Architrave, a decorative molding that frames doorways and windows, has been a staple in interior design for centuries. Its purpose extends beyond aesthetics, providing a seamless transition between walls and openings. In recent years, Wickes, a renowned home improvement retailer, has emerged as a popular choice for high-quality architrave. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of Wickes architrave, exploring its types, materials, installation, and the reasons behind its increasing popularity.
What is Architrave?
Before we dive into the specifics of Wickes architrave, let’s clarify what architrave is. Essentially, it’s a decorative molding that surrounds a doorway or window opening.
It serves both functional and aesthetic purposes:
Functional: It covers the gap between the wall and the door or window frame, providing a neat finish and preventing drafts.
Aesthetic: It adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to a room, enhancing its overall visual appeal.
Why Choose Wickes Architrave?
Wickes has established a strong reputation for providing quality building materials and home improvement products. Their architrave range is no exception.
Here are some reasons why people are drawn to Wickes architrave:
Diverse Range: Wickes offers a wide variety of architrave styles, from classic to contemporary, catering to different tastes and architectural preferences.
High-Quality Materials: Their architrave is crafted from durable materials like MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) and timber, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Easy Installation: Wickes architrave is designed for easy installation, even for DIY enthusiasts. It comes with clear instructions and pre-cut mitered corners, simplifying the process.
Competitive Pricing: Wickes provides high-quality products at competitive prices, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners.
Wide Availability: With numerous stores across the UK and a robust online presence, Wickes architrave is easily accessible.
Types of Wickes Architrave
Wickes offers a diverse range of architrave styles to suit various interior design preferences. Here are some of the most popular types:
MDF Architrave: This is a cost-effective option that can be painted to match any color scheme. It’s durable and easy to work with.
Timber Architrave: Available in various wood species like oak and pine, timber architrave offers a classic and timeless look. It’s ideal for traditional and period properties.
Primed Architrave: This type of architrave comes pre-primed, saving time and effort during the painting process. It’s ready to be painted to your desired color.
How to Choose the Right Wickes Architrave
When selecting Wickes architrave, consider the following factors:
Style: Choose a style that complements your home’s overall aesthetic. Classic styles work well with traditional homes, while contemporary styles suit modern interiors.
Material: Consider the durability and maintenance requirements of different materials. MDF is a good choice for budget-friendly options, while timber offers a more luxurious look.
Profile: The profile of the architrave refers to its shape. Common profiles include ogee, rebated, and square-edged.
Size: Ensure the width and thickness of the architrave are appropriate for your door and window frames.
Color: Choose a color that complements your wall color and other interior elements.
Installing Wickes Architrave
Installing Wickes architrave is a relatively straightforward process that can be done by DIY enthusiasts. Here are the basic steps involved:
Measure and Cut: Measure the length of each architrave piece required and cut them to size using a miter saw.
Prepare the Surface: Ensure the wall and door or window frame are clean and free of any debris.
Apply Adhesive: Apply a strong adhesive to the back of the architrave.
Position and Fix: Position the architrave against the wall and press it firmly into place.
Nail or Screw: Secure the architrave with nails or screws, ensuring they are countersunk and filled with filler.
Fill and Sand: Fill any gaps or nail holes with filler and sand the surface smooth.
Prime and Paint: Prime and paint the architrave to match your desired color.
FAQs
What types of architrave does Wickes offer?
Wickes provides a range of MDF architrave options, such as chamfered, bullnose, and ogee profiles. Each style can be chosen based on the desired aesthetic and compatibility with door frames and skirting. MDF (medium-density fibreboard) is popular for its durability and consistency, as it is resistant to natural wood defects like warping and swelling, making it an ideal choice for architrave.
What are the standard dimensions of Wickes architrave?
Wickes architraves typically come in sizes like 18 mm thickness and widths around 69 mm, with lengths of 2100 mm. These dimensions suit standard door frames but can be cut to fit various sizes if needed. Always check product specifications, as dimensions can vary slightly between styles.
Is Wickes MDF architrave moisture-resistant?
Yes, Wickes MDF architrave is moisture-resistant, which helps prevent swelling and warping, making it suitable for indoor areas with moderate humidity. However, it is primarily designed for interior use and is not recommended for high-moisture areas like bathrooms without additional treatment.
Do Wickes architraves require painting?
Most Wickes MDF architraves come primed, meaning they are pre-coated and ready for painting, which allows you to customize the color easily. Some models are fully finished, such as the Bullnose MDF architrave, which has a quick-dry satin finish and does not require further painting, saving time during installation.
How do you install Wickes architrave?
Installing Wickes architrave involves cutting it to fit, aligning it with the door frame, and securing it using nails or adhesive. Wickes recommends its Instant Grab Adhesive for secure, mess-free installation. It’s advisable to use dust extractors or face masks when cutting MDF for safety.
Can Wickes architrave be used with any skirting board?
Yes, Wickes architrave can be matched with most skirting boards. Profiles like chamfered and bullnose are versatile and blend well with standard skirting styles, creating a cohesive finish around doors and floors. You may want to select a matching profile to maintain consistent aesthetics throughout the room.
How much does Wickes architrave cost?
The cost varies by style and size. Prices for basic chamfered or bullnose MDF options start around £8.50 to £9.60 per piece. Purchasing multiple packs or opting for bulk may reduce the cost, and free delivery may be available for orders over £85.
Conclusion
Wickes architrave offers homeowners a versatile and durable solution for door frame finishing, available in different styles to fit various room aesthetics. Made primarily from MDF, these architraves are moisture-resistant, easy to paint (if primed), and can seamlessly complement most skirting boards. Their ease of installation, especially with Wickes’ own Instant Grab Adhesive, makes them ideal for DIYers and professionals alike. While some models require painting for a final finish, others like the Bullnose option are fully finished and ready to install right away. With several size options and profiles, Wickes architrave can enhance the structural and aesthetic appeal of your home’s interior at an accessible price point.
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