The Ultimate Guide to Choosing different types of skirting boards
Sep. 23, 2024
The Ultimate Guide to Skirting Boards
In the spirit of helping you achieve your home's revamping adventures with ease, we've put together our very own guide to skirting boards. With so many things to take care of when planning a building or renovation project, it's not just a matter of pointing your finger at a product -and swiping your card!
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You must select the right pieces, models, sizes, designs, and finishes...all within budget while striving to get the best advice and customer service.
With over 900 reviews and a product rating of 4.7, our award-winning service team certainly has the best tips and advice to go around.
In this guide, you'll find answers to all your questions about skirting boards. Step in for guidance on top products, profiles and finishes, plus DIY-articles to fitting, scribing, cleaning, and painting!
What Are Mouldings?
The most common types of mouldings you'll find inside a property are skirting boards, architraves, cornices, and window sills. All these are pieces of strip fit to enhance, decorate, protect, and hide signs of wear within the transitions in your home.
The ones you see between your walls and flooring are your skirting boards. Cornices are the mouldings between your walls and ceiling. Architraves are fitted around doors and windows, and finally, window sills are the pieces underneath.
Mouldings are there not only to protect but also to enhance your home's interiors, and they come in many different profile styles. From the simplest of designs to ornamented eye-catching statement pieces, mouldings are one of the most essential details of many renovation projects.
The History of Skirting Boards
Let's take a quick look at how these staple pieces of moulding withstood era changes, technology advances, and design trends!
Skirting boards made their way into people's homes in the Victorian Era, around the s. As residences had brick walls, an extra effort for keeping the heat inside was necessary. Mouldings also had the functionality of protecting the transitions between floors and ceilings from damage and wear -let us not forget these also hid common construction defects!
However, these quickly became a sign of status and grand design. Homeowners, whenever they could afford it, would fit ornamented tall skirting boards as a sign of status and wealth. Of course, other pieces of moulding were also widely used back then -like dado and picture rails-, but aren't as popular anymore.
Even though today simpler designs have become the norm, skirting boards remain a top feature at homes around the world. It's their functionality and design versatility what makes them essential.
How to Choose a Skirting Board Height?
There's a general convention that states your skirting boards should be 1/18 of your ceiling's height. This is not a hard-and-fast rule, but keeping in mind residences are now smaller, it's worth checking your ceiling's height before settling for a specific size.
The standard skirting board height sits at 144/145 mm. You can find some as short as 47 mm and as high as 250 mm.
The 7 Best MDF Skirting Boards Profiles
1. Best for Balancing Design and Simplicity -->
Torus Profile
What's great about this profile is how its rounded top, featuring asymmetrical semi-circle, provides texture without being too detailed. Ideal for interiors of all sizes and styles, a Torus Profile would suit homeowners looking for a classic, yet subtle touch.
Torus boards are widely available as they are an industry standard for both new sites and renovations. This popular profile has a rounded symmetrical 'belly' on its top, followed by a carved line running underneath. In most designs, the top edge is slightly thinner than the bottom of the board.
Choose a Torus Skirting Board by Finish
Fully Finished Kota Polymer Coated
At The Skirting Board Shop, you'll find KOTA Polymer Coated Torus boards, perfect for a superior silky look that needs no further work.
White Fully Finished Foil Wrapped
We also offer a range of white fully finished, foil wrapped boards -available in different heights.
Unlacquered Real Wood Veneer
Revamping your wooden interiors? Of feeling like adding a top wooden accent to your home? Then, choose from a wide variety of the Skirting Board Shop's veneered boards. These have an MDF core and are manufactured from wood timber veneer. They come unfinished -for you to lacquer and wax to taste.
For space and lightness -ideal for Scandinavian-style interiors-, choose an American White Oak board.
For character and presence -suited for countryside homes-, get the American Black Walnut.
Fully Finished Foil Wrap Wood Grain
If looking for an affordable wood-type option that comes fully finished, check the Light Oak, and the Golden Oak foil wrapped Torus Boards.
