Skirting Board Made To Measure? Quick Answer

While choosing your baseboard size may not be one of the most exciting or glamorous decisions you’ll have to make when designing your interior, it’s still an important one.

Skirting sizes, along with their profile and finish, can have a massive impact on the finished look of a room. This is one of those minor details that, if overlooked or addressed incorrectly, stands out like a good thumb.

Before you move on to the more fun jobs like painting baseboards and walls, take the time to consider what plank size will work best for your space and what options are available to you.

Here we answer the most frequently asked questions about choosing skirting board sizes to take the guesswork out of your decision.

One of the main considerations when choosing baseboard sizes should be keeping them in proportion to your ceiling height. (Image credit: Burlington)

Are there standard sizes for skirting boards?

When choosing baseboards for your home, you will find that there are standard or popular baseboard sizes on offer. However, it is important to choose the size that best suits your home rather than settling for the product that is easiest to get.

There isn’t just one standard baseboard size, there are a number of common sizes. If you can’t find a size that suits your space, it’s entirely possible to order skirting boards made to measure – the ideal solution for anyone wanting to match existing original skirting boards on a renovation project.

What is the average skirting board height?

The main dimension to consider when choosing and installing skirting boards is height, as this has the greatest impact on the final look of your space.

As previously mentioned, there is not just one standard skirting board size, but a range of common skirting board heights, ranging from 120mm to 230mm. The most popular standard skirting board height is 145mm.

However, it is entirely possible to buy skirting boards off the shelf in heights from 70mm all the way up to 400mm.

Modern homes, particularly those with lower ceilings, often match shorter, simpler styles of baseboards than historic homes with very high ceilings. (Image credit: Sweetpea & Willow)

How deep should baseboards be?

Aside from the height, it’s important to consider the depth of the baseboards — or how far they protrude from the wall.

Skirting boards are usually available in various standard thicknesses. If you have existing baseboards or frames it’s a good idea to match their thickness when specifying new baseboards, but if not, the choice simply comes down to personal preference.

The most commonly used baseboard depth is 18mm, although they can be as thin as 12mm and upwards of 32mm.

The baseboard profile you choose will also affect the thickness you can opt for – very thin baseboards are usually limited to rectangular, pencil-round and other simpler profiles.

What is the profile size of a skirting board?

The profile size of skirting boards is the size of the detailed section (the profile) of the plank – not the height of the plank itself. The total height of a panel is the height of the flat section of the panel and the height of the profiled section.

Very simple profiles don’t have as much height as some of the more detailed designs and in this case it can sometimes look odd to fit them on very tall baseboards as you have a large flat plank area.

The profile size refers only to the height of the detail section of the baseboard – the total height of the skirting consists of the flat section and the profile size. (Image credit: Getty)

What lengths are there for skirting boards?

Skirting boards come in many different lengths as they are designed to be cut to the dimensions of a room – in many ways this is the least important dimension when it comes to skirting board size, although you can of course use long enough sections as Having to order skirting boards can be a fiddly job.

Longer skirting boards (typically from 3050mm to 4200mm) are ideal if you have long walls as you have fewer joints. However, if you live in a smaller lot with shorter walls, it’s a good idea to look for shorter lengths as they are easier to store and work with. Lengths of 2200mm and 24000mm are both readily available.

It is often also possible to have skirting boards cut to length in the shop.

Which skirting board size is right for me?

When choosing a baseboard size that suits your interior design, you should try to keep everything in proportion.

Ceiling height is often one of the most important deciding factors here – if you live in a Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian house you probably have very high ceilings and in this case a higher type of baseboard is preferable to break up those large expanses of wall.

Likewise, a lower ceiling often appears more oppressive when a high baseboard design is applied – in this case, a simpler, more subtle and smaller design is usually more appropriate.

The style of your home should also play a role – those who prefer a clean, minimalist look may find that a smaller, less visually obtrusive baseboard size looks best. Those with high ceilings might want to look into extra tall skirting boards with heights of 350mm and up – they can be a really exciting design feature in their own right.

Flawless hand sprayed white primer available for all skirting boards and frames.

Priming skirting boards is one of those jobs that nobody really likes! By ordering primed skirting boards from Skirting 4 U, you can skip all the hassle and expense and have your skirting boards hand sprayed and prepped by one of our in-house painting technicians. Your skirting boards are delivered ready to install, only the final top coat of your choice needs to be applied on site.

Skirtings 4 U is a leading supplier of MDF skirting boards, frames and window sills. Everything is made to order in our West Midlands workshop and dispatched to trade and private customers across the UK.

We have delighted thousands of customers with our products and impeccable customer service. Our reviews speak for themselves so be sure to read them so you know you can buy from us with confidence.

Our sales team is at your side with advice and action. During office hours (08:30-17:00 Monday-Friday) they can be contacted via the live chat feature or by phone. Outside office hours you can send your request to [email protected].

Buying Guide | Skirting boards explained

Buying skirting boards online can be a daunting task. With so many sizes to choose from, where do you start?

On our product pages we have several drop down boxes that contain multiple choices. For skirting boards alone, there are 5 drop down boxes and over 20 different choices to choose from!

This can be quite confusing for some customers. However, all options are needed to ensure you get the size you want.

With this in mind, we will explain all the options you can choose when ordering skirting boards.

