Installing door architraves

[rscho]

We're installing new timber architraves around doorways and are wondering what the purpose of the 3-5mm gap between the edge of the architrave and the face of the door jamb (the quirk?) is for.

Does it serve a purpose like protect the edge of the architrave breaking off or disguising a slight bow in the architrave or is it simply decorative?

[scooter]

Does it serve a purpose like protect the edge of the architrave breaking off or disguising a slight bow in the architrave or is it simply decorative?

(b) & (c) as far as I know.

[OBBob]

Also allows somewhere for the pin section of your hinges to overhang. Definately looks better doen that way.

[markharrison]

It will definitely be easier to install, if nothing else.

Starting from the sides. I use a pencil guage to mark the reveal. I cut the mitre at the correct length. Then I use a sliding bevel to transfer the actual angle relative to the head to the mitre saw to cut.

Sounds like the long way around the barn written down but the joins are airtight.

All that said, I'm not a chippie. Having seen what passes for interior trim carpenters work, they clearly take some, ahem, shortcuts.