2. The Best-Ornamented Industry Standard from Victorian Times --> Ogee Profile
Ogee skirting boards are the master-of-classics. This profile has survived the Victorian years and still stands strong! Praising excess and ornamented decorations, Victorian houses call for fitting skirting boards.
And yet, you don't need a Victorian house to enjoy the looks of an Ogee. This profile is elegant and distinct. It creates a stylized, classic look thanks to the sweeping curve on its top. Some designs also have a rounded top, so it will depend on the level of detail and texture you wish to add to your mouldings.
In general lines, the Ogee Profile is fitted in the main rooms of a house -dining rooms, living rooms, and master bedrooms.
Choose an Ogee Skirting Board by Finish
Fully Finished Kota Polymer Coated
Another profile available on the innovative Kota polymer finishing, ideal for a silky, top quality look -available on different heights.
White Fully Finished Foil Wrapped and Primed
Ogee Profile white fully finished foil wrapped boards, and primed white skirting boards, that come ready for you to undercoat and finish -best for projects entailing coloured skirting boards.
Unlacquered Real Wood Veneer
Just as with the Torus profiles, you can also find Ogee boards in veneered American white Oak -available both fully finished or unfinished.
Summon the feeling of the forest with a Black Walnut Ogee profile -unfinished.
Fully Finished Foil Wrap Wood Grain
Our Ogee Light Oak and Golden Oak foil wrapped fully finished skirting boards are an affordable and stylish option. DIY-ers looking for more of a hands-off experience, this is for you!
3. Best for an Affordable Ultra-Convenient Option - Perfect for Small Rooms --> Rounded One Edge Profile
The Rounded One Edge -widely known as Bullnose Profile- is simple, low maintenance, easy to fit and clean -similar to the Chamfered and Rounded design.
Its name says it all -talk about self-explanatory profiles! This skirting board has no more design whatsoever other than a rounded edge on top, which makes it a great and safe choice suitable for most interiors.
As it's so easy to fit -especially to scribe- and clean because it has no sharp or intricate edges, the Round Edge One Profile is a very convenient and pocket-friendly choice.
You could easily fit this profile on smaller rooms like bathrooms, a nursery or a laundry, and then choose a more decorated style for the main areas of the house.
As an alternative, look into The Skirting Board Shop's Round Two Edge boards. This design features rounded edges on both top and bottom of the board.
Choose Rounded One Edge Profile by Finish
Just as with all the profiles featured in this guide, this type of skirting board is available in a variety of finishes!
Fully Finished Kota Polymer Coated
For this type of finish, you can get a skirting board + architrave bundle. Remember Kota Polymer Coated mouldings come fully finished -easy as!
White Fully Finished Foil Wrapped
Get your choice of Rounded One Edge height with our fully finished white skirting boards at 68 mm, 94 mm, 119 mm, and 144 mm.
Unlacquered Real Wood Veneer
Choose from American White Oak and American Black Walnut if you are a handy DIY-er! All these boards, available in 5 and 4 different heights, come ready for you to lacquer, wax or oil -which guarantees a match with your wooden interiors.
Fully Finished Foil Wrap Wood Grain
And now, for a hands-off experience, pick any of our fully finished Golden Oak, and Light Oak foil wrapped skirting boards.
4. Best for Elegant, Sleek Lines -->Ovolo Profile
The Ovolo skirting board profile is becoming more and more popular thanks to its versatility and elegant look. A great alternative for both modern and classic interiors, the top of an Ovolo board is similar to the Ogee and the Torus models but with a less voluminous look.
The term 'ovolo' comes from 'egg' in Italian -uovo- as the shape of this classic profile resembles the soft convex curve of an egg.
An advantage of the Ovolo boards is how easy these are to clean -without sacrificing the looks and refinement of a decorated profile! Its lack of grooved lines or bulky bumps makes it a low-maintenance, easy to fit option.
