Curved Architraves and Wall Skirting: What to Measure
Quick answer
For curved architraves or skirting, provide the opening or wall radius, the face width and thickness, and a square-on profile sample, tracing or scaled photograph. A chord-and-rise measurement helps define an arch when a full-size template is not practical.
Curved walls, round windows and arched openings need mouldings that follow the building rather than forcing straight timber around a curve. Arched architraves and curved skirting are manufactured to the measured shape, with the visible profile machined after the curve has been formed.
Arched architraves follow the opening
An arched architrave frames a curved doorway or window. The workshop needs the opening width, rise and straight-leg information, plus the required moulding profile. A full circle, half circle and shallow segmental arch are different geometries even when they share the same width.
A rigid template is valuable for irregular masonry or old joinery. Where a template is not practical, provide straight-on photographs with several measurements and identify exactly which edge each figure follows.
Curved skirting has an inside and outside radius
Skirting around a rounded wall may follow an internal or external radius. State which face of the wall is being measured and which face of the finished moulding must carry the decorative profile. Reversing those references can produce a part that curves in the wrong direction.
Measure the wall at the height where the skirting will sit. Older plaster is not always consistent from floor to top edge, so a floor-plan radius alone may not describe the actual fitting surface.
Choose the material for the finish
MDF is useful for painted internal work. Pine and hardwood are available when the job requires timber, a stained finish or a match to existing joinery. Tell the workshop how the piece will be finished because this affects material selection and preparation.
What to send for a quote
- A straight-on photograph of the complete opening or wall
- Opening width and height in millimetres
- Radius or a full-size template where available
- Required moulding width and thickness
- A photograph, drawing or sample of the profile
- Internal or external curve clearly marked
- Painted or stained finish and preferred timber
The most reliable result comes from combining geometry with a physical profile reference. A simple sketch can show which dimensions belong to the wall, opening and finished moulding, while a sample confirms the small curves and steps that a photograph can hide.
Allow for joints, returns and straight legs
An arch rarely exists in isolation. Note whether the curved head meets straight vertical architraves, whether the moulding returns into a wall, and where joins may be acceptable. For skirting, mark doorways, external corners and the point at which the curved section becomes straight. These transitions affect the length and the direction of the profiled face.
Use a full-size template for irregular work
Old plaster openings can be asymmetric even when they look circular. A rigid full-size template records the actual fitting line. Label the room side, top, left and right; draw the required finished edge; and add a scale check so the template can be verified.
Can a curved architrave or skirting profile be matched?
Yes. Treat the curve and the decorative profile as two separate pieces of information: send a full-size template or radius for the shape, then a short sample, tracing or scaled end photograph for the moulding section. Heritage can match curved architraves and skirting in MDF, pine or a nominated hardwood, subject to confirming the material, finished size and quantity.
The architraves and skirting range explains the available materials and profile service. When the shape is ready, use the job enquiry form to attach photographs, a dimensioned drawing and details of the intended finish.