The height option

This is the first option you see when looking at any of our skirting boards product pages. It is arguably the most important choice. It is also the option with the widest selection.

When selecting a height for your skirting boards on the product page, you will see a maximum of 12 options. This can vary depending on the version.

Which height should you choose?

It is not always clear which height you should choose. If they match existing baseboards, you will likely choose the same height for your new planks.

If you have radiator pipes running along your walls, you may be restricted in the height of the baseboards. The same applies to sockets and other obstacles.

However, if you start with a blank canvas (newly plastered walls) you should be able to choose almost any height – it depends on personal preference.

Image showing what changes with height selection

70mm to 95mm

These heights are not very common for baseboards. They are generally the sizes people use for the width of their architraves.

But that doesn’t mean that you can’t choose this height for skirting boards. If you are restricted in the height you can choose (e.g. radiator pipes getting in the way) these sizes may be better for you.

If you choose 70mm or 95mm as the height for your skirting boards, you are limited in your choice of designs. Many of the smaller, plain designs will be fine, but some of the more detailed designs just won’t be available as we can’t fit them on such a small board.

120mm to 170mm

We frequently see highs in this range across the UK although they are still on the smaller side.

In general, new builds have simple skirting boards that are typically around 120mm high. This helps the company that builds the houses to keep costs down. It also helps in handling the boards and speeds up the installation process.

You are not restricted with designs in this height range – all of ours will fit a board that is 120mm or taller.

195mm to 220mm

Higher baseboards are becoming increasingly popular, especially in older homes. 195mm and 220mm are the most common choices for people who want to go taller.

With taller baseboards, larger designs should take center stage.

In general, large, detailed designs lend themselves better to tall baseboards.

250mm and above

Not many customers enter this altitude range. If you search here, you most likely have a large house with very high ceilings.

Skirting boards of this height are used to accentuate interiors and create a grand look. At these heights, you will definitely go for more detailed and extravagant designs.

The thickness option

Once you have selected your desired height, the next step is to select the desired thickness. This is another important step that should not be overlooked.

When you select the Thickness drop down box you will see 3 options to choose from. Sometimes fewer options appear depending on the theme.

Which thickness should you choose?

If you want to match existing baseboards, you must choose the same thickness (or as close as possible) for your new baseboards.

If you are starting new, you can choose a thickness that suits your home. However, you need to check if you can accommodate the thickness you choose.

For example, if your frames are 18mm thick and you are not going to replace them, it is better to choose 18mm thick skirting boards.

Image showing what the thickness selection changes

15mm thickness

15mm is our thinnest option available. It’s also becoming increasingly popular, especially since we’ve added lengths of 4200mm to the range!

If you want to keep as much floor space as possible, this thickness is best as it takes up less space.

Choosing 15mm also reduces the weight of the planks, making handling and installation easier.

Designs are a little more limited at this thickness as some profiles are just too deep to cast onto the slab.

18mm thickness

This is our most popular thickness. It’s standard across the UK and not as restrictive in terms of design as the 15mm boards.

These boards aren’t much heavier than 15mm boards, so handling is still efficient.

25mm thickness

This is our thickest board available (we can go thicker on request). We have found that customers who purchase tall baseboards generally use this thickness.

This board is much heavier than the 15mm and 18mm boards. It also has the widest range of designs to choose from as they all fit on the size chart.

The length option

Next, select the length of your baseboards.

There are 2 lengths to choose from in the length dropdown.

Which length should you choose?

This one should be pretty easy to decide. If the majority of your walls are longer than 3 metres, the 4200mm lengths should be the obvious choice.

The longer lengths will be the choice for most customers, but you also have to consider being able to handle them.

Can your property easily accommodate 4.2 meters in length? If you live in an apartment block, getting them onto the property may not be an easy task.

Image shows what length selection changes

3050 mm length (just over 3 meters)

The shorter lengths are easier to maneuver, so if you have a smaller property these may be the best lengths to buy.

However, if you have long walls within the property, you may need to use the longer lengths as well.

4200 mm length (4.2 meters)

These are the longest lengths we make. They’re ideal if you have long walls as you don’t need as many connections (if any).

The finish option

Now that you’ve selected the length you want, let’s select the finish for the skirting boards.

We only offer 2 finishes – unprimed and primed.

Edit: We now also offer a primer option!

Which finish should you choose?

This shouldn’t be a hard choice and we always recommend going for the primed or primed finishes. We’ll get into that in more detail below.

Choosing the primed finish not only saves time when adding your final finish, but also ensures the finish quality is professional.

Image showing the difference between the unprimed and primed finish choices

Unprimed

If you choose the unprimed finish, you will get a baseboard that has not had any finish added to it.

If you order MDF, you will receive a panel similar in color to the image above (left side – sand color).

When you order pine, it looks like an untreated piece of wood.

There are no advantages to ordering unprimed MDF as it needs to be primed and primed itself before painting.

Pine must be ordered unprimed if baseboards are to be stained/varnished.

primed

If you choose the primed finish, you will get a panel that has had a single coat of primer applied to it. We sand down the panel and then apply 1 coat of water based primer.

When choosing the primed option, keep in mind that the boards will need to be sanded and then primed before applying your final finish.

layered

If you choose the primed surface, you get a plank that is practically ready to install!

