who knew there would be so many decisions about timber?

Architraves. After a while they all look the same, but somehow we narrowed the choice down to these three, and then even further to the middle sample.

Skirting boards are similarly varied and confusing, but we're thinking of going with the second sample from the right.


Our opinions were influenced by Bart, meticulous installer of doors and windows, and soon to be the person who attaches the architraves and skirting boards that we choose. His preference on the skirting boards was the same as ours, but motivated more by the relative easiness of attaching that size to the walls! At least he was honest.

We also like Bart because he has a sense of humour, although I'm not sure that Theo felt the same way when Bart, in his heavy European accent, proclaimed him a bludger.

Our photos of the new doors and windows don't mean much without context, so below is a photograph of the typical condition of the woodwork thoughout out house. The windows upstairs were barely able to stay in the wall.

So now you can see why these new ones make such a difference to us!