Door architraves are more than just decorative trim; they hide the joint between the door frame and the wall, providing a clean, finished look to your interior....
Repairing damaged architrave is a cost-effective way to refresh a room without the expense of a full renovation. Whether it is a simple case of re-pinning a loose length or replacing a section of rotten timber, a professional carpenter can restore the architectural integrity of your doorways quickly and neatly.
What Does the Work Involve?
- Inspection: Assessing whether the issue is cosmetic (cracks/gaps) or structural (loose frame or damp).
- Preparation: Scoring paint lines with a utility knife to prevent the wall plaster or wallpaper from tearing during removal.
- Removal: Gently prying away damaged sections using a bolster chisel or crowbar.
- Mitring: Cutting new timber or MDF at precise 45-degree angles to ensure tight, seamless corners.
- Fixing: Securing the architrave using a combination of high-strength wood adhesive and recessed finishing pins.
- Making Good: Filling pin holes, sanding joints flush, and applying caulk to the wall-side gap for a professional finish.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low £ | High £ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call-out / Minimum Charge | £70 | £120 | Covers the first hour of labour and travel. |
| Hourly Labour Rate | £40 | £70 | Varies by region (London/SE prices are higher). |
| Materials (MDF) | £10 | £25 | Standard 2.1m lengths for a single door. |
| Materials (Hardwood/Oak) | £45 | £90 | Premium timber costs significantly more. |
| Full Replacement (per door) | £120 | £220 | Includes materials, labour, and basic filling. |
Prices are primarily driven by the material choice and the complexity of the profile. If you have period features with bespoke mouldings, a carpenter may need to source custom timber, which will increase both material costs and lead times.
How Long Does It Take?
- Minor Repairs: 30–60 minutes to re-fix loose sections or fill hairline cracks.
- Partial Replacement: 1–2 hours to cut, fit, and blend a new section into existing moulding.
- Full Door Set: 2–3 hours per door for removal and complete installation of new architrave.
- Whole House: 1–2 days depending on the number of doors and the level of sanding/filling required.
DIY or Professional?
While fixing a loose piece of trim is a manageable DIY task, achieving perfect "light-tight" mitre joints requires specialist tools like a mitre saw and a steady hand. If your home has fire doors, you must ensure any repairs do not interfere with the intumescent strips or the door's fire-rating certification.
Professional carpenters use "pre-primed" materials and pneumatic nail guns, which result in a much cleaner finish than manual nailing and hand-painting raw wood.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
- Look for a carpenter with a portfolio showing neat, gap-free joinery work.
- Check for City & Guilds Level 2 or 3 in Site Carpentry or Joinery.
- Red Flag: Avoid trades who suggest "filling large gaps with caulk" rather than cutting the timber to fit accurately.
- Ask: "Will you be using a mitre saw for the corner joints?"
- Ask: "Is the final painting included, or do you leave the wood ready for a decorator?"
- Ask: "Do you have experience matching period moulding profiles?"
UK Regulations
- Part B (Fire Safety): If repairing architrave on a fire door (common in flats or near kitchens), the moulding must not obstruct the door's ability to close or interfere with smoke seals.
- Material Standards: Timber should ideally be FSC-certified to ensure it is sustainably sourced.
- Waste Disposal: Small amounts of timber can go in domestic waste, but large-scale replacements require the trade to have a waste carrier licence if they are taking it away.
Common Problems
- Split Timber: Using nails that are too large or failing to pre-drill hardwood can cause the architrave to split.
- Ghosting: If pins aren't punched below the surface and filled correctly, they will "bleed" rust or show as bumps through the paint.
- Springing Mitres: Using poor quality adhesive or fixing into "blown" plaster can cause the corner joints to open up over time.
- Profile Mismatch: Modern architrave is often thinner than Victorian or Edwardian originals, leading to an awkward "step" if only one side is replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I repair architrave that has water damage?
If the wood is MDF and has "blown" (swollen), it cannot be repaired and must be replaced. Real timber can often be dried, sanded, and treated, provided there is no rot.
Do I need to remove the door to fix the architrave?
No, the architrave sits on the wall around the door frame. The door can usually stay on its hinges, though it may be opened or closed during the process to check clearances.
Why are my mitre joints opening up?
This is usually due to central heating drying out the timber or the house settling. A professional can fix this by "pinning and gluing" the joint or using a flexible wood filler.
Is MDF better than real wood for architraves?
MDF is cheaper, doesn't warp, and has no knots, making it excellent for a painted finish. However, real wood (softwood or hardwood) is more durable and can be stained or varnished.
Will there be a lot of dust?
Cutting timber does create fine dust. Ensure your tradesperson uses a vacuum-attached mitre saw or performs the cuts outside to protect your soft furnishings.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
