Skirting boards seem to be just a piece of wood that often appear like something extra in your house, but they are crucial for protecting your walls and improving their look. The choice of the right skirt board impacts the general appearance and your feeling inside the room.
They also increase the value of your home. The market is open to various styles, sizes, and types of skirting boards. To make the right decision, explore five expert tips on when to purchase skirting boards
Choose the right material
The material is the first thing you should consider when buying skirting boards. These are the main types of materials used to produce skirting boards. Wood, PVC, HDF (high-density fiberboard), and MDF (medium-density fiberboard) are the most popular materials used for skirting boards production.
Each of them has its pros and cons. Make sure that the material you choose perfectly fits into your interior design.
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Wood
Classic and robust skirting boards offer a traditional look and artistic dimension to your house. They can be easily painted or stained to blend in with your interior home design. On the other hand, they might require additional financial expenses because, if exposed to moisture, they rot or decay.
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MDF (medium-density fiberboard)
MDF skirting boards are available at a reasonable price and are easy to assemble. They are more resistant to warping than wood and arrive ready for painting. Unfortunately, they might not be as robust as wood and prevent excess moisture.
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PVC
Because PVC skirting boards are waterproof, they are a great option for moisture-prone areas such as kitchens or bathrooms. They are cheap to maintain. On the other hand, they may not have the same aesthetic appearance as wood or MDF.
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HDF
Although HDF skirting boards are similar to MDF, they are stronger, denser, and more moisture-resistant. They offer a smooth finish and can be painted in any way to achieve the desired appearance. Unfortunately, they are prone to swelling or deformation if exposed to water for a long time.
When choosing the material, consider your budget, the desired aesthetic effect, and the location where the skirting boards will be installed.
Select the right style and profile
You can come across various styles and profiles of skirting boards, ranging from simple to complex patterns. The style or profile you choose considerably affects the general appearance of your home interior design.
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Bullnose
The so-called pencil round skirting outstands from other styles, as a very simple design. Suppliers refer to them as Rounded One Edge profiles. The most characteristic feature of a Bullnose profile is a rounded top edge. Its surface is smooth and gentle without additional details so that those profiles can be used in all types of interiors.
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Ogee
Ogee skirting boards come in S-shaped profiles that are widely popular across the UK. Although they can also be associated with traditional interior home designs, they can be also used in modern rooms. The main feature of the Ogee profile is its angled edge on top.
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Torus
Torus skirting boards have round-shaped profiles and are usually used in traditional buildings. They provide a piece of warmth and coziness to any room. Torus profiles feature a convex and semi-circular arch on their front profile, as well as a curved incline sliding below.
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Chamfered
Chamfered skirting boards are one of the most frequent choices for builders and interior design enthusiasts.
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Square Edge
Square edge skirting boards fit perfectly into contemporary home interior designs thanks to their straight and simple profiles.
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Victorian
These skirting boards bring all the elements of the Victorian era (architectural style, intricate patterns, ornaments, and curves).
Choose the perfect skirting board height and width
The important thing when installing your new skirting boards is to determine their proper height and width. The size has an incredible impact on the visual appearance of your room. Tall skirting boards can add a bit of luxury to your room.
In turn, short skirting boards offer a more modern look. The height of your skirting board should be in agreement with the height of your ceiling and the size of the room.
Wider skirting boards provide expressiveness and architectural character to your home, while narrower ones bring a bit of subtleness. When choosing the width of your skirting boards, determine the size and style of your home.
Installation and finishing
The nice and correct look of your skirting boards depends largely on their proper installation. Below, you find a few things that are worth remembering:
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Preparation
Before assembling your skirting boards, make sure that the surface of your walls is smooth, clean, and free from any debris.
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Cutting and Fitting
Measure and use a mitre saw to precisely cut the skirting boards so that all the wall dimensions are correct.
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Fixing
Attach the skirting boards to the walls using adhesive or nails.
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Finishing
If the assembly of your skirting boards is complete, fill any potential gaps between them and the walls with caulk or filler. To achieve the final desired look, soften any rough edges and apply paint or stain.
Durability and Quality
If you care about the durability and design life of your skirting boards, make sure they are made from a solid material and taken from a known source. Always choose reliable manufacturers or suppliers, for example, Skirting King or Metres Direct when buying skirting boards.
You can check customer reviews on their website for confirmation. Take into account the material quality. Look at your skirting board and check if there are any qualitative defects, cracks, or warpings. Always choose a product with a warranty card. The guarantee card often prevents any defects.
Conclusion
By following those expert tips, you can make a well-thought-out decision when buying skirting boards for your home. The factors such as material, style, size, and proper installation guide, will help you achieve the desired aesthetic effect of your walls.