We sand the boards, prime them, sand again and then apply a coat of primer to ensure you have a smooth surface to apply your final coat of paint to (if you wish!).

The discount option

The last option you can choose from is whether or not you want the skirting boards to be rebated.

You can select either “no discount” or “discounted” in the “Discount” drop-down box.

Need a discount?

Are you planning to hide cables behind the skirting boards? In this case, you must choose the discounted option.

Image showing what a discount is on a skirting board

No discount

If you choose ‘no discount’, the skirting board will not be rebated. There is no place to hide cables behind the skirting board.

Discounted

Choosing the folded option removes a small section from the back of the board.

This allows you to hide wires and cables behind the baseboard. The standard fold is 20mm x 12mm (as pictured above) and can easily hide small cables and help keep the room looking tidy.

If you need a larger or smaller discount, contact us and we will make you an offer (larger discounts incur additional costs).

Add your skirting board to the shopping cart

Once you have selected all of the above options, you can finally add the skirting board to the shopping cart!

Simply enter the number of boards you need in the quantity box and click the red “Add to Cart” button.

Are you designing a brand new nest and feel like it’s time to shake things up a bit in terms of style? Skirting boards are key to protecting your walls and floor joints from scratches and dents caused by the normal wear and tear of your home.

These also help keep connections stable because, although you might not notice it, all houses vibrate a little — and materials expand and contract with changes in temperature. However, nowadays there are some alternatives to skirting boards with great decorative – and functional – potential.

Whether you’re renovating or looking to start from scratch, check out these three different ways to replace traditional baseboards.

1 – For a contemporary ambience – shadow gap or shadow gap strip

This trend has become very popular in recent years. Many developers with a knack for modern, minimalist architectural styles would suggest floater paneling when time, budget, and design goals align.

A shadow gap – also known as a shadow line – is a linear horizontal gap of approximately 10mm that extends along the planes of the walls. Visually, it creates streamlined, continuous surfaces. Structurally, this also allows and dampens the vibrations of walls and floors and avoids the dreaded cracks.

It’s very important to remember that if the work isn’t up to standards, there’s no way you can walk away with great finishes. No room for error with this skirting board alternative!

Because working around metal shadow lines requires detail, it must be balanced during the design and construction phase. The “easiest” way to nail down the look is to get a formed line that already comes with the gap, install it and let the plasterboard sit on top of it.

2 – Wooden skirting boards – An alternative to skirting boards for small spaces and low ceilings

The primary function of wood battens is to support and evenly distribute the weight of a structure. They’ve been around for a long time, but it’s not common to see them as skirting boards. Thin and semi-circular, it is worth using them as an alternative to baseboards. As they take up very little wall space, small rooms or homes with low ceilings can benefit! Some homeowners even choose to add wood moldings next to their baseboards to provide extra protection, smooth the transitions, and hide gaps between walls, floors, and baseboards.

3 – No skirting boards – is that even an option?

As we told you at the beginning of this guide on different skirting alternatives, there is more to skirting than just looks. These moldings help block bumps and prevent dents, but also absorb some of your home’s natural vibrations, preventing cracks and other problems that can affect your property. If in doubt, discuss this with your builder or interior decorator!

We encourage you to get creative and find the best option for your home. If you choose the versatility, durability and low maintenance costs of an MDF skirting board, let us guide you through the process of selecting and purchasing skirting boards.

The top tip of the skirting shop

Before making a final decision, always check if you need to run cables behind the baseboard – this would require the baseboards to have a different internal profile.

There are several steps to take to achieve a perfect finish with your floors including underlay, covering around pipes and regular maintenance. However, if you really want to create a seamless floor, the final step in ensuring that look is to install skirting boards. For the average person, this is a relatively straightforward task, requiring only basic DIY skills and a few tools. You should expect to spend around 1-2 days in a large living room, but you’ll be rewarded with savings of up to £150 in labor if you do it yourself.

What are skirting boards?

Skirting boards are wooden planks that cleverly cover the junction between wall and floor to create a seamless finish. They are suitable for laminate floors, parquet or solid wood.

What is the purpose of a skirting board?

Skirting boards provide an attractive appearance while concealing the necessary gap that must be left between the edge of the floor covering and the wall. This gap allows for the expansion and contraction that takes place over time. Not only do they cover the messy side of flooring installation, but they also offer protection from scuffs and stains.

How to remove baseboards

Skirting boards can take a lot of wear and tear over time. Fortunately, replacing them is not difficult, and baseboards come in a range of styles to suit your taste. To remove baseboards that are worn or don’t match the style of your room, simply insert the blade of a chisel between the wall and baseboard and tap the edge of the chisel with a hammer. This should loosen the baseboard enough that you can insert a pry bar to pry the plank out. Slide a small piece of wood behind the pry bar to avoid denting the plaster.

How to install skirting boards

Start on the longest wall with the inside corners first and measure the piece against the wall, mark the top edge to indicate where to cut. If you have a vise, make good use of it and hold the board while you saw it. You need to angle the cut to fit in the corner along with the other board. If you are using screws to fasten the baseboards, try to use wall nails or screws at existing points if possible. If none are present, fasten nails to the highest flat part of the baseboard every 600mm. If you chose to glue the nails instead of nailing them in place, spread the glue evenly on the backing. Press it in place and use some wooden supports to support it in place until the glue sets.

