
What are architraves used for?
Architraves are most commonly used as moulding or trim around doors and windows. Architraves are not structurally necessary as they do not support the frame of a window or a door, and they do not hold any of the building materials together. What an architrave does is give your home a finished look.
What is a stepped architrave used around a window?
A standard window design only uses open plastered corners with a window board at the base, but architrave around the frame of the windows adds a more focused design to the area, and can really change up the interior theme of the room. Caption: Stepped Architrave used around a window Framing your Loft Hatch
Do I need an architrave around my windows?
A standard window design only uses open plastered corners with a window board at the base, but architrave around the frame of the windows adds a more focused design to the area, and can really change up the interior theme of the room. An almost-hidden area, that you may not think about using architrave, is around your loft hatch.
What is the difference between an architrave and a door frame?
It's because it keeps together the aesthetics of the room once the main structural parts of the door frame itself are set and good to go! In conclusion, the door frame is the supportive structure that holds the wall opening together and where the door will sit, and the architrave is the decorative moulding around it.

Do you put architrave around windows?
Hold a piece of architrave in position around your window or door and mark where the inner corner is. Do this will all pieces and then cut your angles away from the mark so that the architrave corner is longer than the edge of your window.
What is the purpose of architrave?
Architrave conceals the joint and any shrinkage or movement that may occur between the wall and the casing within the door surround.
What is the difference between architrave and frame?
In conclusion, the door frame is the supportive structure that holds the wall opening together and where the door will sit, and the architrave is the decorative moulding around it.
How do you fit architrave to windows?
Steps1Measure the bottom architrave. First thing you need to do is measure the inside of the window reveal and add 5mm. ... 2Cut the architrave board. ... 3Attach the architrave to the window. ... 4Measure the sides. ... 5Cut the side architraves to length. ... 6Attach the side architraves.
What's the difference between architrave and skirting?
Skirting board is designed to be fitted around the perimeter of a room, fixed to the wall where it meets the floor. Architrave, however, is generally much thinner than skirting board and is fitted around doors where the (most likely wooden) door frame meets the plaster.
What is the timber frame around a window called?
In its simplest form, a window reveal is the timber surround of the window unit; you might refer to it as the windowsill (although technically, only the bottom horizontal component of a window is called a 'sill').
Are architraves necessary?
Architraves are not structurally necessary as they do not support the frame of a window or a door, and they do not hold any of the building materials together. What an architrave does is give your home a finished look. Windows and doors without architraves can look dull, bare, and exposed.
Should architrave be thicker than skirting?
Choosing the depth Generally, architrave is thicker than skirting boards. This helps to achieve a clean transition from one to the other.
Does skirting have to match architrave?
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.
Do you glue architrave?
To fit your architrave, you should add grab adhesive to the back of each piece and then nail in place. Nails should be spaced 30-40mm and you should also make sure to add a small amount of PVA to the mitre joints.
How do you mount Architraves?
1:313:47How to Install an Architrave - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply some adhesive on the back side. Hold it into position and then we're gonna pin it down withMoreApply some adhesive on the back side. Hold it into position and then we're gonna pin it down with the nails.
Can you install Architraves?
Once your architrave arrives, it's a simple matter to install. Any old architraves must be removed, the new architrave cut exactly to size, then mounted using nails. Fill any holes with wood filler then paint or finish.
Do I need architrave on the door?
Architrave isn't structurally necessary, but as a room feature it's essential if you want to add style and decoration to your home. It is primarily intended to cover the unsightly join between the door frame and the wall.
What is an architrave around a door?
Architrave is most often seen as a moulding between the doorway and wall and as such is commonly incorrectly referred to as a doorway surround, door casing or door frame. Architrave can be made from a variety of materials with various types of wood usually being used.
Should architrave be thicker than skirting?
Choosing the depth Generally, architrave is thicker than skirting boards. This helps to achieve a clean transition from one to the other.
What is an architrave in architecture?
architrave, in Classical architecture, the lowest section of the entablature (horizontal member), immediately above the capital of a column.
What is an architrave window?
An architrave is the interior moulding - the decorative trim - that frames your doors and windows. It is used to both add to the look of a room, and to hide unsightly seams and joints in the wall. Most (but not all) windows have architraves. If your window does have an architrave we will need to identify the style in order to instruct you on how ...
What is decorative architrave?
Decorative Architrave. A decorative architrave will feature grooves and un-even surfaces to form a beautiful, ornamental look. This type of architrave is common in older houses such as those from the Victorian era.
What Kind Of Architrave Do I Have?
For the purposes of installing plantation shutters, architraves can be grouped into three easy to identify categories. Here are the three different architrave types, and what to look for in order to identify each of them.
Why Is An Architrave Necessary?
While an architrave isn’t structurally necessary in that it doesn’t add any tangible strength to the structure of the house , it does serve two important purposes. The first, and most obvious, is the polish it adds to a room. A door or window without an architrave can look unfinished and bare, and can make an otherwise beautiful room look less than its best. Adding an architrave can be like putting the cherry on top of an already beautiful cake! The second function of an architrave is more utilitarian. When a door or window is built into a wall, it can create seams and joints that are impossible to simply paint over. An architrave helps to cover these imperfections up, creating a clean, beautiful look around these features.
What material is used for architraves?
Other less common architrave materials include plaster, PVC, rubber, ceramic tiles and aluminium. Most builders will use the same material for the architraves as they do for the other mouldings and finishes in the home, to create a level of uniformity.
How many mm of flat surface to install outside L frame?
An outside L-frame can be installed to any type of architrave, as long as there is 38.1mm of flat surface to install the frame. If you have a decorative architrave, there may be a flat surface at the centre of the architrave to install an outside mount. (This requires a different measuring technique to a normal outside mount.)
