This blog is the result of over 20 years of working in building and renovations and a growing career in writing guides, columns and books.
Changing door handles is a simple way of revamping doors, and you can now choose from a vast array of styles and materials to find the particular design that suits your tastes. In most cases, you do not need to change the latch mechanism when changing handles therefore making the job very straightforward indeed. read more »
Changing internal doors will instantly revitalise a room, however, the job will be considerably easier if you use the same size hinges as before, and can therefore use the same hinge positions that are already on the door frame (door lining) – this is the technique that is demonstrated below. If you require a new door lining before fitting your new internal door, please see my guides ‘Interior door frames’ and ‘Fitting a door lining’. read more »
Fitting skirting board requires careful measuring and precision in order to produce a neat finish. Corners need mitred (angled) cuts, and this is where a little practise may be required in order to identify the correct angle of cut required. The process is made much easier by using a mitre block, which automatically provides you with a guide. Always use a cable, pipe and stud detector to help find safe and secure fixing points in the wall surface. read more »
Architrave simply covers the joint created by a door frame (the door lining) and the surrounding wall surface. There are many styles available, and most people match the profile/design of their architrave with the skirting board in the room. Fitting architrave is a very straightforward job, with the only potentially tricky part being that you need to cut accurate mitred joints for the corners. Old architrave can normally be prised off with a claw hammer. read more »
Door surrounds were traditionally made from plaster, and offer a more decorative or ornate option to wooden architrave. You can still buy traditional plaster surrounds or you can choose the modern, more lightweight alternatives – as shown below. Door surrounds are normally supplied in kit form, which you then cut to fit your door/entrance size. read more »