By Louis Jones 
Architrave is an important part of any door installation as it not only gives a neat finishing touch but also protects the surrounding structure. Door frame architrave is a type of moulding that is usually installed around doorways to cover the gap between the door frame and the adjacent wall material. It also provides an elegant and decorative touch to the frame and is available in various styles to suit different interior designs. In this blog post, we will discuss the basics of architrave door frame and explain its importance in door installations.
Material:
Door frame architraves are made from various materials such as wood, MDF, plastic, and metal. Wooden architraves are the most popular and preferred as they offer more durability and can be easily painted or stained to match the surrounding décor. MDF is also a popular choice as it can be easily shaped and painted but lacks the durability of real wood. Plastic and metal architraves are used in areas with high moisture and traffic as they offer better resistance to moisture, scratches, and wear and tear.
Styles:
There are various styles of door frame architrave available in the market, and you can choose the one that best suits your interior décor. The most popular styles include square-edge, chamfered, ogee, and torus. Square-edge architraves offer a modern and clean look, chamfered architraves have a slight bevelled edge for a subtle design, ogee architraves have an elegant curve and profile, and torus architraves have a semi-circular shape with a smooth curve.
Installation:
Door frame architraves are installed in two ways: over the door frame or concealed within the frame. Over the frame installation involves mounting the architrave over the frame to cover the gaps between the frame and the wall, while concealed installation involves fitting the architrave within the frame. Over the frame installation is easier and less expensive but may not provide a seamless finish, while concealed installation offers a neater and more elegant finish but comes at a higher cost.
Matching:
It is important to choose a door frame architrave that matches the surrounding décor and complements the door and frame. An architrave that does not match the surrounding décor may stand out and look out of place, while one that complements the décor can blend in and enhance the overall aesthetics of the space. You can also choose architraves that match other features in the room, such as skirting boards and ceiling moulding.
Maintenance:
Door frame architraves, like any other building material, require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. They should be cleaned regularly with a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove dust and dirt. Wooden architraves should be treated with a wood preservative to prevent rot and mould, while plastic and metal architraves should be checked for signs of damage or wear and tear. In case of any damage, the architrave should be replaced, or the damaged part should be repaired.
Conclusion:
Door frame architrave is an essential part of any door installation, as it not only provides a neat finishing touch but also protects the surrounding structure and enhances the aesthetics of the space. It is available in various styles and materials, and you can choose the one that best suits your interior décor and your preferences. Proper installation and maintenance of door frame architraves can enhance the lifespan and durability, and you should ensure that they are regularly checked and kept in good condition. By understanding the basics of door frame architraves, you can make an informed choice and select the best architrave for your door installation.