Architrave is a form of interior moulding that is featured in most houses, offices and other buildings. In this case, it is the strip of material that rounds off the wall and door. While 'architrave' is the correct term for the moulding, it can also be mistaken for: Door Casing. Door Surround.

What is the difference between door frame and architrave?

An architrave is the piece of wood that goes around the door frame to cover the gap between the wall and the door frame. Often selected for decorative purposes.

What is a door architrave?

Architrave is a common door feature found within most homes. Sometimes it is also known as door trim. ... Also known as a door surround or door casing, the term Architrave originated from Greece many years ago translated from the Greek word Epistyle.

Do you need architrave around a door?

You may be thinking why is it necessary to use architrave? 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. ... Architrave can be used to add style to a room and can be seen as more than just a finishing touch.

Is architrave and skirting the same thing?

Architrave is the frame that borders around a door or window, while skirting is the board that runs around the room along the floor and at the bottom of a wall.

How to fit architrave with Wickes

18 related questions found

What is the frame around a doorway called?

The door frame is the entire framework supporting the door, including the sill, jamb and head. This is also known as a door sash. Door frames can be made of wood or aluminum, and are made to blend seamlessly with your home.

Can you use skirting as door architrave?

So in short there are no major differences between architrave and skirting boards except the end finish. This is great as in most cases you can match your skirting board and architrave to achieve a complete look that's cohesive.

What is the purpose of the architrave?

However, in the modern construction industry, the term architrave it is frequently used to refer to any horizontal or vertical moulding that forms the surround to a door, window or other opening, the purpose of which is to conceal the joints between the wall or ceiling and the timber casings that form the opening.

Why is architrave used?

Why is Architrave Necessary? ... 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.

What are the types of architrave?

Most architraves are made from one of three materials: hardwood, softwood or medium-density fibreboard (MDF). Other less common architrave materials include plaster, PVC, rubber, ceramic tiles and aluminium.

What is trim around doors called?

Casing: Trim used around door and window openings. Exterior casing trims the exterior of windows and doors.

What are architrave mouldings?

Architraves are a type of moulding that can be found around doors and windows. They can add a decorative finishing touch and also serve the purpose of hiding unsightly gaps. Architrave mouldings are generally added just after the window and door framing is installed. This assists in creating the best finished effect.

What is a skirting block?

Skirting Blocks (also known as Plinth blocks) are decorative timber blocks installed at the bottom of an architrave where it meets the skirting board. Skirting blocks are usually thicker than the architrave which enhances the look of the architrave & doorway.

Why is it called a skirting board?

The term skirting boards was first mentioned in the Victorian era where rich individuals were trying to keep up the grand designs of their houses. At that time walls were made from bricks and heat used to be a huge problem. Many people couldn't afford a radiator to keep warm.

What is a shadow gap wall?

Most self-builders hoping to create a contemporary home are familiar with shadow gaps — those tiny 'flash gaps' or 'controlled gaps' designed to replace skirting boards and allow for movement between the two planes of the wall and the floor.

What is the gap between door and frame?

How Much of a Gap Should There Be? There should be some space between the door and the frame for your door to open and close properly. The gap between the sides and top should be the same as the Nickel's width (2mm) and 8mm between the door and floor.

What is a door jamb and casing?

Door head: The horizontal component found just above the door, with two grooves the door jambs are built to fit into. ... Jamb casing: Also called an architrave, this is a decorative trim mounted to the wall around the frame. It's generally separate from the frame itself, meaning it can be removed or replaced easily.

What is a door surround?

An ornamental border encircling the sides and top of a door frame.

What is the difference between architrave and cornice?

A cornice can be plain or highly decorative. Plain cornice may be referred to as 'coving'. ... An architrave is a moulding that sits above a door, window or other opening, where the architrave extends across the top of the side mouldings to the opening.

What is architrave in building?

architrave, in Classical architecture, the lowest section of the entablature (horizontal member), immediately above the capital of a column.

How do you choose architrave?

You'll always need to choose the same thickness (or thicker) as your skirtings for your architraves. This is so the architraves don't sit back from the skirting boards. If you're using plinth blocks between the skirting and architrave, the architrave just needs to be thinner than the plinth block.

What is the difference between trim and casing?

Trim is a general term, often used to describe all types of molding and millwork. Casing is a type of molding, typically used to trim the perimeter of windows and doors. ... Base molding (or baseboard) is a type of molding, which is applied where the wall and floor meet.

What is the difference between trim and Moulding?

This is a common question, and the answer is pretty simple. TRIM is a general term that refers to all molding in a home (i.e. window casing, door casing, baseboards, etc.). MOLDING (or moulding) is a broad classification of millwork (any type of woodwork that is produced in a mill …

What is a window jamb?

Jambs are the main vertical parts forming the sides of a window frame. Sill. A sill is the main horizontal part forming the bottom of the frame of a window. Jambliner. A jambliner is a strip which goes on the sides of a window frame that provides a snug fit for the window sash.