Skirting boards have long been an essential element in interior design, adding polish to any room by bridging the gap between your walls and floors. Properly fitted skirting boards not only serve a functional purpose—protecting walls from scuffs and damage—they also enhance the overall aesthetic of your space. Achieving a seamless look can elevate your interior design, giving it a perfect finish.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to fit skirting boards to achieve that polished, seamless appearance.
Why Skirting Boards Matter
Skirting boards offer more than just decorative appeal. They play multiple roles, combining utility with style:
Wall Protection: They safeguard walls from everyday impacts and scuff marks caused by furniture, footwear, or cleaning equipment.
Visual Harmony: Skirting creates a clean visual transition from floor to wall, hiding potential gaps or uneven surfaces.
Style Enhancement: Depending on the design, skirting boards can add character, be it a modern minimalist finish or a classic ornate touch.
Thermal and Acoustic Insulation: They contribute to sealing gaps that might allow drafts or sound to travel.
Fitting skirting boards correctly ensures these benefits are maximized while providing a professional finish.
Pre-Installation Preparation
Before you get started, some preparation is key to ensure the process runs smoothly:
Measure Your Space
Accurately measure the room where you’ll install the skirting boards. Note both the total length and individual wall dimensions to ensure you purchase the correct amount of material and plan for any cuts.
Choose the Right Skirting Board Style
Select skirting that complements your room’s design. Whether it’s tall and decorative or sleeker for a modern look, matching the style to your theme ensures continuity.
Gather Tools and Materials
Some useful tools and materials include:
A saw (preferably a miter or coping saw for precision cuts)
Sandpaper
Adhesive or screws (depending on your preferred fixing method)
Decorator’s caulk
Measuring tape and pencil
The right preparation allows for efficiency and accuracy during installation.
Steps to Fitting Skirting Boards Like a Pro
1. Check Wall and Floor Levels
Start by checking if your floors and walls are even. Minor uneven spots can be adjusted with sanding or caulking later, but for significant irregularities, additional steps may be necessary to achieve a snug fit.
2. Measure and Cut with Precision
Using your measurements, carefully cut your skirting boards. For corners, miter joints (angled cuts) help create a seamless connection between boards. Coping saws can also be used for internal corners to create a snug fit.
3. Dry-Fit the Boards
Before attaching, lay the skirting boards against the walls to check alignment and fit. Ensure all corners and joints meet properly. Make adjustments if necessary.
4. Attach the Boards
For fixing skirting boards to walls, you can choose adhesive (a clean, temporary option) or screws for a more permanent hold:
Adhesive: Apply evenly along the back of the skirting board and press firmly into place.
Screws: Drill pilot holes into the wall and fix screws to secure the skirting.
5. Fill Gaps for a Seamless Finish
Even with precise cutting, slight gaps at joints or between the boards and the wall may appear. Use decorator’s caulk to fill these gaps, ensuring a flawless look. Smooth it using a damp finger or a tool for a tidy finish.
6. Sand and Paint
Finally, sand any rough edges before painting or staining your skirting boards. Choose a finish that aligns with your room’s aesthetic for that perfect final touch.
