If you’re looking for a simple way to achieve a stylish and professional finish around your door frames, primed MDF architrave is an excellent choice. MDF mouldings offer a host of benefits, including a clean aesthetic, long-lasting durability, and versatile design options, making them a go-to solution for both professionals and DIYers alike.
What is Architrave?
Architrave is a decorative and structural moulding that is used to frame a doorway, covering any unsightly joints. It can also be used around windows or archways to add visual interest and achieve a polished, seamless finish throughout the home.
Architraves come in a wide range of styles, from traditional to contemporary, making it easy to find a design that complements the character and period of your property. It’s common to choose the same profile for both skirting board and architrave so that they match for a cohesive finish, however, it is not unusual to go for an alternative architrave profile to your skirting board to add further detail.
Choosing the Right Architrave for your Project
As there are so many different architraves to choose from, it can be difficult to know which is best to pick for your project. All SAM primed MDF mouldings are moisture-resistant, meaning they work well in all areas of the home including humid spaces like kitchens, bathrooms or utility rooms.
If you’re choosing architrave for an older home and want to add some character, traditional style mouldings work perfectly. Popular profiles from this range include Torus (SAM09), Ogee (SAM93), and Moulded (SAM10). SAM also stock a period range of profiles ideal for heritage homes that want to honour the classic features already present in the space. This range continues to grow in popularity and includes our Victorian (SAM3525), Edwardian (SAM4887), Georgian (SAM3518) and our latest range, Classic (SAM5651).
For more modern spaces, the contemporary range offers sleek, simple designs with timeless appeal. Great options include Chamfer and Round (SAM22), Pencil Round (SAM23), and Grooved (SAM5059).
What Architrave Size should I Choose?
Once you have secured the profile best suited to your space, you will need to select a size. An architrave profile is typically measured to include thickness (mm) x width (mm) x length (m). The thickness of the architrave is how many millimetres the profile sits out from the wall, while the width of the profile is how tall or short the profile sits against the wall when installed. The length tends to be in metres and can help you when calculating how many lengths you need to buy to complete the project. Of course, the length will be cut to size to suit requirements when installing.
The SAM stock range includes a variety of popular sizes, designed to suit a wide range of property styles and design preferences.
Typically, customers opt for architrave in either 44mm, 69mm width or 94mm width. We would usually advise customers to choose an architrave width that is smaller than their skirting width, however, this isn’t always the case. Period home projects, for example, tend to use layered, wider architrave profiles to create a grander detail that is in keeping with the character of the space. This effect can also be created by adding Hockey Stick to your architrave for a bolder, detailed look.
We recommend you choose the same thickness for both your skirting and architrave, so they sit flush to each other for a professional finish.
What to Look Out for when Buying Architrave
An important factor when buying architrave is to consider the location in the room where it will be installed. It’s not uncommon for a door to be positioned close to a wall, which often means a narrower architrave is needed on one side to ensure a proper fit. In this case, you might choose two different architrave sizes to suit each side or opt for a slimmer profile all around to maintain a consistent and seamless look.
Similarly, if you’re replacing existing architrave, consider the size and profile of the original. If a full renovation isn’t planned, it’s often best to choose a slightly wider architrave than the one being removed, this helps cover any marks, paint lines, or wall damage left behind.
The Benefits of using Primed MDF Architrave over Alternative Materials
In some projects, uneven door frames can make it challenging to achieve a seamless architrave finish. Primed MDF architrave is an ideal solution in these cases, offering greater flexibility than softwood. It can easily adapt to uneven surfaces, helping to eliminate gaps without the need for extensive adjustments. Plus, being pre-primed saves time by reducing surface preparation before painting.
Primed MDF architrave is also ideal for refurbishments, renovations and new builds. Available in long lengths with a smooth, consistent surface, SAM MDF architrave has no knots or defects meaning less wastage and more value for money. A simple but effective option for architraves, whether you are a trade professional or a homeowner looking to reinvent your space.
Choose from a Wide Range of MDF Mouldings at SAM
For more than 35 years, SAM has been a trusted manufacturer of MDF mouldings for the construction and home improvement industries. With over 250 profiles available in our stock range, including both interior and exterior MDF mouldings, we offer styles and finishes to complement any design aesthetic. Our large stockholding ensures dependable availability, and for customers in Northern Ireland, online ordering with home delivery adds even more convenience.