Should skirting boards touch the floor?

Whether you install skirting boards with or without a gap depends on the type of flooring you are installing. Carpets must be attached to the baseboards, not under them. When laying carpets, it is best to mount the baseboards first. With carpeted floors, skirting boards can be attached to the floor. With laminate or tiles, there is a requirement for a small gap between the floor covering and the skirting board. Skirting boards should therefore not have any contact with the floor and should only be attached after the floor covering has been laid.

Can I fill the gaps under the baseboards?

Depending on the size of the gaps between the floor and the bottom of the baseboard, sealant can be used to seal the gap. The sealer can be applied with an applicator gun, making it clean, tidy and effortless.

If your laminate floor has gaps that aren’t covered by skirting boards, color sealer is available so you can match the color to your floor. Waterproof finish is also available to protect your floors from water damage, especially in rooms like kitchens and bathrooms.

Skirting boards for every home

At Factory Direct Flooring Ltd we have everything to meet your flooring needs and that goes for skirting boards too. Our skirting boards are available in either laminate or solid wood but in a range of styles, sizes, stains and grain finishes to suit the diversity of our flooring ranges.

See also: How to measure your floor

If you’re still feeling a little lost when it comes to installing your skirting boards on your brand new flooring, then call 030 100 00 15 to speak to one of our flooring experts.

You’ve decided on a new skirting board, but which is best – MDF or pine skirting? This can depend very much on the respective activity. Looking to replace baseboards in a high traffic area? Does your bathroom need a new baseboard? Do you live in an old building whose baseboards need to be replaced?

MDF is stronger than pine, has a smooth, unblemished surface, is less prone to warping, and is a good choice when painting baseboards. MDF is supplied either pre-primed or fully painted. It offers many styles and sizes.

Pine has the beauty of natural grain, making it ideal for projects where a painted finish is right.

Here we delve into the pros and cons of MDF and pine skirting boards to help you make the right decision for your needs.

Skirting made of MDF or pine: which is the cheapest?

Typically, prices for MDF and pine are very similar. Depending on the style and size, MDF is sometimes cheaper and usually comes pre-primed or pre-varnished, meaning you save time painting and money on varnishing.

At the same time, depending on the quality and origin of the wood, pine can be cheaper than MDF. However, pine moldings don’t come pre-primed, which means you’ll have to buy more paint and spend more time painting.

Which is the easiest to paint: MDF or pine skirting board?

There are pros and cons to both. MDF skirting boards are usually supplied pre-primed, meaning you don’t have to worry about applying an MDF sealer or primer.

However, you still need to add a primer and a top coat. (Typically, you’ll trade off between satin and sheen.)

To ensure you get a good finish on MDF you will need to sand down between coats with fine grit sandpaper, especially after priming.

Pine skirting boards are usually supplied as bare wood, so some more preparation and painting is required to achieve the best finish. You will need a primer, preferably one with a stain repellent, to cover knots in the wood.

You’ll also need a primer – maybe two coats – and a top coat. Again, use a fine 220 grit sandpaper for a high quality, smooth finish.

What is the best baseboard for a bathroom?

Pine is more resistant to moisture than MDF. With the right finish—primer, primer, topcoat—pine skirting boards can last for years.

Standard MDF is moisture sensitive and can swell and warp if water penetrates the structure of the board. However, choosing the best MDF paint can help protect and extend the life of MDF.

Alternatively, you can purchase ready-made MDF skirting boards, which are more moisture resistant as they are already sealed. But you still have to cut it and expose the fibers to moisture.

It is better to opt for moisture-resistant MDF skirting boards, which have a higher fiber density, making them more resistant to water and moisture in a bathroom. However, this is not really suitable for damp rooms.

Tiled baseboards can be a better alternative to both in bathrooms, especially wet rooms; It is waterproof and can be adapted to tile bathroom floors.

What is the most durable between MDF and pine moldings?

Nowadays there is little difference in the durability of pine and MDF. However, pine is a softwood and therefore not as strong as hardwood or MDF, especially HDF.

Pine is more likely to take a hit if she’s in a high-traffic area like a hallway. However, pine is easier to repair and/or sand and refinish than MDF.

Does an MDF or pine skirting board give the best natural looking finish?

The answer is simple – it’s a pine skirting board. MDF is plain and uniform and looks like the manufactured wood it is. If you want a natural finish where the grain shows through, pine is the clear winner.

If you want an enhanced natural finish to match the look of your home, which is typically the case with some older homes, you need to use a clear coat instead of paint.

Of course, when you paint your baseboards, the natural grain of the pine is lost. While white is the popular choice when painting baseboards, you may want to try some baseboard color ideas to add some creativity.

What sizes are pine and MDF skirting boards available in?

When buying skirting boards, there are three sizes to consider: length, height and width/depth. Height is the most obvious measurement to pay attention to. If you are swapping like for like, simply measure the current baseboard and replace with the same size.

Common skirting board sizes range from 119mm to around 200mm, with 144/145mm being a popular choice in many homes. Older homes typically have taller baseboards – around 230mm. But you can get pine and MDF skirting boards from 70mm to 350mm+.

The width or depth usually ranges from 12mm to around 20mm, but you can buy deeper if you prefer. But deeper baseboards obviously protrude further from the wall, which can be a problem when placing furniture against the wall. The most popular options are 15mm and 18mm.

