Skirting Boards

From plain pine to pre-painted skirting boards that require minimal work to give you the painted finish you’re after, we have a huge range of skirting for your walls that will perfectly finish off your internal renovations. Whether you want statement wide skirting boards with traditional style patterns that catch the eye, or something minimalist and understated in the form of thin skirting boards that are easier to paint and install, we have a huge range for every style and budget requirements.

FAQs:

How to fit skirting boards

Fitting skirting boards involves several steps and is usually a skill better suited to joiners and flooring installers. However, if you have advanced DIY skills and all the right power tools, you might want to give it a go yourself.

1. Measure and Cut: Measure the length of each wall where skirting will be installed and cut your skirting accordingly, ensuring accurate mitred corners where walls meet.
2. Prepare Walls: Ensure walls are clean and flat. Remove any existing skirting, nails, or debris. Fill gaps or uneven areas with filler and sand smooth.
3. Fix Skirting: Apply adhesive or use a nail gun to fix skirting boards to the wall, ensuring a secure fit. Start at one end of the wall and work towards the other, checking for level and alignment.
4. Join Corners: Cut skirting at a 45-degree angle for internal corners and create a neat join. External corners may require scribing and cutting to fit flush against the wall.
5. Fill and Sand: Fill any gaps or nail/screw holes with filler and sand smooth once dry. This ensures a seamless finish.
6. Prime and Paint: Prime skirting boards if necessary and apply wood paint or stain to match your decor. Allow drying time before reinstalling any furniture or accessories.
7. Seal Joints: Apply caulk along the top and bottom edges of skirting where it meets the wall to seal joints and create a finished look.

How to remove skirting boards

1. Firstly, clear the area around the skirting boards to give yourself space to work. Remove any furniture or obstacles that might get in the way.
2. You'll need some basic tools for this task. These include a crowbar, a hammer, a utility knife and a putty knife (or something similar), and a small handsaw or a multi-tool with a cutting blade. If your skirting boards are secured with screws, you’ll also need a screwdriver, though it’s not commonplace for skirtings to be screwed in place.
3. Staring in one of the corners, use a utility knife to carefully cut through the caulking or paint along the top edge of the skirting board where it meets the wall. This will help prevent damage to the wall paint or wallpaper when you pry the skirting board away.
4. Insert the crowbar behind the skirting board at the cut you made. To do this, get it in position and then gently tap the top of the pry/crowbar with your hammer until it begins to create an opening between the skirting and the wall. Gently pry the skirting board away from the wall. Be careful not to apply too much force, as you don't want to damage the wall or the skirting board.
5. Once you've loosened the corner, work along the length of the skirting board, gradually prying it away from the wall. You may need to insert a putty knife behind the skirting board to help loosen it further.
6. As you go, you may encounter nails or screws holding the skirting board in place. If you see any, use a hammer or screwdriver to remove them. Be careful not to damage the wall while doing this.
7. In some cases, the skirting board may be too long to remove in one piece, especially if it's a large room. If needed, use a small handsaw or a multi-tool to cut the skirting board into smaller, more manageable pieces.

How to paint skirting boards with carpet

If it’s time to refresh your skirting boards but you’re concerned about getting paint on your carpets, there are some simple steps to follow to protect them: Stick down carpet protection or masking tape to prevent paint splatters or drips from reaching the carpet fibres. You can use a wallpaper scraper to push the carpet protector sheet or masking tape in as far as possible to give a great seal between the carpet and the skirting that will prevent paint transfer. Allow the paint to dry before carefully removing the protector/tape. Avoid sticking either of these products to the skirting and instead ensure it’s stuck only to the carpet. Doing so will prevent removal of the dried paint from the skirting board when removing your chosen carpet protection. Add paint to your paint brush or roller sparingly to avoid drips when painting. This will help you get an even finish and reduce the chances of getting paint on your carpets. It might take a little longer but it’s worth it for a polished look at the end.