Choose an Ovolo Profile by Finish
White Primed
At The Skirting Board Shop, you'll find white primed Ovolo skirting boards in a wide variety of heights. You can also choose between 2 different models! The Ovolo 16 features a wider and softer sweep on the top, whereas the classic Ovolo comes with a more protuberant curve.
5. Best for Modern, Minimalistic Rooms --> Burford and Square & Grooved
If you are building or revamping modern and contemporary interiors, you'd want to pick a suitable style of skirting board. In this case, the Burford and the Square & Grooved profiles would be your best choices. Both offer the ultimate streamlined look, showcasing a plain surface with a narrow groove running just over a centimetre under the top edge.
The Burford profile has a rounded top edge, where the Square & Groove features a squared edge.
Both are also fine choices for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and areas of the house that may be affected by the outdoors -especially the Square & Groove design that's 22mm thick.
Choose a Burford or a Square & Groove Profile by Finish
White Primed
All boards are white primed, ready for you to add the final touches. The Burford is available in both 68 mm and 119 mm, but you can also make it a set including Burford's architraves.
The Skirting Board Shop's Square & Groove designs are also primed. You can choose between the 68 mm or the 144 mm height.
6. Best for Achieving a Hip Art-Deco Style, but With Rounded Edges --> Lambs Tongue
Think of a Lambs Tongue moulding profile as a blend of classic and contemporary features. It looks a little bit like an Ovolo profile, but can also resemble some Art Deco designs.
Essentially, a Lambs Tongue skirting board consists of a divided top section connected by a soft curve, usually on a 45º rounded angle. The main trait of this curve is that it doesn't 'wave' like on an Ogee, and it's not bumpy as on a Torus. In other words, the top and midsection of the crown on the skirting board are simply connected by a rounded 'step'. This is quite similar to what you'd expect from an Art Deco style, but this would have more defined edges.
Lambs Tongue boards can be found on both classic and modern homes as its delicate, rounding profile matches all sorts of designs.
Choose Lambs Tongue Profile by Finish
White Primed
For a subtle touch, effective especially on low-ceiling rooms, choose either a 57 mm white primed skirting board or a 68 mm one! For larger interiors begging for attention, select from our 2 choices of Art Deco mouldings, at 194 mm and 80 mm height.
7. Best for Proper Classic Vibes and Period Renovations --> Victorian
So now, to finish this 'Ultimate Guide to Skirting Boards', let us introduce the mother of all...the Victorian Profile! If rich shapes and grand decorations are what you are after -without sacrificing elegance- then you must pay a closer look to this profile.
Double sweeping curves on top, variations in thickness, and ornamented bottom sections are the main characteristics of this grand profile.
When revamping a Victorian house, you'll also have to think of other features beyond boards and architraves. Dado rails, picture rails and ceiling crown moulding also play a part in the overall design process.
Beware though! Not all period homes are Victorian. Georgian and Edwardian styles are also relevant, so make sure to find the right mouldings and skirting boards for these too!
Choose a Victorian Profile by Finish
White Primed
The Skirting Board Shop offers 2 different heights of white primed Victorian skirting boards - 80 mm and 194 mm, both with a thickness of 22 mm. For something even richer in detail, take a look at our Edwardian skirting boards.
And finally, along the same lines but with a Greek vibe, you'd find these beautiful Georgian boards.
Are There Alternatives to Skirting Boards?
The answer to this is...yes...and...no! Builders and designers haven't come up with many options or alternatives really. There's a technique known as Shadow Gaping that focuses on creating a clean line between walls and floors' transitions. This design innovation is still quite far from everyone's reach and it's quite complex to achieve -hence, it comes with a hefty price tag!
For more information on this topic, read our article on alternatives to skirting boards.
Should Skirting Boards and Architraves Match?
Yes! Ideally, you'd choose matching mouldings profiles, but, you'll also need matching thickness. Clearly, you could go for a different style option, but as a rule of thumb, it's recommended to keep the same if you are after a streamlined, cohesive look.
