Cover strip
Cover strip is a general term that might be used for a number of different vertical or horizontal architectural elements. It is normally used to cover the gap between two materials, particularly where the edges are un even or the materials may move over time.
A timber cover strip can describe any piece of timber, bead or trip that is used to cover another (often a gap). An architrave is a form of cover strip that covers the gap between an often wooden door frame and the surrounding plaster wall, it covers the edge of the plaster finish and hides any future shrinkage or movement. Other forms of decorative interior features that may also be considered as cover strips are skirting boards and cornices, covering the joint between the floor and wall or wall to ceiling.
A carpet cover strip can be metal, plastic or timber and is usually a strip of material with curved edges that is fixed to the flow between two material finishes, in particular carpet, where the underside might have small teeth to grip to the carpet finish, it may also be referred to as a flooring threshold bar / strip or a transition bar.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Architrave.
- Architectural styles.
- Balustrade.
- Bas-relief.
- Classical orders in architecture.
- Corbel.
- Cornice.
- Dogtooth.
- Elements of classical columns.
- Entablature.
- Fillet.
- Fluting.
- Fret.
- Frieze.
- Greek Classical orders in architecture.
- Hood moulding.
- Keel moulding.
- Moulding.
- Pedestal.
- Pediment.
- Pilaster.
- Rinceau.
- Roman Classical orders in architecture.
- Running dog pattern.
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.