Installing new skirting boards can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of a room while also providing practical benefits. Whether you are renovating or adding a finishing touch to a newly decorated space, choosing, cutting, and fitting skirting boards requires careful planning and execution. Here’s everything you need to know to achieve a professional-looking result.
Choosing Skirting Boards:
Skirting boards come in various materials, styles, and heights, so selecting the right one are crucial for achieving the desired look. Common materials include wood, MDF Medium Density Fiberboard, PVC, and even metal. Each material offers different levels of durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. Wooden skirting boards are traditional and can be stained or painted to match your décor, while MDF boards are more affordable and easier to paint. Consider the style of your room when choosing profiles for the skirting boards. Options range from simple, modern designs to intricate Victorian styles. The height of the skirting board is also important; taller boards can add a sense of grandeur, while shorter ones suit more minimalist spaces.
Cutting Skirting Boards:
Before cutting your skirting boards, measure each wall individually. Walls are often not perfectly straight, so it is crucial to measure each section accurately. Use a mitre box and fine-toothed saw for precise cuts. External corners will require mitre cuts, typically at a 45-degree angle, while internal corners may need scribing to fit snugly against the wall. If your room has irregular corners or features like pipework, coping joints may be necessary for a professional finish. Coping involves cutting one board to fit neatly against the face of another, which is useful for internal corners where walls are not perfectly square.
Fitting Skirting Boards:
Before fitting, ensure the walls are clean and free from dust. Use a stud finder to locate wall studs or joists where possible, as fixing skirting boards directly into solid structures ensure stability. Apply an adhesive to the back of the skirting board and press firmly against the wall. Secure further by nailing at an angle through the top edge into the wall studs. Use a nail punch to sink the nails slightly below the surface. For corners and joints, apply wood glue to ensure a strong bond. Use a clamp to hold joints together while the glue sets. Fill any gaps or holes with an appropriate filler and sand smooth once dry. If using MDF or PVC boards, take care not to over-tighten screws or nails to avoid damaging the material.
Finishing Touches:
Once the skirting boards are securely fixed and any joints are seamlessly blended, the final step is finishing. Sand down any rough edges or filler until smooth. If painting, apply primer first followed by your chosen paint color. For wooden skirting boards, new skirting boards consider varnishing or staining for a durable and elegant finish.