For more information on this topic, read The Skirting Board Shops guide to architraves essentials.
Cleaning Skirting Boards
How easy or hard your skirting boards are to clean will depend on how detailed their profile is. It's key to include the proper maintenance of your mouldings on your house-cleaning routine.
Even though cleaning skirting boards is a very straightforward task, minding which products to use, and how to avoid bumping into it when vacuuming is essential.
For a full roundup on this topic, read our in-depth guide to cleaning skirting boards properly.
Removing Skirting Boards
Who wants to be a messy DIY-er ruining your walls' plaster!? No one! Well then, getting the hang of the 'technical stuff' will come handy when the time of removing your skirting boards arrives.
In The Skirting Board Shops step-by-step guide to removing skirting, you'll find all the insights to get the job done without worries. In this article, you'll also find the answers to the most frequently asked questions we get from fellow moulding-enthusiasts!
Scribing Skirting Boards
It may seem easy to fit your boards down the length of your walls, but, what happens when you get to the corners?
Joining-time calls for learning what to do once you need to cut and piece together two separate stripes of moulding. Scribing is the most recommended method to do this instead of mitring.
For a comprehensive DIY-guide on this topic, read The Skirting Board Shops top guide to scribing skirting boards.
Painting Skirting Boards
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If you want to learn more, please visit our website different types of skirting boards.
Yet another step on your fitting process! The best part is that if you don't feel like painting skirting boards is your thing, you can easily get a KOTA polymer coated or a fully finished white one.
If you want to own all the merits and be a proud DIY-er, following the right steps for painting your skirting boards is a must. Once again, weve got your back with this guide to painting skirting boards.
Fitting Skirting Boards
After removing your old mouldings, and cutting and scribing your new boards, it's now fitting-time! Fear not! This is an easy and straightforward job, even more than the previous ones.
First of all, make sure you've cut your skirting boards to size. If needed, measure your walls one, two or three times. Accuracy is key.
So assuming you've done all the previous steps, to install your brand new boards, make sure you've got your protective gear sorted first -gloves, dust mask, knee pads.
Then grab your adhesive, a sealant gun, and nails -if you are planning to fix the boards with these. You have two options here. As our MDF products don't require nails to be fitted, you could simply use the adhesive.
If you prefer, you could also nail the boards to your walls. Just make sure to choose the right nail for the type of material your wall is made of. This adds a couple extra steps as you also need to make sure you are not messing up electrical wire! Many times, walls are not perfectly flat, so you'll need nails to properly fix the boards.
Before marking your fixing points, use a pipe and cable detector to ensure your nails are not going to touch any of these.
Once you are ready, apply the adhesive and fix your skirting board to the wall. Then, drill your nails into the boards' fixing point. To finish up, use a filler to tidy up!
The Skirting Board Shop's Final Top Tips
As you may guess from reading this guide to skirting boards, you don't need to use the same profile everywhere. You can prioritize and mix according to the traffic of each room and what it's used for.
As an example, you may want to avoid a Square Edge board on your kids' rooms. Yet, this may come handy in the area behind your back door entrance.
Dining rooms and master bedrooms could use a more refined style -which would include your kitchen if your home has an open layout. However, your kitchen could benefit from a Chamfered and Rounded Edge that helps spell dust, and it's just so easy to keep clean.
You can, obviously, fit the same boards all around, just know, there are options!
If you need help choosing your next best skirting board, get in touch with our experts calling 048 , and make the most of our award-winning customer service team. You can also request free samples to decide what will be best for your home. Happy reno!
The Complete Guide to Skirting Boards
In any well-designed space, details are always crucial. And while the skirting board may not be eye-catching, it is a key element that connects the floor to the wall. It not only serves to protect the wall but also adds to the aesthetic of the space. Whether in a residential or commercial setting, the skirting board can significantly enhance the overall decorative effect.
This guide will introduce you to all aspects of the skirting board, from basic definitions to detailed introductions of different types, as well as how to install and maintain them.
What is Skirting Board?
