Whether you need to replace old skirting boards, or are simply looking for a change, finding the right type of skirting boards for a space can be hard. The size, the style, the colour, shape and even the material – where do you even start?
The type of skirting board you choose for your home can make such a difference. Yes, it might only be a tiny element of the room, but if you get it wrong, it will get noticed!
Before you start your project, think about the style of skirting board you might like to have. You could even do a Pinterest board of your ideas to ensure the skirting you choose sits perfectly with the rest of your chosen items.
In this article we look at the different types of skirting boards available here in the UK, where you can get them from, and installing your new skirting boards.
Types Of Skirting Board
These days, there are many different types of skirting boards available to you. Each very different in look, feel and price.
- Burford Skirting Boards
- Chamfered Skirting Boards
- Double Groove Skirting Boards
- Lambs Tongue Skirting Boards
- Ogee Skirting Boards
- Ovolo Skirting Boards
- Pencil Round Skirting Boards
- Square Skirting Boards
The Best Type Of Skirting Board
This really comes down to personal preference, as what we might think is great, you hate! Before you buy all of your new skirting, make sure you go and see it in person, or get some samples sent to you first.
Your budget will also determine the style of skirting board you go for as they vary in price quite a lot. The basic boards will be cheaper, whereas the more intricate detailed boards will be more expensive.
MDF Skirting Boards
MDF skirting boards are an engineered product made to last, this also makes them the most popular style of skirting board. Skirting World have a great selection of MDF skirting boards to choose from.
- Widely available
- Easier to look after
- Resistant to warping
- Have to be painted
Softwood Skirting Boards
Softwood skirting boards are made from trees such as – pine, cedar and fir.
This style of skirting can be either painted, oiled or varnished and are ideal if you want to see the grain in the wood, without it costing you a fortune.
Softwood is generally not as expensive as hardwood so it’s a good middle ground option.
Hardwood Skirting Boards
Hardwood skirting boards are made from trees such as – oak, ash and beech. This style provides a luxury option in both look, price and finish.
Hardwood is generally more resistant when it comes to knocks and scrapes, however, they are renowned for warping due to temperature changes and if they get wet.
Also, cutting hardwood skirting boards is much harder to do so it’s likely you will need a profession to come in and do this for you.
Installing Your New Skirting Boards
Installing new skirting boards can be done relatively easily, either by yourself after watching a few YouTube videos, or by a professional joiner.
Of course, it will always be cheaper if you can do it yourself, but if you aren’t very good when it comes to DIY, then it might be worth getting someone in to do it for you.
Why Use Skirting Board At All?
Of course, you don’t have to use skirting boards at all if that’s the look you’re going for. However, generally speaking, skirting boards make a room feel more finished and put together.
Many years ago, skirting boards were designed to hide any gaps between the floor and the walls, but also to hide any damp that may have risen up through the floor and into the walls. Of course, these days, most homes don’t have these issues.
These days, skirting boards simply form the perfect join between floor and wall. They can also make cleaning easier as no dust or dirt can get stuck in the gap under the wall. They also help to protect the wall base from every day knocks and scrapes.
How Do Skirting Board Sizes Impact A Space?
Generally, the larger skirting board sizes are used in big homes, mansions, or even stately homes. They are more of a statement piece than simply to cover where dirt might get stuck.
Also, in such a large home, or room, a tiny skirting board could look very out of place and almost a bit silly. Being dwarfed by everything around it would make it more noticeable. Next time you visit a stately home, take a look at the size of their skirting boards.
Whereas, in a normal size home, huge skirting boards would look silly for being so big. In small rooms or spaces, large skirting boards could even make the space feel smaller still.
Take into consideration the size of the space you plan to put your skirting boards and make sure they won’t be too overbearing, or too small and out of place.