Plastic skirting boards are used in a variety of environments, from homes to light commercial premises. It’s attracted good press from those not happy with wood, but is it any good? If you’re considering a move away from wood, this quick guide answers the most common questions. One of the main reasons homeowners find PVC skirting so appealing is that they require no maintenance other than occasional cleaning. But as we’ll explain, that’s not the only benefit.

While wall base protection has long been a reason to invest in quality baseboards, the visual appeal of the product has aesthetic benefits. Many people believe that this simple disguise adds character to a room. We think it offers a stylish finishing touch. As with many household items, installing traditional baseboards can be time consuming and a real hassle to maintain. Common points of criticism are the fact that wood can quickly lose its cosmetic effect. Even small bumps and scratches can leave their mark.

For this reason, PVC is a popular skirting material today. It has the strength to withstand impact. Not only that, this is a DIY product that takes care of itself. Unlike wood, it does not need to be painted. So no annoying grinding. Some of the questions that are commonly asked by those considering a renovation are:

Does plastic base look cheap and ugly?

How difficult is the installation? For example, does it need a miter?

Do PVC skirting boards last as long as wood?

Is it resistant to moisture and mold?

Answers to questions about PVC skirting boards

The great thing about modern plastic skirting boards is that they look just like wood. Good suppliers will give you a choice of wood grain finishes. In addition to the popular white, you can also opt for a colored version – for example in traditional English oak. Other finishes include stylish anthracite which is an attractive shade of dark grey. The other benefit is that whichever finish you choose, it looks the same as a wooden strip, so only you will tell the difference.

PVC skirting boards are remarkably easy to install. No mitering is required, making the process very easy. Inside and outside corner pieces can be purchased from your supplier to make dealing with angles really effortless. Best of all, PVC skirting boards are simply glued to walls.

Because they are made of sturdy materials, plastic slats last a long time. A specialty store usually states that their products can look good for at least a decade. Think how much painting you don’t have to do in this time! This is the main reason why homeowners are turning to this modern type of baseboard.

In addition to being moisture resistant, this board will not attract mold or mildew. It also resists fire and provides some level of thermal insulation. This product is also colorfast for long-lasting cosmetic appeal.

Here’s what you can expect when you buy this PVC alternative to wood:

easy installation

Virtually no maintenance

A wood look finish

A selection of finishes

Click together installation

Two style options

Scratch-resistant skirting board

A skirting board solution built to withstand everyday knocks

Plastic skirting board vs. wood

Plastic skirting boards are an inexpensive alternative to wood. It’s economical yet incredibly durable. It is suitable for high traffic areas in a home, including rooms used by children. It is not easy to wear off and any stains can be easily wiped away. Unlike wood, it will not peel, rot or warp. You also don’t have to refresh the paint every few years. It’s hygienic too.

We advise you not to use wooden baseboards if you want to minimize maintenance work around the house. You will find that PVC skirting boards are easier to keep clean. Cracked, chipped and marked traditional baseboards can really spoil the look of a room. If you want to keep a fresh finish, PVC is the perfect solution.

Popular profile styles are:

Chamfared

torus

How much does a plastic skirting board cost?

The cost depends on the length and style of baseboard required, as well as the finish. In general, prices start at just over £12. Corner pieces cost just over £6.

Who needs a difficult-to-maintain home?

Let’s be honest, nobody wants to waste time unnecessarily. If you consider maintaining wooden baseboards a chore, a plastic baseboard is the best alternative. It eliminates the headache of painting—and all the pitfalls that come with it. How many times have you accidentally accidentally painted carpet or floor tiles? With PVC, you don’t have to get out the tape or spend hours with a paintbrush on your knees.

We recommend this modern skirting board because it is both stylish and practical. It lasts for years and never loses its clean finish. It is ideal if you are planning a renovation project or new construction. Look out for products that benefit from color fastness tested to British standards. That way you know you’re investing in a material that won’t fade or dull.

Most plastic skirting boards are sold in 5 meter strips. You can choose the depth according to your personal furnishing taste. For a professional finish, invest in a high-tack adhesive and quality sealer. A good supplier will offer you additional free advice so you know exactly how to install your skirting board.

If you’re tired of maintaining wooden skirting boards, now is the time to explore the low-maintenance alternative. Not only does it add a great finish to any room, but it will stand the test of time, providing insulation and reducing odd jobs throughout the home. Forget sandpaper, unsightly nicks and all the hassle that comes with wood. Switch to plastic and realize just how awesome this essential home accessory can be.

It is worth noting that plastic moldings can be easily trimmed. And you don’t need expensive tools to get the job done. How’s that for a piece of easy DIY?

Skirting boards can make all the difference when decorating your rooms, taking them from looking semi-finished to neatly framed. But how do you install those all-important baseboards?

When it comes to decorating, skirting boards should ideally be one of the first things you install – before the flooring. This means you no longer have to pull up the skirting board to change floors in the future.

If you’ve never done it before, the idea of ​​installing baseboards may seem a bit daunting. But with our easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide, professional-looking skirting boards are just a saw and drill away.

