
How to Fit Door Architrave
- Prepare the Work Area. If you’re taking off old architraves, insert a sharp chisel into the moulded edge of the...
- Mark Out Architrave Lines. The architrave must be set 6mm back from the door’s frame. Set your combination square to...
- Take Measurements. Take a long piece of architrave and run it up the side of the door frame. Remember...
How to install door architrave?
How To Install Door Architrave 1 Step 1: Cut the door lining 2 Step 2: Measure and mark the door frame 3 Step 3: Measure and cut the timbers 4 Step 4: Cut and fix the two sides 5 Step 5: Cut and fix the top architrave 6 Step 6: Paint and seal the architrave More ...
How do you measure for an architrave?
Use a tape measure and draw 6mm marks from the inner edge of the door casing. This needs to be done on both sides and across the top of the door casing. Then join these marks using a spirit level on a straight edge. You should have three lines. This will support architrave alignment. Following this, measure the line you drew across the top.
How to cut an architrave properly?
Cut Top Piece of Architrave Place the top piece of the architrave in the mitre box and make a 45-degree angle cut where you previously marked. Do not fix this piece yet, as you have to take one more measurement. 8. Measure the Last Piece of Architrave
How much architrave do I need per doorway?
How Much Architrave Do I Need Per Doorway? Our MDF single architrave sets contain enough material to cover one side of a single door. They contain 2 upright legs at 2440mm and 1 head at 1220mm. Generally speaking, you should only need 2100mm for a standard door upright and 1000mm for a head.

How do you attach an architrave to a door?
1:123:53How to fit architrave with Wickes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBeing sure to follow manufacturer's instructions apply grab adhesive to the back of the architrave.MoreBeing sure to follow manufacturer's instructions apply grab adhesive to the back of the architrave. Then carefully fix the headpiece into position along the six millimeter line above the door.
Do you fit doors before architrave?
The headpiece of the architrave is usually fitted first. Measure the line across the top of the door between intersections and mark the length onto the inner edge of your architrave piece.
What angle do you cut a door to architrave?
45-degreeMost often, internal doors are perfectly square, and this means you only need to cut standard 45-degree mitre joints into the architrave to properly install it.
What is the gap between architrave and door frame?
You want to leave about 5-10 mm of frame showing once the architrave is attached, this is called the reveal. It's best to mark this on the frame so you'll know where to place the architrave when it's been cut.
How far should architrave be set back?
The architrave needs to be set back slightly from the front edge of the door frame. This can be as wide or as minimal as you'd like but usually going for around 5-10mm is a safe distance as you'll still have some of the door frame behind to nail into.
Does architrave have to match skirting?
For a simple answer, it's true that architraves and skirtings 'should' match, but matching is more relevant to proportional sizes and not design. You can very easily have different profile styles that work well together, and features that complement each other, even if they don't necessarily match.
How do I get perfect architraves?
2:4711:18Tommy's Trade Secrets - How To Fit Architrave - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what we do is we place our architrave in the mitre block. We get our 10 min. Saw. Use our leftMoreSo what we do is we place our architrave in the mitre block. We get our 10 min. Saw. Use our left hand push firmly onto the architrave get our 10 saw and light our up.
How much should an architrave overhang?
There's no right or wrong measurement, go for around 5-10mm just don't make them so big you don't have any door lining left to nail the moulding to. Mark a few lines around the lining and crosses at the corners where the architraves will intersect.
Does architrave go to the floor?
Conclusion. As you can see, architrave is always fitted down to the floor. The only caveat to this, is if you are using plinth blocks.
How do you fit the architrave when the door frame is close to the wall?
0:0710:26How to Fit Architrave to Door Frames Close to the Wall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHow to fit architrave to a narrow gap close to the wall. Start off by drawing five millimeterMoreHow to fit architrave to a narrow gap close to the wall. Start off by drawing five millimeter guidance lines around the in door frame. With set square then using a piece of architrave.
Do you glue architrave?
Apply PVA glue to your top architrave on the end that will touch the side architrave. Hold in place and nail as you did the side, making sure the two pieces are perfectly lined up and you have your 3mm gap. For the remaining side, repeat this process but start from the mitre and work your way down.
How much gap do you leave around a door?
Hold the new door in the frame to see if it needs adjustment. A well fitted door should have a 2mm gap on either side and at the top. The gap at the bottom will depend on the thickness of your flooring/carpet.
Do doors need architraves?
