MDF vs pine skirting
Are you stuck choosing between MDF and pine for your new skirting boards? Don’t worry! This is the most common question we get! Both materials are fantastic choices for your home. They both look great and do a perfect job of finishing your rooms! But they are very different in how they work and how they look!
In this guide, we will break down the differences for you! We want to help you make the best choice for your renovation project! Whether you are a DIY pro or a first-timer, this information is for you! Keep reading to find out which material wins for your home!
Why choose MDF skirting?
MDF stands for Medium Density Fibreboard! It is a man-made material. People love it because it is very stable! It does not warp or twist like natural wood can! This makes it a very reliable choice for any room in your house!
It is super smooth!
One of the best things about MDF is the finish! It is incredibly smooth! There are no knots or grains to worry about! If you want a perfectly flat and modern look, MDF is for you! It takes paint like a dream! You won’t have to deal with sap leaking through the paint later on!
It saves you money!
MDF is generally more affordable than pine! This is great if you are doing a whole house! You get a high-end look without spending a fortune! It also comes pre-primed most of the time! This means you save time on painting too! Just give it a quick top coat and you are done!
No warping here!
Natural wood can move when the weather changes! MDF stays exactly the same! It is very dense and solid! This means your joints will stay tight for years! You won’t see gaps opening up at the corners! It is a very “set it and forget it” kind of material!
Why choose pine skirting?
Pine is a classic choice! It is a natural softwood that has been used in homes for centuries! If you love the look of real wood, pine is the way to go! It brings a warm and traditional feel to any space!
The natural look!
Pine has beautiful wood grain! It also has natural knots that add character! If you want to stain or varnish your skirting boards, you must choose pine! You can’t stain MDF because it has no grain! With pine, you can show off the natural beauty of the timber!
It is very tough!
Pine is a solid piece of wood! It can handle some bumps and scrapes! If you do get a dent, you can often sand it out! It feels very sturdy and premium under your hand! It is a great choice for traditional or period homes where you want everything to feel authentic!
Easy to work with!
Builders love pine because it is easy to cut and nail! It is a bit lighter than some types of MDF! You can use standard wood tools to get a perfect fit! Just remember that pine needs a bit more prep work! You have to treat the knots so they don’t show through your paint later!
The magic height: 140mm!
When you are picking your boards, you need to think about height! We recommend a height of 140mm for most standard UK homes! This is the sweet spot for skirting boards!
Why 140mm?
This height looks great in almost any room! It is tall enough to look substantial and expensive! But it is not so tall that it makes your ceilings look low! It is a very balanced size! Most modern homes use this height as the standard!
If you have very high ceilings, you might go taller! But for a normal room, 140mm is perfect! It covers up any messy bits at the bottom of your walls easily! It also leaves plenty of space for your furniture to sit against the wall! Go for 140mm if you want a classic look that works everywhere!
Check out all our options on our homepage at www.nationalskirting.co.uk!
The Installer’s Secret: The 180-grit trick!
Do you want your skirting boards to look like a professional installed them? We have a secret tip for you! Professional installers always use this trick to get a glass-smooth finish!
Use 180-grit sandpaper!
The secret is all in the sanding! Even if your boards are pre-primed, you need to sand them! Buy some 180-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge today! This is a very fine grit that won’t scratch the surface! It just removes any tiny bumps or “hairs” on the material!
How to do it:
- First Sand: Take your board and give it a very light rub with the 180-grit paper! Do this before you put any paint on it!
- Dust it off: Wipe the board with a damp cloth! Make sure all the dust is gone!
- First Coat: Apply your first coat of paint! Let it dry completely!
- The Secret Step: Once the paint is dry, the surface might feel a bit rough! This is normal! Take your 180-grit paper again! Rub it very lightly over the paint!
- Final Coat: Wipe it clean and apply your final coat!
This trick makes the paint stick better! It also makes the final surface feel incredibly soft and smooth! Your friends will ask how you got such a perfect finish! It only takes a few extra minutes but makes a huge difference!
How to fit your skirting boards
Fitting your own skirting is a great way to save money! It is a fun DIY project! Just follow these simple steps to get it right!
Get your tools ready!
You will need a few basic things! Grab a mitre saw or a mitre box! You also need a tape measure, some strong adhesive, and a nail gun or hammer! Don’t forget your safety goggles!
Measure twice!
This is the golden rule! Measure your walls carefully! It is always better to have a little bit extra than to be too short! Write down every measurement!
Cut the corners!
For internal corners, most pros use a “scribe” cut! For external corners, you use a 45-degree mitre cut! Take your time with these! If the join is a bit loose, don’t panic! You can use some filler later to make it look perfect!
Stick and nail!
Apply a good amount of “no nails” style adhesive to the back of the board! Press it firmly against the wall! Use a couple of nails to hold it in place while the glue dries! This makes sure the board stays flat against the wall if your walls are a bit wonky!
Comparing the two side-by-side
Still can’t decide? Look at this quick list!
Choose MDF if:
- You want a very modern and clean look!
- You are on a budget!
- You want the easiest possible painting job!
- You want boards that will never warp!
Choose Pine if:
- You want to see real wood grain!
- You want to use a wood stain or clear varnish!
- You want a traditional feel for your home!
- You like the idea of using 100% natural timber!
Both choices are great! At National Skirting, we make sure both our MDF and Pine products are the best quality! We source our wood sustainably too! This means you can feel good about what you are putting in your home!
Finish your room with style!
Choosing the right skirting board is the finishing touch your home deserves! It frames your rooms! It protects your walls! And it makes everything look complete!
Don’t settle for boring or damaged boards! Upgrade your home today! Whether you pick the smooth finish of MDF or the natural charm of Pine, you are going to love the result! Remember to use the 180-grit sanding secret for that pro look!
Ready to start your project? Head over to www.nationalskirting.co.uk right now! You can browse all our styles and heights! We offer fast delivery across the UK! We also have free samples so you can see the quality for yourself!
Get your dream home started today! Click over to our website and find your perfect skirting boards! We are here to help you every step of the way!