This post is part of Plyco’s MDF guide

If you’ve read some of the other posts in our MDF Guide series, you probably know that the team here at Plyco have done everything they can to put together the most comprehensive range of MDF sheets available. With such an amazing variety of typefaces at your fingertips, it’s no surprise that it also comes with many unique sheet sizes and plate weights. With dozens of options to browse through, things can get pretty complex, especially if you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for at first. To help you along the way, we’ve put together this comprehensive overview of all of Plyco’s unique offerings of MDF sizes and thicknesses.

MDF thicknesses

The thickness of your board is an essential part of any project, no matter what you use as a base material. It’s the main factor in deciding how heavy your sheet will be, and it’s crucial that you consider the correct thickness. Unlike buying the wrong size slab, you cannot simply cut your slab to the thickness you want; once you buy your stuck with it!

Our standard MDF boards offer the widest variety of any product we carry. At the smallest end of the scale are the 3mm platters, our cheapest option, but we then go all the way up to the hefty 32mm platters. In between there is generally a 3mm difference between each thickness we offer, with the exception of our 4mm and 4.75mm sheets which contradict this pattern. If you are looking for regular moisture-resistant MDF boards, you can choose between 16mm and 18mm thickness.

For those of you looking to get a little more stylish with your project and check out our range of White Melamine MDF Boards we have a few choices for you to choose from. Our standard white melamine velvet MDF and moisture resistant option are both available in 16mm or 18mm panels. However, if the moisture resistant white melamine satin is more your style, you will only be looking at 18mm panels.

The crown jewel of Plyco’s MDF range, our veneered MDF is available in almost as many variations as the regular panels. When pressing veneers we generally stick to 3mm, 12mm, 18mm, 25mm and 32mm, but virtually our full range of thicknesses is available on request.

MDF sheet sizes

While we don’t offer quite as much choice as we do with the thick ones, we firmly believe that we’ve served just about every man and dog with the panel options for our MDF range.

For our standard MDF, you have access to five sheet sizes of different lengths and widths. These options are 2400 x 1200mm, 2700 x 1200mm, 3600 x 1200mm, 3600 x 1800mm and 2400 x 900mm. Most sizes are available in any thickness, although some of the more unique offerings (such as 3600 x 1800mm and 2400 x 900mm) are only available in specific sheets which are available from stock.

Sizing moisture-resistant MDF is easy; You have the choice between 2400 x 1200 mm sheets or 3600 x 1200 m sheets.

MDF cabinets from Maplevilles Cabinetry.

Likewise, the sizes of the white melamine MDF boards are uncomplicated. White Melaine Velvet is only available to buy from stock in 2400 x 1200mm sheets whilst Moisture Resisture Satin offers the additional choice of 3600 x 1200mm sheets.

Similar to thickness, our veneered MDF returns to slightly more variety. Our storage options for natural wood laminate pressing include 2400 x 1200mm, 2700 x 1200mm and 3000 x 1200mm.

MDF cut to size

If you look at our dimensions and are disappointed that what you are looking for doesn’t seem to be available. Well, don’t hang your head just yet! The sizes listed are only stock items that we keep in stock and offer for sale immediately. We also offer a cutting service which means you can have virtually any panel size possible. All you have to do is fill out our cutting form, send it to our cutting champions and they will have a quote for you in no time. Cut orders generally take around five working days, but we are able to do small cut jobs on site on Saturday mornings.

Hopefully this has given you a crystal clear picture of the tremendous variety you can find at Plyco when it comes to MDF. If you want to buy something, you can go to our online store, or if you have a custom request, see the online form. If you’d rather learn a little more about MDF before diving in, check out our posts on the origins of MDF and how to varnish MDF.

In short, the answer is NO.

If you have chosen wooden planks for your flooring, you will need to lay them before attaching your baseboards. A gap is left between the wall and your first board to allow for swell and movement, and then your baseboard is pressed firmly against the wooden floor.

Since your baseboards and floorboards are made of natural wood, there is a chance that they will shrink due to the daily exposure to a home’s climate, such as heating and air conditioning, which reduces humidity levels. If you have left a gap between the baseboard and the floorboards, this gap is likely to become unsightly and larger over time and will need to be corrected.

If you want to reduce the risk of potentially damaging your planks by working on the top after the floor has been installed, you can cut your planks to length, fit and add a spacer at the height of your floor. This means that the floor is easier to install under the gap and when you’re done all you have to do is tap your baseboards firmly against the floor and secure them in place.

Sometimes due to the natural line of the floor and wood flooring coming from a living tree and not perfectly flat (which is why we love it so much, right?), there can be small gaps between your skirting board and boards in some areas. The best solution for a clean look is to run a small “no more gaps” bead along the joint where the skirting board then meets the plank

If you’re renovating and you’ve removed an existing floor covering only to be surprised by some beautiful old floorboards underneath that you want to restore, there are a few ways you can enhance your crown molding.

Remove and replace. This is the more labor intensive option, but the one that yields the best look. You can remove your existing skirting boards and either reinstall them flush with the floorboards on the new floor level or select new skirting boards to install. This will require you to repaint your wall, otherwise you can opt for a higher baseboard to cover the old baseboard on the wall.

2. Install Quad or Scotia. You can install wood quad or scotia at the base and floor junction to hide the gap.

Is it time to modernize your baseboards?

Skirting boards tend to kick around throughout their lives – maybe it’s time for a little TLC.