The skirting board, also known as the baseboard, is a decorative strip installed at the junction of walls and floors. It is typically made of materials such as wood, plywood, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), or metal, shaped into long strips and horizontally installed along the edges of the room. The main function of the baseboard is to protect the bottom of the wall from wear and impact, while also concealing imperfect connections or small cracks between the floor and the wall. In addition to its practical function, the baseboard also has a significant aesthetic effect.
From a historical perspective, the use of baseboards can be traced back to ancient architecture, initially appearing as a practical structural element to prevent damage to the bottom of walls. Today, baseboards have evolved into a practical and decorative architectural detail, an indispensable part of modern home design.
Why Do We Need Skirting Boards?
Skirting boards are not merely decorative elements in room decoration; they serve multiple important functions and purposes in practical use. Below are several main reasons for installing baseboards:
Protecting The Walls
The initial and most basic function of skirting boards is to protect the bottom of walls from damage. In everyday life, cleaning tools like wet mops and vacuum cleaners, as well as furniture such as sofas and chairs, often come into contact with the bottom of walls, leading to scratches or wear. Baseboards effectively prevent such physical damage, extending the lifespan of the walls.
Improved Aesthetics
Skirting boards contribute to achieving the overall visual effect of interior decoration. They elegantly bridge the transition between the floor and the wall, concealing uneven edges or imperfect seams. Additionally, skirting boards come in various styles and materials to choose from, allowing them to match the rooms decorative style and color scheme, enhancing the spaces aesthetics and depth.
Hidden Lines
In modern home design, skirting boards are also commonly used to conceal wires or other types of cables, maintaining interior cleanliness and safety. Specially designed baseboards can embed cables, keeping them from being exposed, thereby avoiding tangled wires on the floor and reducing the risk of tripping.
Increase In Home Value
Correctly selecting and installing skirting boards can enhance the overall appearance and feel of a house, thereby increasing its market value. A well-designed baseboard can serve as a highlight of the interior decoration, especially when buying, selling, or renting a property, as good interior decoration often attracts more potential buyers or tenants.
Different Types of Materials for Skirting
When selecting skirting boards, the choice of material significantly affects the final appearance, durability, and maintenance requirements. Below are some common types of baseboard materials and their characteristics:
Metal Skirting Boards
Metal skirting boards, such as those made of aluminum and stainless steel, are popular for their durability and modern aesthetic appeal. This type of baseboard is well-suited for industrial-style or modern-designed spaces, as they are not only corrosion-resistant but also easy to clean. Metal baseboards are also an ideal choice for public areas or high-traffic areas because they can withstand considerable wear and tear.
Wood Skirting Boards
Wooden skirting board is one of the most traditional choices, offering a natural beauty and warm aesthetic. Wood can be painted, stained, or left with its natural grain, making it easy to match with various interior decoration styles. However, wooden skirting boards may require more maintenance, such as regular painting or cleaning, to prevent water damage and scratches.
MDF Skirting Boards
MDF skirting board is favored for its cost-effectiveness. This material is easy to cut and install, with a smooth surface that is ideal for painting. MDF baseboards are suitable for indoor use, but due to their lower moisture resistance, they are not recommended for use in damp environments.
Laminate Skirting Boards
Laminate skirting boards mimic the appearance of wood or other natural materials while offering increased durability and low maintenance. They are typically a cost-effective option, resistant to wear, scratches, and moisture, making them suitable for both residential and commercial environments.
Vinyl Skirting Boards
Vinyl skirting board is a lightweight, durable, and cost-effective option, particularly suitable for areas that require frequent cleaning. This material is water-resistant and stain-resistant, making it suitable for high-humidity environments such as bathrooms and kitchens.
PVC Skirting Boards
PVC skirting board is widely used in commercial and medical facilities due to its high water resistance and chemical resistance. PVC material is lightweight, easy to install, and reasonably priced, making it a very practical choice.