The simple answer is that is not a necessity but there are many reasons that you should consider using it as part of your interior design. The main reason is for style and decoration. Architrave can be used to add style to a room and can be seen as more than just a finishing touch.
How do you fit architrave and skirting?
4:035:11Fitting Skirting Boards and Door Architrave | The Carpenter's DaughterYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCut but when you're nailing. Don't put nails below plug sockets. And to make sure the skirtingMoreCut but when you're nailing. Don't put nails below plug sockets. And to make sure the skirting boards weren't going anywhere I've pre-drilled with a hammer drill pop a roll plug in.
How do you fit architrave after plastering?
4:2411:35Fitting Architrave after Plastering | Hall, Stairs and Landing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow let's introduce get it all fixed up. So I really want to use some nice adhesive that will grabMoreNow let's introduce get it all fixed up. So I really want to use some nice adhesive that will grab onto the plaster work as well and then we may put a few fixings through if needed.
Do you glue architrave?
Apply PVA glue to your top architrave on the end that will touch the side architrave. Hold in place and nail as you did the side, making sure the two pieces are perfectly lined up and you have your 3mm gap. For the remaining side, repeat this process but start from the mitre and work your way down.
How wide is an architrave?
To make sure your architrave will fit around your door, buy timbers in an appropriate size. Architrave is typically 70mm to 90mm wide and 2100 to 2400m long for the sides or 1000mm long for the top.
What is decorative architraves?
Decorative architraves are moulding that cover the gap between the door frame and the lining board. When you're installing a new doorway or skirting boards, a door architrave gives the perfect finish, as long as it lines up neatly. Read this guide to find out how to fit door architrave and how to install architraves on an angled door.
What materials are architraves made of?
Tools and materials needed. Architraves can be made from hardwood, softwood, MDF or other materials. It's a good idea to match your architraves to your skirting board for a neat appearance. As well as architraves, you'll need a: pencil.
What are architraves made of?
Architraves can be made from hardwood, softwood, MDF or other materials . It's a good idea to match your architraves to your skirting board for a neat appearance.
When to replace architrave?
Architrave is normally fitted once a door is already in place. If you need to install a door after the architrave has been fitted, and it requires adjustments to the frame , this may require removing and replacing the architrave.
How to cut a 45 degree angle?
Beginning with either vertical side, hold the timber in position and measure a 45-degree angle from the top corner of the doorway. Use the mitre saw to cut carefully along this angle to the top corner of the timber.
How long is a standard doorway?
For a standard doorway, you'll need timbers around 2.1m to 2.4m (2100-2400mm) in length for the two upright sides and one piece measuring around 1 metre (1000mm). Remember, you'll need to double this if you're also doing the other side of the door.
What Is A Door Architrave?
Over the years, they have become something which you can use to make a grand statement around your doors. After all, why have a plain trim when you can have beautifully decorated mouldings?
How To Remove Door Architraves
If you’ve decided to upgrade the architraves around your door, you’ll probably need to remove the old one first. This is a relatively straightforward task but here's a quick guide on how to remove it.
How To Cut Door Architraves To Size
Tools required: strips of architrave, square, hammer, tape measure, mitre box, oval nails, centre punch, sandpaper, decorator’s caulk, tenon saw, safety goggles.
How To Fix The Door Architrave To The Wall
You should now attach the vertical pieces in place using three or four 50mm lost head round or oval nails. Don’t hammer them in all the way yet as you are going to use these pieces to determine the position of the horizontal architrave.
How to align a door with an architrave?
Use a tape measure and draw 6mm marks from the inner edge of the door casing. This needs to be done on both sides and across the top of the door casing. Then join these marks using a spirit level on a straight edge. You should have three lines. This will support architrave alignment.
Where to put adhesive on architrave?
Using adhesive, apply it to the back of the architrave. Be sure to check manufacturer instructions as some adhesives may be stronger or weaker than others.
What is architrave?
The architrave is what is used to decorate around a door, window or loft hatch. It comes in a wide variety of styles and materials to suit the needs of the installer and to compliment your internal doors. They’re great for hiding the leftover paintworks right on the edge of the door frame or even just as a standard decorative feature.
How to make a 45 degree mitre?
After measurements, place the architrave into the mitre box (flat side down). Use a tenon or fine tooth saw to make two 45-degree mitre cuts into the architrave. The mitre cuts are angled in opposite directions so the outer edge is wider than the inner edge when it comes on both sides of the door. From there you can sand the ends to make them smoother for a finer fit.
How to measure for architrave?
