Door frames and linings in Newcastle, fitted true and square
New linings, architrave and skirting to go with your new doors, or to put right tired and twisted openings. Openings re-sized where needed and finishes matched to oak, white or painted doors.
- Linings & frames
- Architrave & skirting
- Re-sized openings
Door frames and linings for Newcastle homes
A new door can only be as good as the opening it hangs in. If the lining is twisted, loose or buried under decades of paint, the door will never close quite right. Replacing door frames and linings is often the step that turns a decent refit in a Newcastle home into a really sharp one.
We fit new linings, architrave and skirting on their own or as part of a door refit, across Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside and the wider area.
Most of our lining work falls into two groups. Some customers want new linings throughout to suit a full set of new doors, while others need one or two openings put right after years of knocks and repairs. Either way, if doors are being fitted at the same time, the linings, architrave and doors all go on one itemised quote.
Door linings vs door frames: what's the difference?
People often use the two words for the same thing, but they're built differently.
Door linings
A lining is a set of fairly thin boards, usually around 18 mm, that covers the inside of the opening. The door stop is a separate bead pinned on after the door is hung. Linings are used in nearly all internal openings in homes, and they come in widths to suit the thickness of the wall.
Door frames
A frame is made from thicker, heavier sections, with the door stop machined into the timber as a rebate. Frames are stronger, so they're used for heavy doors, external doors and many fire door sets. Some older houses also have frames rather than linings on their internal doors.
| Lining | Frame | |
|---|---|---|
| Timber | Thin boards, around 18 mm | Thicker, solid sections |
| Door stop | Separate bead, pinned on | Rebated into the frame |
| Typical use | Most internal doors | Heavy doors, fire door sets, some older homes |
| Flexibility | Stop can be set for 35 mm or 44 mm doors | Rebate is a fixed size |
For fire doors, the frame or lining is part of the fire performance. It needs to match the door's test evidence, so it's often supplied with the door as a set. Our fire doors page explains more.
Architrave and skirting styles
Architrave covers the joint between the lining and the wall, and skirting does the same job where the wall meets the floor. Together they frame the door, so the profile you choose changes the feel of a room.
- Torus has a soft, rounded edge and suits most homes, old and new.
- Ogee has a gentle S-shaped curve, a classic choice for traditional houses.
- Chamfered has a simple angled edge that looks clean and modern.
- Square edge or pencil round is the most minimal option and suits flush, contemporary doors.
- Deeper period mouldings suit Victorian and Edwardian terraces in Jesmond, Heaton and Gosforth, where you may want to match what's already there.
Modern architrave is typically 58 to 70 mm wide, while period homes often have wider profiles. We match the skirting so the two look right together.
When should door linings be replaced?
Not every refit needs new linings. If the old ones are sound and square, we'll reuse them and save you the cost. We'd suggest replacing them when:
- The lining is twisted or out of plumb, so no door will hang evenly in it
- It has been damaged by old hinges, locks or years of repairs
- You're changing the door thickness, for example to a 44 mm fire door
- You're moving from painted to oak doors and want the woodwork to match
- The opening needs to be made wider, narrower, taller or shorter
- The architrave is split, heavily painted or doesn't suit the new doors
Re-sizing door openings
Older houses often have openings that don't match any standard door size. Rather than paying for a made-to-measure door, it's usually better value to re-size the opening to suit a standard one, such as 1981 x 762 mm (6'6" x 2'6") or the metric 2040 x 826 mm.
Making an opening smaller
This is straightforward. We fit a new lining at the right size and pack out the gap behind it, then make good around the edges before the architrave goes on.
Making an opening bigger
In a stud wall, widening an opening means moving studs and fitting a new head. In a load-bearing or solid wall it may need a new lintel, so check with building control or a structural engineer before any work starts.
Re-sizing is also common when fitting bifold doors, which come in set kit widths. Our guide on how to measure an internal door explains what we look at.
Matching finishes to your doors
The woodwork should suit the doors, or the finished job looks half done. With oak doors, oak linings and architrave give a warm, consistent look. Use the same finish on both, whether oiled, lacquered or pre-finished, so the colour stays even. With white or painted doors, primed MDF or softwood architrave is painted to match. Grey or coloured doors look good with architrave painted in the same shade or a crisp white.
Mixing works too. Oak doors with white architrave and skirting is a popular combination that keeps a room bright. If you're torn, our oak vs white guide weighs up the pros and cons.
Frames and linings questions
Can you replace architrave without changing the doors?
Yes. New architrave and skirting on their own are a quick way to freshen up a hallway or landing, and the existing doors can stay where they are.
Will new linings mean replastering?
Not usually. There may be some small areas to make good where the old lining came out, but these are normally covered by the new architrave or filled and painted.
How long does it take to replace a door lining?
Taking out an old lining and fitting a new one with architrave usually takes a few hours per opening, before the door itself is hung.
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Learn moreGet a quote for frames and linings
Send us photos of the openings and tell us about the doors you’re planning. We’ll reply with an itemised quote, usually within one working day.