Plaster Skirting Boards
Plaster skirting board offers intricate decorative designs and details, making it highly suitable for traditional or luxurious interior decoration. While aesthetically pleasing, plaster skirting boards are relatively fragile, requiring more careful installation and maintenance with professional expertise.
LED Skirting Boards
LED skirting board is an innovative option featuring built-in LED light strips, providing ambient lighting or navigational light sources for rooms. This type of skirting board is particularly suitable for modern homes or commercial spaces, enhancing both aesthetics and practicality while improving safety. LED skirting boards can be customized with colors and brightness according to needs, making them a flexible and eye-catching decorative choice.
Skirting Board Profiles
Flush Recessed Skirting Boards
Flush-mounted skirting board design allows it to be flush with the wall and floor, providing a minimalist appearance. This profile is suitable for modern interior decoration, with its concealed nature making the wall look cleaner. Some designs also incorporate LED light strips to enhance the overall space with a stylish touch.
Flush-mounted skirting boards, due to their higher complexity in installation, require careful planning from the outset. Although the installation process may be more intricate, the final overall effect is crisp and modern, making it particularly suitable for design spaces that emphasize clean lines.
Torus Skirting Board
Torus skirting board is renowned for its classic semicircular design, featuring rounded edges that add a gentle artistic touch to any room. This traditional curved design makes it a preferred choice for many homes and commercial spaces, as it is both practical and highly decorative.
Inspired by classical architecture, this profile is suitable for pairing with wooden floors and intricate ceiling decorations. Torus skirting board not only enhances the visual appeal of a room but also evokes a sense of history and tradition through its elegant curves.
Ogee Skirting Board
Ogee skirting board is favored for its iconic S-shaped profile, a complex design element commonly found in traditional or classical style interior decoration. Its intricate curves add visual depth and a delicate touch to space, creating a sense of refinement and visual layering.
Ogee profiles exemplify a pursuit of detail, serving as exquisite borders in interior design, especially appreciated by those who admire detailed craftsmanship and decorative arts. Additionally, this profile is often used in the restoration of historical buildings interior decoration, maintaining their original style and charm.
Chamfered Skirting Board
Chamfered skirting board offers a clean and modern appearance with its beveled edges, making it an ideal choice for contemporary homes and office spaces. The simple design not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also helps reduce the accumulation of dust.
This profile is particularly suitable for spaces that appreciate minimalist style but still desire decorative elements. With its simple yet elegant lines, chamfered skirting board effortlessly blends into various interior designs, adding a touch of refinement and modernity.
Bullnose Skirting Board
Bullnose skirting board is renowned for its smoothly rounded top edge, softening the harshness of interior corners and creating a warmer, more natural space. Its simple curves are suitable for various household environments, especially for families seeking to create safe and hazard-free corners.
This profile is widely welcomed for its versatility and aesthetics. Bullnose skirting board is not only easy to maintain but also child- and pet-friendly, making it a popular choice for households. Its gentle curves also make it a common element in modern design, adding both practicality and aesthetic appeal.
Lambs Tongue Skirting Board
Lambs Tongue skirting board is renowned for its complex and elegant curved design, typically used in more traditional interior decorations. The detailed edge of this profile enriches the interior space with a classical and refined feel, making it perfect for pairing with exquisite furniture and traditional woodwork.
Inspired by ancient architectural styles, this profile is suitable for interior designers who wish to incorporate a sense of history or vintage style into modern homes.
Ovolo Skirting Board
Ovolo skirting boards distinctive rounded protrusion design brings a soft yet appealing visual effect to interior decoration. This profile is often used in designs that seek to combine traditional aesthetics with modern, clean lines, with its rounded edges bringing harmony and balance to the room.
Inspired by decorative details in classical architecture, this profile suits a variety of decorating styles, from traditional to modern. Ovolo skirting board, with its unique shape and elegant lines, is frequently used by designers to enhance the artistic and dimensional aspects of interiors.
Victorian Skirting Board
Victorian skirting board is renowned for its height and intricate decorative features, commonly found in interior decorations seeking to recreate the style of the late 19th century. This profile is typically taller with complex decorative elements, bringing a sense of luxury and formality to the space.
