Guidelines to selecting skirting boards
/ Published in Flooring Advice

Guidelines to selecting skirting boards

At Cherry carpets we have put these guidelines to select the right skirting board to help better understand the different types on offer. Skirting boards add an aesthetic and functional value to the flooring, especially when you are having wooden floors. In case of wood floors, a gap is left to prevent damage owing to the expansion and contraction of the timber. This is effectively hidden by using a board. Moreover, skirting is quite good for hiding the irregular wet plaster finishes. It protects the wall from getting damaged or scuffed as you use the vacuum cleaner. To get the appropriate benefit you have to purchase the right skirting board.

When you go for the proper style, it can enhance your home’s décor to a considerable extent. In case you are looking for a replacement for the existing skirting board, it is best to find a look alike. You need to take a portion of the existing one to the dealer. There you will find out whether they have something which is an exact or a close match. Dealers usually stock decorative skirting that render a period-style look or some other simpler designs which impart a lucid, modernized look. To make your search more convenient, there are a number of online stores which deal in specific types of materials.

Guidelines to selecting skirting boards

Here is a brief study of the different materials which would enable you to make a wise choice.

  • MDF Skirting: Available either in pre-finished or pre-primed condition, MDF is a widely accepted choice in new homes. Since it is resistant to swelling and warping, it is great for those considering a low-maintenance option. MDF Skirting is also quite affordable. But remember that it can solely be painted.
  • Softwood Skirting: If you are not game for frequent replacement, then this category is the right choice, as it offers room for refinish. It can also be varnished and stained, rendering a natural look, apt for period homes. Again, joiners work easily on this material, thereby paving the way for seamless renovation.
  • Hardwood Skirting: For those intending to bring in a highly sophisticated look, hardwood is a great option. Hardwood skirting matches wonderfully with oak floors, staircases, doors as well as other top-notch internal finishes. It is also a low-maintenance option, taking into account its resilience against scuffs and knocks. However, you need to pre-drill the timber and screw into wall plugs for fitting hardwood boards.

So, if you are looking for a neat finish between the wall and the floor, choose the right skirting board and give your home a brilliant look and feel. Wickes have an extensive collection of good value skirting boards.