Skirting & Architrave Advice for Your Home Improvement Project

When it comes to home improvement, details matter, and architraves and skirtings are essential finishing touches that elevate the aesthetics and functionality of your interior spaces. While they often go unnoticed, their role in creating a polished and cohesive look cannot be overstated. From covering gaps to adding style, let’s dive into everything you need to know about skirting boards, architraves, and their materials, profiles, and installation.

What Are Architraves and Skirtings?

Architraves and skirtings are decorative and functional features that enhance the edges of walls, floors, and door frames.

• Skirting boards: Installed at the bottom of walls, skirting boards create a seamless transition between the wall and floor, concealing any gaps and preventing drafts.
• Architrave: Surrounding a door frame, architrave provides a neat finish, covering gaps where the wall meets the frame while adding a decorative flair.

Beyond aesthetics, these features allow for the natural expansion and contraction of materials without exposing unsightly gaps or affecting the room's thermal efficiency.

Materials for Skirting and Architrave

Choosing the right material for your skirting and architrave is crucial, as it affects durability, cost, and design flexibility. Here’s a breakdown of popular materials:

Solid Wood Skirting and Architrave

• Advantages: Natural texture, premium appearance, and versatility in finishing.
• Popular Types: Oak for its luxurious look and pine for affordability.
• Considerations: Solid wood can warp over time, especially in damp conditions, potentially leading to future repairs.

MDF Skirting Boards and Architrave

• Advantages: Affordable, durable, and resistant to warping.
• Finish Options: Typically pre-primed for easy painting, making them ideal for modern homes.
• Limitations: Lack of natural wood texture, but this can be compensated with high-quality paint or veneer finishes.

uPVC Architrave and Skirting Boards

• Advantages: Highly cost-effective, resistant to moisture, and low maintenance.
• Applications: Ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas prone to dampness.
• Design Versatility: Available in a variety of profiles and finishes, including wood-effect designs.

Styles and Profiles of Skirting Boards and Architrave

Skirting boards and architrave profiles come in a variety of shapes and styles to match the décor of your home. Here are some popular options:

• Ogee Profile: A classic design with a double groove for added detail, perfect for traditional or period homes.
• Torus Profile: Features a single groove and a bevelled edge, offering a timeless look.
• Bullnose Profile: Minimalistic with a rounded edge, ideal for contemporary interiors.
• Chamfered Profile: Similar to bullnose but with a distinctive outward curve for a subtle decorative touch.
• Ovolo Profile: Features a curved edge leading to a shallow step, offering understated elegance.
• Lamb’s Tongue Profile: More pronounced than ovolo, with a defined step that adds character to period properties.

Whether your home has Victorian charm or Art Deco flair, there’s a profile to complement the style. Skirting and architrave are also available in varying thicknesses, lengths, and finishes, from natural wood tones to primed surfaces ready for customization.

Matching Skirting Boards and Architrave

Consistency in design is key to achieving a cohesive look, but there’s room for creativity:

• Matching Profiles: Opt for the same style for both skirting and architrave to maintain harmony throughout the room.
• Contrasting Profiles: Combine a simple skirting board with an ornate architrave for a statement piece that draws attention to door frames.

When mixing styles, ensure consistency in color, tone, and material. For example, natural wood skirting should match the architrave’s wood tone, or both should be painted the same color. Additionally, align the widths of the skirting and architrave to create a balanced visual effect.

Practical Tips for Installation

Skirting Boards

• Preparation: Measure the room and plan for any corners or curves. Pre-cut skirting to fit seamlessly around edges.
• Draught Prevention: Skirting can help seal gaps at the base of walls, reducing drafts and improving energy efficiency.

Architrave for Door Frames

• Positioning: Fit the architrave snugly around the door frame, ensuring it covers any gaps.
• Finishing Touches: Use caulking to seal joints and paint or varnish for a polished finish.

What’s the Difference Between a Door Frame and Architrave?

While often mentioned together, door frames and architrave serve distinct purposes:

• Door Frame: The structural element that supports the door, holding hinges and other fittings.
• Architrave: The decorative moulding around the door frame, used to cover gaps and add aesthetic value.

Why Choose Architraves and Skirtings for Your Home Improvement?

Installing architraves and skirtings is an excellent way to elevate your home’s aesthetic while addressing practical concerns like covering gaps, preventing drafts, and allowing for material expansion. Whether you opt for MDF skirting boards, uPVC architrave, or traditional solid wood, these elements are versatile and customizable to suit any home improvement project.

From selecting the perfect profile to ensuring a professional finish, architraves and skirtings are small details that make a big difference in transforming your space.