This type of skirting board is often used in rooms with classical decorating styles, especially those that aim to highlight historical elements and fine craftsmanship. Victoria skirting board is an ideal choice for designers and homeowners who appreciate exquisite details and historical styles.
Square Edge Skirting Board
Square edge skirting board is favored by modern designers for its straightforward and clean-line design. The square edges of this profile bring a clean and contemporary look to interior spaces, making it perfect for minimalist style decoration.
Its simple and clear design makes it easy to pair with various modern materials and colors, making it a common choice in modern homes and commercial spaces. Square-edged skirting board not only looks modern but is also easy to install and maintain, making it an ideal choice for those seeking efficiency and style.
Stepped Skirting Board
Stepped skirting board, with its unique multi-layered design, adds depth and dynamism to interior decoration. The layered design of this profile is not only aesthetically pleasing but also guides the eye visually, creating a visually rich effect in the space. Typically used in spaces that require visual focal points or desire to add design depth, step-profile skirting board is favored by designers for its distinctive appearance and strong modern sensibility.
This profile is particularly suitable for modern and minimalist design spaces, especially in galleries, exhibition spaces, and high-end residences. With its clearly defined lines, step-profile skirting board not only enhances the artistic appeal of the walls but also provides an exquisite and detailed decorative style.
Grooved Skirting Board
Grooved skirting board is particularly suitable for spaces that seek to incorporate subtle decorative elements into minimalist designs. This profile adds extra texture and visual interest by incorporating one or more grooves on its surface. These grooves not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to the overall design of the skirting board.
Grooved skirting board is well-suited for modern and industrial-style interior decorations, with its clean and powerful lines complementing well with modern materials such as concrete, metal, and glass.
How to Install Skirting Boards?
Preliminary
First, measure the total length of the wall where the skirting board needs to be installed and purchase skirting boards of corresponding lengths. It is usually recommended to buy skirting boards slightly longer than the actual measured length, to account for any unforeseen needs.
Prepare the necessary tools, including a saw (hand saw or electric saw), ruler, pencil, nail gun or screwdriver, nails or screws, angle measurer, etc.
Finally, ensure that the wall and floor where the skirting board is to be installed are flat and clean.
Cutting
According to the actual situation of wall corners and angles, accurately measure the length of each section of skirting board. Simultaneously, use an angle measurer to determine the precise angles of inner and outer corners, and use a saw to cut according to the measurement results. For right-angle corners, a 45-degree miter cut is typically needed.
Installed
Place the cut skirting boards in their designated positions and use a nail gun or screwdriver to secure them to the wall. Ensure that the top edge of the skirting board is snug against the wall. For longer walls, multiple sections of skirting board may need to be joined, in which case, ensure that the joints are smooth and tight. Wood glue can be used to reinforce the stability of the joints.
At corners, align the joints of the skirting boards precisely to make them appear as seamless as possible. Use filler or wood wax in appropriate colors to fill in nail holes and gaps at the joints for a neater appearance.
Caveat
- Throughout the cutting and installation process, always maintain safety awareness and use appropriate safety gear such as goggles and gloves.
- For skirting boards made of special materials such as metal or plastic, special tools and installation techniques may be required.
How to Remove Skirting Boards?
Scrape off the paint layer: Use a blade to gently scrape off the paint layer between the skirting board and the wall. This helps reduce damage to the wall when removing the skirting board.
Loosen the skirting board: Insert a pry bar into the seam between the skirting board and the wall. Gently tap the pry bar with a hammer to insert it deeper and begin loosening the skirting board. This step requires careful handling to avoid damaging the wall.
Gradually pry open: Along the length of the skirting board, gradually move the pry bar, continuing to gently pry open the skirting board. If the skirting board is fixed with nails, you may need to repeat this process at different points; if its glued, you may need to apply force more evenly.