We want our homes to look the best they can be. In that case, there is a way to fix the baseboards that are ugly or worn out and make them look the way you always wanted.

We live in different times now. There was a time when baseboards were always painted white, you had to settle for certain designs depending on the home’s value, and replacing baseboards was not an option. Now is your chance to finally have what you want with minimal effort.

Another change is the use of the material for baseboards. In the past, baseboards were made of solid wood.

While this kept the skirting board looking strong and natural, the wood rotted over time and keeping it in good condition was no easy task. Not to mention that the wood becomes brittle with age.

Businesses today have turned to MDF because it is easy to manufacture and can be made to outlast the average strip of wood. It is also strong to protect walls from damage.

Other signals to consider also with skirting boards are checking for cracks on the skirting board, the paint is another.

If baseboards look like they have been heavily repainted over the years, this will look unsightly over time and it will be almost impossible to achieve the desired finish.

Other clues include declining grip on the wall and faded appearance. All of these are possible reasons why your baseboard might finally be on its way out.

Now let us give you some examples. Most modern homes, at least here in the UK, are likely to have standard baseboards such as the popular bullnose design. This skirting board is very simple and only has a curve at the top of the profile.

Being so simple and easy to use makes it very cheap to buy and explains why it’s popular with the trading industry. Not to mention that it also works in most households without any fuss.

Another example widely used in the UK is the torus. This has a more traditional look which makes it stand out in homes that are very old and still need a new baseboard to replace the old wooden moldings.

Whilst it is a much more complex and interesting shape over the bullnose it is still one of the main choices in the UK for companies mainly used in older homes.

Improve your baseboards

So what’s the point of all this? It aims to let you know that modern design doesn’t mean following the current trend or settling for those average skirting boards that companies choose just for you.

Sticking with what is already in place in so many homes is simply not enough anymore. Here are some ideas on how to make the baseboards suitable for your home and make you feel comfortable.

Try different colors

I mentioned this before, but white is the standard color for baseboards and has been for a very long time.

This color suits most homes, but if you disagree, baseboards can now be painted.

There is a wide variety of colors. There’s pretty much every color you can choose from. If you dare, you can paint your existing baseboard in a different color.

Please be very careful when painting and inspect your baseboards thoroughly for damage and signs of wear.

You can now have different designs

This step is the most important in my opinion. You no longer have to choose between the standard bullnose or torus boards.

Well, there are so many skirting board designs out there that it can be a bit overwhelming.

The best way to find designs is to think about what type of look you are looking for and then see what you can find online or at a local store.

To give examples, the Bullnose is a very basic but easy to use and live board.

However, the London baseboard is full of detail and really suits traditional homes where the baseboards were wooden and had unique carvings on them.

Another example is the Stepped 3 MDF. Its level-based looks are eye-catching. Just like the Milan skirting board thanks to its detailed yet modern looking profile.

Use higher quality MDF baseboards

In case you don’t know, MDF skirting boards are made of wood fibers that are then pressed under high pressure to form a skirting board.

What is important here now is the finish. If you’re buying skirting boards and the surface either looks patchy or has a messy appearance or feels rough on the surface, you’re probably looking at standard quality MDF.

This is common in most households. This can become brittle over time and not long after appear unsatisfactory.

To avoid this problem, be sure to look out for HDF skirting boards. HDF stands for High Density Fibreboard.

They cost no more than the standard MDF and, more importantly, last much longer, reducing the inconvenience to a minimum.

Change the height of the baseboards

There was a time when skirting boards only came in a certain height, very small heights at that.

The problem was overlooked as people never thought of trying new heights and it would have been too expensive at the time. Now you can have skirting boards of any height you want.

Tired of having small baseboards? Well, you can now replace it with huge ones.

Another change concerns the thickness of the baseboards. Like the height before it, baseboards only came in one thickness size.

Now you can make it thicker too. If you’re wondering what the thickness will do, here are a few points:

A thicker board is not only stronger, it also makes designs look grander and stand out a lot more than a thinner board. This will really benefit designs with detailed profiles and help make your home stand out.

If you need more floor space or are installing baseboards in tight spaces, a thinner plank is better suited for these situations.

summary

As you can see, skirting boards are now flexible and can be modified at will. Times have changed and now the opportunity to make your house a home can finally come true.

So what are you waiting for? Realize your dream home today!

For the uninitiated, choosing the right nails for baseboards can seem a little daunting. The reality is that you might not need nails at all and with a few minutes of planning you can ensure you have everything you need to install your new baseboards once they arrive.

There are times when nails or screws should be used to attach baseboards to walls. The need for nails really depends on what you are attaching your baseboards to and how level the walls are.

If you have masonry walls the best option is usually to use a mixture of adhesive such as gripfill (we supply standard and solvent free gripfill) and masonry screws or nails.

For plaster walls or drywall with wooden studs you can use either pure glue or a mixture of glue and oval shaped wire nails – make sure you nail these in line with the wooden studs.

masonry nails or screws

If you are attaching your skirting board to masonry walls, you must be careful to use masonry nails or screws. If you use the latter, you should first drill holes in the masonry before inserting dowels into which the screws will be inserted. In the case of nails, you should simply hammer them in about every 50-60 cm.