You will need to measure from the floor to the bottom of the head piece. Mark this distance onto both sections of architrave you plan to attach to the sides of the door frame.
Can you use nails instead of adhesive?
Note: You can use nails instead of adhesive or visa versa. However, if you want a cleaner fit, obtain stronger adhesive or fill in nail holes once they have been removed.
What is the gap between the architrave and the door?
These three lines mark where the architrave will be fixed. The 6mm gap allows for the door to move properly on its hinges and prevents damage to the architrave, which should never be fitted flush to a door lining.
How to hold an architrave in place?
To hold the architrave in position whilst the adhesive sets, hammer in four 40mm lost head nails through the architrave into the door casing. Measure from the floor to the bottom edge of the headpiece and mark this distance on the two sections of architrave that will be your side pieces.
What is the difference between skirting and architrave?
Quite simply skirting boards are used to cover the join between the wall and the floor, whilst architrave is used to edge interior doors, windows and loft hatches. If you’re fitting architrave and skirting then fit the architrave first.
How many nails do you need to hold an architrave in place?
To hold the architrave in position whilst the adhesive sets, hammer in four 40mm lost head nails through the architrave into the door casing.
How to measure architrave?
The headpiece of the architrave is usually fitted first. Measure the line across the top of the door between intersections and mark the length onto the inner edge of your architrave piece. Architrave is joined with mitre cuts, so remember to account for the longer edge when you’re measuring up. Lightly mark the intended direction of the cuts onto the architrave.
Why 6mm gap on hinges?
The 6mm gap allows for the door to move properly on its hinges and prevents damage to the archi trave, which should never be fitted flush to a door lining. If your door casing isn’t precisely vertical, it’s more important that the architrave is joined correctly at the corners rather than being exactly vertically straight.
How to sink nails in architrave?
Once the architrave is set and secure you can use a hammer and nail punch to sink the nails just below the surface of the architrave. Then fill and sand down the small nail holes before painting.
How to attach architrave to door?
Use 40mm oval or lost head nails to attach the architrave side strips to the door frame. Use four nails to attach each piece. Insert one nail approximately 4cm from the top and another 4cm from the bottom. Then evenly space out the remaining two nails to ensure a secure fit.
How to seal gaps in architrave?
Use a caulking gun and caulk along the very edges of the architrave to disguise and seal any gaps, ready for painting. After running the caulk down with the gun, use a finger to carefully smooth down the caulk for a perfect finish.
How to remove architrave from wall?
Gently lever the old architrave off the wall using a chisel until it’s off.
How to hit nails in 2mm?
Hammer the nails in and use a nail punch to hit the nails in 2mm below the surface.
How to get plaster off of architrave?
Run a Stanley knife or sharp blade along the edge of the existing architrave. This will give you access to lever the old architrave away from the wall and prevent pulling the plaster away.
How many coats of white paint do you need to paint an architrave?
Now you are ready to paint the architrave with two coats of glossy white paint.
When we were painting the living room, did Architrave yank off?
He’d already yanked off our old architrave when we were painting the living room and was ready to go!
How far back should architraves be from door frame?
When installing the architraves, the moulding should be set back ever so slighlty from the door frame (approx. 5mm - 10mm). Bare in mind that you need to be able to nail the architrave into the door lining so adjust this measurement accordingly.
What is an architraves door?
Maybe you've landed here but you're not quite sure what architraves are? Well, they are simply a decorative moulding used around a doorway to give it some character and detail. They can be made out of softwood but we find that MDF is rapidly growing as the choice of material for door architraves and skirtings.
How Much Architrave Do I Need Per Doorway?
They contain 2 upright legs at 2440mm and 1 head at 1220mm. Generally speaking, you should only need 2100mm for a standard door upright and 1000mm for a head.
How to make sure mitres hold tight?
To make sure the mitres hold tight, we recommend fixing through both pieces where they meet. If you can do it from the head down into the legs, you won't need to worry about anyone seeing the nail holes. Once the architrave is secured, punch all the nails in so that the heads don't protrude.
How much does a door need to be to be a first leg?
nce you've selected a length to use as the first leg, you will need to cut it down. 2100mm is normally enough but make sure you measure your door just in case!
Where do you mark out the margins on a door?
Mark out the margins on the left, right and top of the door and join them at the corners (right angles).
Can you cut the right hand upright?
Now that the head has been mitred, the right hand upright can be cut and mitred. Follow the same procedure as in step 2 remembering that the mitre direction will be different.
