How to Fit a Skirting Board

Man putting new skirting board on wall in house

Skirting boards are an important part of any home. They are used to protect the walls from damage and to add a decorative touch. Skirting boards can be made from a variety of materials, but the most common is wood.

If your existing skirting board has become damaged or you are simply looking to update the look of your home, fitting new ones can make a major difference in the overall appearance of any room. Here’s a full guide on how to fit a wooden skirting board.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Circular saw
  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • High-grit sandpaper (100-120)

Materials You’ll Need

→ Skirting boards

→ Wood glue

→ Caulk

The Process

  1. Start by measuring the length of the wall where you will be fitting the skirting boards. Measure from the floor to the ceiling and make a mark at each end with a pencil.
  1. Cut your skirting boards to size using a circular saw. Make sure to cut them slightly longer than the measurements you took, as you will be trimming them to fit later.
  1. Apply wood glue to the back of each skirting board and then press them into place against the wall. Make sure they are level and use a hammer to tap them into place if needed.
  1. Once the glue has dried, use a circular saw to trim the skirting boards to fit flush against the wall.
  1. Use high-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.
  1. Finally, apply caulk to the joints where the skirting boards meet the wall and then paint or stain them to match the rest of your room.

Other Types of Skirting Boards

Plastic 

These are a cheaper option and are easy to install, but they are not as durable as wood and can look quite cheap.

Metal 

These are more expensive but are very durable and look more high-end. They can be difficult to install, however, so it’s best to hire a professional if you go with this option.

If you’d prefer a professional installation, or your DIY attempt has resulted in less-than-perfect results, call Hammer and Brush to help. We offer a range of skirting board styles and can install them quickly and efficiently so you can enjoy your new look sooner rather than later.

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Kevin Hallam

Kevin Hallam

Kevin Hallam is a master carpenter with 27 years of experience. He and Carolyn formed Hammer and Brush in 2012, a company offering a range of carpentry and painting services in Perth, Western Australia. Kevin and Carolyn, who have been together for 27 years, are joined by their two sons in the family business. Besides their trades, Kevin and Carolyn enjoy a range of outdoor activities, such as boating and caravanning. They have lived in Western Australia for the past 14 years and now call it home.

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