Completely remove the skirting board: Once the skirting board has loosened from the wall, carefully remove it by hand. If the skirting board is long or heavy, it may require assistance from a helper to support it.
Clean the wall: After removing the skirting board, check the wall for any remaining nails or glue residue. Use pliers to remove any remaining nails, and use a scraper or appropriate solvent to clean off any leftover glue.
Repair the wall: If the wall is damaged during the removal process, use appropriate filler material (such as putty) for repairs. Allow it to dry, then sand and paint as needed.
Conclusion
Skirting boards are not only a practical architectural element but also have a significant aesthetic function. They protect walls from damage while providing rooms with a complete and refined appearance. When choosing skirting boards, its essential to consider their material, style, and coordination with the existing decor of the home. Whether in new construction or renovating existing spaces, proper planning and installation of skirting boards can bring long-term benefits.
Additionally, if youre interested in purchasing metal skirting boards or LED skirting boards in bulk, feel free to contact us anytime. We offer a variety of stylish modern skirting board options at competitive prices and fast delivery.
FAQs
Q1: Can I install the skirting board myself or do I need a professional?
The difficulty of installing skirting boards depends on the material and layout of the room. Simple PVC or MDF skirting boards can be installed as a DIY project with basic tools and precise measurements. However, for complex layouts or high-end materials such as solid wood, professional installation may be required to ensure precise and professional results.
Q2: What are the common colors and sizes of skirting boards?
Skirting boards come in a variety of colors and sizes to accommodate different interior design styles. Common colors include white, gray, black, and wood tones. In terms of size, the height typically ranges from 5 centimeters to 15 centimeters, while the length depends on the specific requirements of the room and the standard lengths offered by manufacturers.
Q3: Can I install the skirting board myself or do I need a professional?
The installation difficulty of skirting boards depends on the material and layout of the room. Simple PVC or MDF skirting boards can be installed as a DIY project with basic tools and precise measurements. However, for complex layouts or high-end materials such as solid wood, professional installation may be required to ensure precise and professional results.
Q4: What paint is best for skirting boards?
The best paint for skirting boards depends on durability and the desired finish. High-quality, water-based acrylic paint is often recommended for its quick-drying properties and minimal odor. Gloss or semi-gloss finishes are popular for their ease of cleaning and resistance to scuffs.
Q5: What is the price range for skirting boards?
The price of skirting boards depends on the material, design, and size. For example, basic MDF (medium-density fiberboard) skirting boards are cheaper than solid wood skirting boards, while PVC skirting boards may fall somewhere in between. Prices can range from a few dollars per meter to tens of dollars.
Q6: How to choose the right skirting bosrd material?
When choosing the material for skirting boards, consider durability, room humidity, and budget. For example, metal skirting boards are suitable for areas with higher humidity, while solid wood skirting boards are better suited for users seeking a classic appearance and natural materials. MDF is a cost-effective option suitable for most residential environments.
Q7: What is rebate on skirting board?
A rebate in a skirting board is a cut-out groove along the back edge. This groove allows for the hiding of wires and cables, providing a neat solution for cable management without affecting the overall appearance.
Q8: What are heated skirting boards?
Heated skirting boards are an innovative heating system that replaces traditional radiators. These systems distribute heat more evenly by running along the base of a rooms walls, providing efficient and space-saving heating.
Q9: What are skirting board covers?
Skirting board covers are used to cover existing skirting boards, either to improve their appearance without removing them or to increase their height or depth. They are ideal for renovation projects where you want a new look without the extensive labor of removing old skirting.
Q10: How to remove skirting boards for reuse?
To remove skirting boards for reuse, carefully score the paint along the top of the skirting using a utility knife to prevent wall damage. Use a pry bar and gently lever the board away from the wall, working slowly to avoid breaking it. If nails are used, pull them out from the back of the skirting board to avoid damaging the front face.
Q11: What is skirting in construction?
In construction, skirting refers to the material or structure used to cover the space between the bottom of a mobile home, modular building, or portable building and the ground.
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