How to fit skirting boards
Fitting skirting boards is a great way to transform your home! It gives any room a fresh and finished look! You do not need to be a pro to get a perfect finish! Follow this simple guide to learn exactly how to do it! We will show you everything from measuring to the final fix!
Choose the right size first!
Before you start, you need to pick your boards! Most people choose a standard height! The 140mm height is a very popular choice for modern UK homes! It looks great in almost any room! Check out our full range at National Skirting to find your perfect match! We have over 100 different profiles to choose from!
Get your tools ready!
You need the right gear for the job! Gather these items before you begin!
- Your new skirting boards
- A tape measure
- A sharp pencil
- A mitre saw or a hand saw with a mitre box
- A coping saw for internal corners
- High-quality grab adhesive
- A hammer and some finishing nails
- 180-grit sandpaper
- Decorator’s caulk and a caulking gun
Step 1: Prepare your walls!
Clear the area first! Remove all your old skirting boards carefully! Use a crowbar to pry them away from the wall! Be gentle so you do not damage the plaster! Scrape away any old adhesive or leftover nails! The wall must be flat and clean! This ensures your new boards sit perfectly flush!
Step 2: Measure and plan your run!
Start at the longest straight wall! This is usually the easiest place to begin! Measure the length of the wall with your tape measure! Do this twice to be sure! Mark the measurement on the back of your skirting board! Use a sharp pencil for a clear line!
Always work around the room in one direction! Going from left to right is a good habit! It helps you keep track of your cuts! If a wall is longer than one board, you will need a join! We call this a “scarf joint”! Cut both boards at a 45-degree angle where they meet! This makes the join almost invisible!
Step 3: Cutting your external corners!
External corners are where two walls meet pointing outwards! You must use a mitre cut here! Set your mitre saw to a 45-degree angle! Place your board flat against the saw fence!
Cut the first board so the long point is at the front! Now do the same for the second board but in the opposite direction! These two 45-degree angles will fit together to make a perfect 90-degree corner! Always do a “dry fit” first! Hold the boards against the corner without glue! Check that the join is tight! If there is a small gap, you can trim it slightly!
Step 4: The pro secret for internal corners!
Internal corners are different! Walls are rarely perfectly square! If you mitre both boards, you will often see a gap! Use the “scribe” method instead! This is what the pros do!
First, fit your first board straight into the corner with a square cut! Now take your second board! Cut a 45-degree internal mitre on the end! This will show you the profile of the wood! Use your pencil to trace along the edge of that profile!
Now take your coping saw! Cut along the pencil line you just drew! Angle the saw slightly backwards! This is called a “back cut”! It makes the front edge fit very tight against the first board! Push the scribed board against the first one! It should fit like a puzzle piece! It looks amazing!
Step 5: Fixing the boards to the wall!
Now it is time to stick them down! Use a strong grab adhesive for this! Apply the glue in a zigzag pattern on the back of the board! Add a few extra blobs in the middle for more grip!
Press the board firmly against the wall! Hold it for a few seconds so it grips! If your walls are very wonky, use a few nails too! This keeps the board in place while the glue dries! Use a hammer and finishing nails! Drive them in at the thickest part of the board!
The Installer’s Secret!
Want a truly professional finish? Use the Installer’s Secret! Once you have cut your joints, do not just leave them! Use 180-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the edges! This removes any tiny burrs or splinters from the saw! It makes the joints feel smooth to the touch! It also helps the paint or lacquer bond better at the corners! This small step makes a huge difference!
Finishing and sealing!
You are almost done! Now you need to hide the gaps! Use decorator’s caulk along the top edge! Run a bead of caulk where the board meets the wall! Use a damp finger to smooth it out! This fills any small gaps caused by uneven walls!
If you used nails, fill the holes! Use a small amount of wood filler! Once it is dry, sand it flat! Now your boards are ready for priming then painting! Or if you bought pre-primed boards from National Skirting, a light sand and paint is all you need!
Why choose National Skirting?
We make all our products right here in the UK! We use the best materials like moisture-resistant MDF and solid oak, pine and walnut! You get fast delivery in just 2-3 working days! We even offer free samples! They fit right through your letterbox!
Order your new boards today at National Skirting! We have everything you need for a beautiful home! Happy DIY-ing!