What is an L frame window?
An L-frame sits inside the window recess, and can work with any architrave. A particularly good option for decorative architraves, as it won't cover any part of the trim.
What is an architrave in architecture?
Within classical architecture, an architrave is used as the lintel that rests above the columns of a building or statue. Within Greek language, the words ‘arche’ and ‘trabs’ would form together to mean ‘main beam’. Caption: How the word Architrave was previously used.
What is the purpose of an architrave?
The purpose of the architrave for doors is to hide that joint and any following shrinkage and movement between the two. Similarly, a skirting board would be used to cover the weaker plaster at the base of the wall, and act as a trim where the walls meet the floors.
Why is Architrave Necessary?
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your home, or just want to do a little decorating, there is a really important role that your architrave has to play.
What is Architrave Made From?
There are three popular materials that all interior mouldings can be made from, including architrave; MDF, hardwood and softwood. All of these materials are favoured among many people, but have their pros and cons (something we'll discuss in a different blog).
When was the architrave invented?
The History Behind Architrave. Architecture dates back around 40,000 years , and became more prominent around the Tudor period, as architrave was developed to improve the finishes on the building designs, and would give the distinguishable architrave style that we see today, especially in more ‘traditional’-styled homes.
Is a loft hatch a period style?
Unlike window framing, your loft hatch is not as regulated by period style, as it is a subtle area, and the wide variety of styles means that a modern home would not be fixed to an Edwardian theme and vice versa. Caption: Stepped Architrave used around a loft hatch.
What Are Architraves Used For?
Fitted around door frames and windows, architraves are used pretty much in all residential and commercial buildings. Their function is indeed mainly decorative as these don't hold your door and window frames structurally. However, they enhance the style and decoration of any room by giving a finished and streamlined look.
How to Choose Architraves?
Essentially, you need to get clear on your interior design goals, your budget, and how big or small is the job. Are you going through a massive home renovation? Is your house Victorian or Edwardian style? Do you have a clear idea of your skirting board's profile style?
What Is the Difference Between Door Frames and Architraves?
The main thing to know is that the architrave is just one of the many parts of doors and windows frames as it's the piece that surrounds them!
What is the structure that holds the wall opening together and where the door will sit?
In conclusion, the door frame is the supportive structure that holds the wall opening together and where the door will sit, and the architrave is the decorative moulding around it.
Why do people use architrave doors?
It's because it keeps together the aesthetics of the room once the main structural parts of the door frame itself are set and good to go !
Can you fix an architraves?
If you end up purchasing by mistake architraves or skirting of different widths, it's not the end of the world! To fix the untidy look, you can either get a plinth block to create a transition between both mouldings or sand the back surface of the thickest one. This situation may not be ideal, but if you are DIY-er you can definitely fix this nuisance!
Do skirting boards match architraves?
Short answer: No ! The thickness of your skirting boards must be matching your architrave's! This is to create a harmonious and smooth look around your home. However, you can choose a different style or profile for your architraves, preferably as long as this is part of the overall interior design.
What is architrave used for?
Architrave conceals the joint and any shrinkage or movement that may occur between the wall and the casing within the door surround.
What is wood architrave?
Architraves are interior mouldings fitted around a door frame or a window. They allow you to hide door joints and other rough surfaces by acting as a trim where the joints meet the walls or the floor. Architrave is typically available in a range of materials and finishes.
Do skirting boards and architraves need to match?
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 you measure for architrave?
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.
Is architrave the same as skirting?
Architrave, however, is generally much thinner than skirting board and is fitted around doors where the (most likely wooden) door frame meets the plaster.
Why do you put a frame around a window?
Installing a frame around a window is a great design statement that becomes a natural continuation of your chosen moulding style and helps bring different interior elements together more cohesively.
How to install a window frame?
To begin installing a window frame, you must first mark out where the architrave is to be positioned. To do this, grab a set square and pencil and make regular markings around the perimeter of the window, 5mm from the edge as you would before fitting architrave around a door. With the markings in place, hold a length of architrave in line with ...
How to fit crossbar on window?
To fit the top section of the frame (or ‘crossbar’), position a length of architrave across the top of the window horizontally in line with the pencil markings you added initially as a guide. Like before, you now need to mark on the architrave in pencil where the architrave needs to be cut in order for it to be the correct size.
Who used architraves in her living room?
Calista Munnell, our 2016 Builder & Designer Challenge grand prize winner, used architraves in the entrance to her living room. The cased opening, paired with neutral paint and flooding the entry with natural light, creates a clean, modern feel. The simple architrave frames the space without being overpowering.
What is atmosphere interior design?
1. Atmosphere Interior Design. Atmosphere Interior Design is known for their attention to detail and classic proportions. The architrave in this room contributes to the clean cut, fresh style of the room. The contrast between the patterned wall and the hard lines of the architrave complement each other well. 2.
Which is more forgiving, P50 or Architrave?
If the plasterers do a poor job you will notice very easily with a P50 shadowline, an architrave is more forgiving.
What is the best way to hide cracks in plasterboard?
Definitely go with architraves as they are more traditional, will help conceal any cracking in the plasterboard around the window, and will probably be easier and cheaper to install than a properly built plasterboard shadowline.
Is the gybrock extension a modern extension?
It's a modern extension, yes we're having timber frame and gybrock. I now get the point of architraves!
Do aluminium windows have architraves?
If your windows are aluminium, then not to have architraves, would be the normal thing to do in a current build, here in Perth. However, if you a going for a traditional look to blend in with original home, then install architraves. Here in Perth it is a rare thing to see architraves on an aluminium window.
