The finer details of an interior update make all the difference to the overall quality and finish of a room. While skirting boards might not sound like the most exciting element of a renovation project, they contribute greatly to the success of the final result.
So don’t skirt around skirting! We’re here to help with our round-up of the different skirting products on the market and provide pointers of which skirting works best.
Choose your material
Whether you’re looking for a natural look or a sleek finish, skirting is produced in a variety of materials to suit all budgets.
MDF Skirting
MDF skirting is easy to work with and supplied primed, ready for a final coat of paint. This makes it a popular option for those looking for a cost-effective solution with minimum fuss. MDF has the added benefit of being resistant to defects, such as twisting, warping and splitting, making it ideal for a clean, contemporary finish.
Softwood Skirting
Ideal for creating a traditional finish, softwood skirting is a cost effective solution for renovating period properties. If desired, the wood can be stained and varnished to achieve a more polished look, while any scuffs and marks can be sanded down and refinished as required.
Solid Oak Skirting
For a luxuriously elegant feel then solid oak skirting is ideal for creating a high quality finish that oozes sophistication. As well as being extremely durable, solid oak skirting can be varnished, polished and waxed to create a variety of looks.
Laminate Skirting
If you’re laying laminate flooring as part of your project, then you can create a seamless finish with its range of perfectly matching laminate skirting boards and mouldings.
Choose your profile
Skirting comes in a variety of profiles from clean and simple pencil round edges to more elaborate shapes, such as the traditional Ogee. Skirting profiles include: • Torus • Pencil Round • Lambs Tongue • Ogee • Chamfer & Round • Shadow Grooved
Finish the job!
Once you’ve decided on the skirting for your renovation project, there are a variety of other materials you will need to ensure a perfect finish. These include:
A handsaw for cutting to size. A high quality wood adhesive for fixing the skirting, such as Evo-Stik Resin W Extra Fast Wood Adhesive.
Use sealant to fill gaps and finish edges. Try Evo-Stik Gripfill Adhesive.
Finally, if you are planning to paint your skirting board, try Dulux Satinwood - a tough, hardwearing and dirt resistant option that is suitable for wood and metal surfaces.