Interior Fixtures

Choosing the Right Material

Finger-jointed (FJ) primed pine is the standard for most new residential builds – it’s dimensionally stable, takes paint cleanly, and arrives pre-primed to save site time. MDF mouldings offer a smoother machined profile at a lower cost, suited to painted finishes in dry interior areas, though they’re less forgiving on impact than timber. For renovation or heritage work where a clear or stained finish is required, solid hardwood profiles in Tasmanian Oak, Pacific Maple, or similar species deliver the natural grain and durability the job demands.

Sizing Skirting and Architraves

Skirting height should be proportional to ceiling height. For standard 2.4m ceilings, 67–90mm skirting is typical. At 2.7m, 90–135mm provides better visual balance, and rooms with 3m-plus ceilings suit 185mm and above. Architrave width is generally sized to complement the skirting – matching the profile design in a narrower dimension keeps the trim consistent across the room. Door jamb width must match the wall thickness: 90mm stud plus plasterboard both sides gives a finished wall of approximately 110–116mm.

Pre-Primed vs Raw

Pre-primed mouldings are factory-coated with a primer and sanded, arriving ready for a final paint coat after installation. This eliminates an entire preparation step on site and is now the default for most volume residential work. Raw timber is the right choice when a stained, oiled, or clear-coated finish is specified – the primer would prevent the timber grain from showing through. Your Big River location stocks both options across the most common profiles and sizes.