It’s the Small Things You Notice First
Skirting boards and architraves might not be the most glamorous part of a renovation. But once you start noticing when they’re done badly, you really can’t unsee it.
When It’s Done Badly, You Really Can’t Ignore It
The gap behind the board where it doesn’t quite meet the wall. The corner that doesn’t sit flush. The door surround that looks slightly off on one side. Each thing is small on its own, but together they make a room feel unfinished, even if everything else is perfect.
When It’s Done Well, You Just Feel It
That’s why I take this kind of work seriously. Done properly, skirting and architrave installation is what ties a room together. Done poorly, it’s the thing that quietly bothers you every time you walk through the door.
Whether you’re renovating a single room or fitting out an entire property, I approach every skirting board installation with the same care and attention to detail I bring to every job.
What I Mean by Getting It Right
There’s a real difference between skirting boards that are simply ‘up’ and skirting boards that are fitted properly. Here’s what that looks like:
Corners that meet neatly, with no visible gaps or overlaps
Boards sitting flat against the wall with no gaps behind them
Door surrounds that look even and balanced on both sides
Left fully prepped and ready for you to paint
These aren’t extras. They’re the standard.
Skirting Board & Architrave Installation, What’s Included
Every skirting and architrave installation is handled from start to finish. That means:
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Removing and disposing of existing skirting boards or architraves where needed.
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Preparing the wall surface so everything sits flush.
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Cutting and shaping everything carefully to suit the room, including tricky corners and uneven walls.
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Fitting skirting boards, door surrounds and any matching mouldings throughout.
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Filling nail holes and any minor gaps so the finish is ready for paint.
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Leaving the space clean and tidy when the work is done.
In short, you get a complete, professional finish. Not just a carpenter who turns up with a length of board and a nail gun.
Door Frame Installation That Works with Your Property
Door surrounds don’t exist on their own. They sit alongside door frames and the doors themselves, so if any part of that is slightly off, the whole thing looks wrong.
As part of a full skirting and architrave installation, I also carry out outdoor frame installation and adjustments where needed. This means I can make sure the door surround sits neatly against the frame and looks even on both sides.
If you’re fitting new internal doors at the same time, I can handle the full job. Frame, surround, and door, all planned and fitted together, so nothing looks like an afterthought.
Period Properties and Awkward Walls? Not a Problem.
Older properties come with their own challenges. Walls that lean slightly. Floors that aren’t quite level. Corners that aren’t a perfect right angle.
None of that is unusual, but it does mean you can’t just cut everything to the same measurement and hope for the best. It requires a bit more thought and a bit more skill.
I’m used to working in period properties across Surrey and South West London, and I know how to adapt the installation to suit the space. The result still looks clean and considered, even when the building itself makes that harder to achieve.
In fact, this is exactly the kind of problem-solving I enjoy. Getting it right in a tricky space is far more satisfying than a straightforward job in a new build.
Choosing the Right Style & Finish
Not everyone arrives with a clear picture of what they want, and that’s absolutely fine. Part of my job is helping you work through the options.
Standard Primed MDF
A great choice for most homes. It takes paint well, comes in lots of different shapes and styles, and keeps costs sensible. It’s what I use on a lot of projects, and when it’s fitted and finished properly, it looks excellent.
Hardwood and Oak Skirting
For a more premium result, hardwood skirting, particularly oak, adds a real sense of quality to a room. It takes a little more time to work with and costs a bit more, but the difference is noticeable. It’s a popular choice in higher-spec homes and period properties.
Style and Shape
From simple, flat modern boards to more traditional decorative shapes, the right choice really depends on the feel of your home and your own taste. If you’re not sure, I can talk you through the options and show you what tends to work well in similar properties
Over 14 Years of Experience, and a Second-Place Finish at the National Carpentry Finals
I’ve been working in carpentry and joinery for more than 14 years, with experience across high-end residential properties, traditional workshop joinery, TV studios, film sets and scenic construction.
I hold NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in Carpentry and Joinery, and I placed 2nd at the SkillBuild National Carpentry Finals.
But more importantly, I’ve got over 40 five-star reviews on MyBuilder from homeowners across Surrey and South West London. People who say I turned up on time, communicated clearly and left a finish they were genuinely happy with.
Skirting board installation is one of those jobs that’s easy to rush. I don’t.
Client Feedback:
"Tom's work is 5 star. He hung 3 doors (one bespoke he made) repaired the frames and completed skirting and architraves. I've had a few carpentry jobs done on my property and wish I had met Tom earlier. His quality of work exceeded any of the other carpentry jobs i have had done. Pricing is fair and work is to a very high standard. Extremely professional and punctual. I would highly recommend him."
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A Clear-cut Process from Start to Finish
Home improvements should feel simple, not stressful. Here’s how a typical skirting and architrave project works with TOB Carpentry.
Get in Touch
Drop me a message or give me a call to tell me about your project. I’ll ask a few questions about the room, the materials and what you’re hoping to achieve.
Detailed Quote
I’ll visit the property, take proper measurements and provide a clear, itemised quotation. You’ll know exactly what’s included before I lift a tool.
Installation Day
I arrive on time, work cleanly and quietly within your home and keep disruption to a minimum. I bring my own vacuum cleaner and always leave the space tidy.
The Finished Result
A properly fitted, paint-ready finish that looks right and feels considered. The kind of result that makes you notice it for the right reasons.
Skirting Board & Architrave Installation
I'm based in Chessington and regularly work across:
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Tolworth
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New Malden
Installing skirting boards and architraves is a job I'm often called to do by homeowners and builders around Surrey and South West London.
If you'd like skirting & door frames to be fitted with precision in your home, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Ready to Get a Quote?
If you’re looking for a carpenter who takes skirting board and architrave installation seriously, one who turns up on time, works cleanly and leaves a finish you’re genuinely happy with, I’d be glad to help.
I also offer the following services: