How to Fix Architraves Around Door Frames

August 12, 2026

What Are Architraves?

Architraves are the decorative mouldings that frame door openings, covering the gap between the door lining and the plastered wall. They give a neat, finished look to any doorway and are available in a wide range of profiles to suit both traditional and contemporary interiors.

At Univers Skirting & Architrave, our architraves are machined from moisture-resistant MDF and are available in profiles including Ogee, Torus, Ovolo, Bullnose, Square Edge, and more.

Tools & Materials You'll Need

Architrave lengths (measure up before ordering)
Mitre saw or mitre box and hand saw
Tape measure and pencil
Spirit level
Grab adhesive or panel pins (or both)
Nail punch and filler
Sandpaper (120 and 240 grit)
Primer and paint

Step 1: Mark the Reveal

Before fitting, mark a consistent reveal line around the door lining — typically 6mm back from the inner edge. Use a pencil and a small offcut of architrave as a guide. This reveal gives the architrave something to sit against and creates a neat shadow line.

Step 2: Fit the Vertical Legs First

Cut the two vertical side pieces (legs) to length. The top of each leg should be cut at a 45° mitre angle, ready to meet the horizontal head piece. Hold each leg against the reveal line and mark the bottom cut — this should sit just above the finished floor level or on top of the skirting board if already fitted.

Fix each leg using grab adhesive, panel pins, or both. Check with a spirit level that each leg is perfectly vertical before fixing.

Step 3: Cut and Fit the Head Piece

Measure the distance between the two vertical legs at the top, then cut the horizontal head piece with 45° mitres at each end. The mitres must be cut in opposite directions to form the corners correctly.

Dry-fit the head piece first to check the mitres close tightly. Adjust if needed, then fix in place with adhesive and/or pins.

Step 4: Secure the Mitre Joints

Once all three pieces are in place, drive a panel pin through each mitre joint at an angle to pull the joint tight. This prevents the joint from opening up as the MDF acclimatises to the room.

Step 5: Fill, Sand & Paint

Fill any pin holes and gaps at the wall with a flexible decorator's caulk or fine surface filler
Sand lightly once dry with 240 grit
Apply a coat of primer if using unprimed architrave, or go straight to your topcoat if factory-primed
Finish with two coats of your chosen paint for a professional result

Tips for a Perfect Finish

Acclimatise your MDF — leave boards in the room for 24–48 hours before fitting
Use a sharp blade — blunt mitre saw blades cause ragged cuts that are hard to close
Cope internal returns if the architrave wraps around a reveal or recess
Factory-primed architrave saves significant time on site — less sanding, better paint adhesion