Choosing the right drill bit is important when drilling in masonry

If you have drywall with underlying masonry, be sure to use screws long enough to penetrate the interior masonry wall – around 80mm screws will usually suffice.

Top tip: To make sure you drill holes deep enough, measure the depth on the drill bit and mark it with a piece of tape. Then just make sure you drill to that depth every time.

adhesives

Strong adhesives like Gripfill are undoubtedly the easiest way to attach your baseboard to the wall, but they can be a nuisance with uneven walls – which is a common problem even in modern homes.

If you find your walls aren’t particularly straight, consider using glue along with nails/screws.

When applying your glue you can either apply dabs of glue to the back of the skirting board or use our preferred method of a zig zag application across the entire back of the skirting board (this ensures more even coverage).

Using nails or screws will help the skirting board conform to the shape of the wall as there is enough force to get the plank into position. This gives a better finish and prevents the skirting board from making the wall look more uneven.

Advantages of using nails for baseboards

Using nails in addition to glue allows for more secure attachment. It also eliminates the need to use props to hold the baseboard in place while the adhesive cures.

Using a nail gun can greatly increase the speed at which you attach your baseboard to the wall, but it’s not essential as a good old-fashioned hammer will do the job just as well.

Top tip: Use a pipe and wire finder to check you’re not drilling or nailing a hidden pipe or wire in the wall.

Using nails to join miters

The use of stud nails (small diameter) can also be applied when joining two miters together. You should apply a small amount of glue or PVA glue when joining the two angled pieces, but using a few small nails will help create the perfect bond.

If you are unsure which accessory you need when ordering, please contact a member of our friendly Meters Direct Skirting Support team via our online chat, toll free number or email.

Baseboard Dimension Guide 03/08/2022 12:49

Buying skirting boards can get complicated, especially when you’re trying to communicate and visualize every dimension of the plank.

To help you, we’ve put together a guide to simplify the process.

Explanation of dimensions

All skirting boards have three dimensions that must be specified; length, depth and height. We also indicate the size of the molded part of the panel – the “profile height” – on each of our lasts.

If you are attempting to match one of our designs to an existing baseboard, knowing the height of the molded baseboard will help you assess whether our profile will fit yours.

Skirting board dimensions

● Length: This is how far or how long the skirting board runs along your wall.

: How far or how long the skirting board will run along your wall. ● Height : This is the height of the skirting board on the wall and is measured from the floor to the top of the plank.

: This is how high the skirting board comes up on the wall and is measured from the floor to the top edge of the plank. ● Depth: This is how thick the plank will be and is measured outwards from the wall.

: This is how thick the board will be and is measured outwards from the wall. ● Profile Height: This is how high the profile is on the board. This is measured from the top edge of the skirting board to the bottom edge of the molded molding.

Skirting Sizes – inches or millimeters?

You will see on many websites that the height, width and length of the skirting board are in millimeters. While many people are comfortable measuring using this method, you may be wondering why the heights in particular are often not round numbers. This is because these are traditional heights that have been sold in the industry over time and you may be surprised to learn that they are still approximately inches.

Our products list heights in both millimeters and inches, so you don’t have to look for the calculator app on your phone!

We’ve arranged it much more neatly below so you can see at a glance how high a skirting board will be in inches.

69 mm = 3 inch skirting board

96 mm = 4 inch skirting board

121 mm = 5 inch skirting board

146 mm = 6 inch skirting board

171 mm = 7 inch skirting board

196 mm = 8 inch skirting board

221 mm = 9 inch skirting board

246 mm = 10 inch skirting board

271 mm = 11 inch skirting board

296 mm = 12 inch skirting board

Profile heights on base and frame

The shaped part of a skirting board is commonly known as its profile and this is where skirting board manufacturers try to offer their customers a wide range of options to suit their tastes.

While there are common profiles like Bullnose, Torus and Ogee that don’t differ much, others despite sharing the same name can be quite different because they are open to interpretation. These often bear place names or are meant to commemorate a specific era in design history.

Some of these are fairly simple and small and others are more detailed and fairly large.

What they all have in common is that each profile has a fixed height. This can be something small and defined, like our Rogiere profile which measures 13mm to the much more detailed large Victorian at 93mm.

How high should my skirting board be?

Whilst the large profiles typically start at 146mm due to the size of the design, smaller profiles can be molded to any height available.

Attention must be paid to the balance between the profile and the flat part of the board.

Perhaps you want to accentuate the profile by opting for a smaller apartment, or you may like a high baseboard with just a touch of detail along the top. As long as you take into account that the profile height does not change proportionally to the selected plank height, it is up to your taste to find the combination that suits you.

Use patterns

One of the best ways to help you decide what height or profile size you want is to order a sample.

Samples usually come in a standard height and as the same profile is machined on both the skirting board and the frame the same sample should help you decide on both.

Try the following things to get the most out of your sample

● Raise or lower your sample against the wall to visualize the balance between profile and height

● Place your sample next to awkward fixtures or fittings as this may affect your choice of height or help prevent installation problems

● Try color test pots on your sample if you are unsure of the color you want. Maybe even try highlighting part of the profile detail with a different color

● Think of the profile as an architrave by rotating it 90° or 180° for the legs and head of the door

We do provide samples for you to choose from on our product pages and although other sites may charge you for these we are happy to provide up to four free of charge before charging for shipping.