of that, your new architrave is finished!

We hope that this article has helped you understand what architrave is and how to apply it on your doors. If you have any further questions on how to fit door architrave or would just like some further information about the products we sell at Howarth, you can visit your local friendly Howarth branch, or can contact our customer services team on the number 01472 907051.

2nd Nov 2022 Emily Green