The most popular skirting board style is the classic Ogee skirting board. This style features a rounded arch at the top and bottom with a flat surface in the middle. The Ogee skirting board has been used for centuries in homes around the world for its classic look and simple installation.
The Ogee skirting board has been used in various eras and its popularity remains strong today. The Ogee skirting board is often decorated with paint, stain, or a varnish to give it a more distinct look.
It can be used to tie together different styles in a room to create a cohesive look, or to add a touch of classic elegance to a space. Homeowners also find that the Ogee skirting board works well with a variety of decorating styles, allowing them to personalize their space while continuing to keep it tasteful.
What type of skirting is best?
The best type of skirting will depend on the purpose for which you are using it. If you are looking for a skirting that is more functional, then PVC skirting is a great choice. It is easy to clean and maintain and it also offers excellent insulation.
If you are looking for a more decorative look, then you can opt for wooden or metal skirting. Wooden skirting will give your home a more classic and traditional look while metal skirting will offer a more modern look.
Both materials are durable and able to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. If you are looking for something that will hide unsightly areas of unequal wall heights, then you can consider using cable skirting.
Cable skirting is a great way to conceal cables and other wires, acting as a neat and tidy barrier between the floor and the wall.
Is ogee skirting modern?
Ogee skirting, also known as ogee moulding, is a decorative detail typically used in architectural millwork. It is often seen in traditional or period homes, but this does not mean that it is not suitable for modern homes.
While ogee skirting has a reputation for being quite ornate and decorative, it is also versatile and can be used to both contrast and complement modern spaces. Modern homes often benefit from a new take on traditional elements, and ogee skirting can translate this look.
It can be used to create contrast in a modern space, by utilizing different shades and finishes, or be put to the same use as in a period home, by using ornate detailing to accentuate furniture such as sofas and armchairs.
Ogee skirting is an effective way to add decorative touches to your home without it feeling too dated.
What material is for skirting?
Skirting is typically made from a variety of materials, though the most common material used is wood. Plywood or MDF (medium density fibreboard) are the typical materials used. However, other materials such as plastic, vinyl, metal, and even stone are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to be easily moulded, last longer, and offer more decorative options to fit the aesthetic of an area.
Plastic skirting is often used in wet areas such as bathrooms or kitchens as it can be more easily cleaned and maintained. Vinyl skirting is great for bedrooms or living rooms as it is easy to maintain and is often much less expensive than wood or metal.
Metal skirting is a great option for areas which require more strength or durability, such as public areas. Stone skirting is a luxury option which is becoming increasingly popular due to its classic look and added strength.
It is usually used in the higher-end homes or commercial buildings.
Do modern houses have skirting boards?
Yes, modern houses usually have skirting boards. Skirting boards provide an aesthetic touch to modern houses, but they also serve a practical purpose. Skirting boards prevent damage to the walls at the bottom, especially when high traffic areas where people walk along walls are present.
Skirting boards also help to keep heating costs down, as they provide an extra layer of insulation for the house. On top, skirting boards can be used for creativity. Custom designed skirting boards with LED lights, for example, are popular in modern house designs.
Not only do they provide an aesthetic touch, but they also help to create the desired atmosphere in a room.
Is MDF or wood skirting better?
When it comes to deciding whether MDF or wooden skirting is better, it depends on a few factors. If you’re looking for a material that is affordable, MDF is a great option. It is also quite easy to work with and easy to paint and finish.
On the other hand, wooden skirting boards can provide a classic, timeless look and are also a great choice if you’re looking for something that is more durable. Wooden skirting boards are often more expensive than MDF, but they can provide a beautiful and timeless aesthetic to any home or property.
Ultimately, it really comes down to which material you find most aesthetically pleasing and which material is the most cost efficient for the job. Both MDF and wooden skirting can be used in different circumstances and depending on the purpose, one option may be better than the other.
Consider the purpose of the skirting, how much money you’re willing to invest and the aesthetic appeal you’re trying to achieve when deciding between MDF and wooden skirting.
What type of timber is skirting usually made from?
Skirting boards can be made from a variety of different timbers depending on the desired effect, style, and budget. For example, MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) is a popular option as it is relatively inexpensive and easy to work with, although it doesn’t have the same natural grain as timber.
Solid Timber is the most common skirting board option as it is affordable, aesthetically pleasing, and extremely durable. It is available in a range of timber species including Oak, Pine, Walnut, and Sapele.
Pre-primed MDF boards also offer a low-cost alternative and are less prone to warping than wooden boards, but can be painted with a variety of coloured finishes for added versatility. Alongside these options, there are also specialised timber such as Cedar which has the ability to resist rot and damp, making it ideal for those exposed to damp environments.
What are the different types of skirting?
The types of skirting vary considerably depending on the type of surface they are used on and the intended purpose. Common types of skirting include vinyl skirting, plastic skirting, wood skirting, metal skirting, and stone skirting.
Vinyl skirting is typically used for mobile homes, as it is waterproof, lightweight, and easy to install. Plastic skirting is also lightweight, but is known for being more durable and cost-effective than other types of skirting.
Wood skirting is often used around decks and other outdoor areas, as it is easy to install and can be customized to fit any shape or size.
Metal skirting is often used for industrial buildings and is known for being more durable and for providing soundproofing and insulation. Stone skirting can be installed around porches, stairs, and other areas, as it is long-lasting and durable.
It is also available in many unique styles and colors, offering an aesthetic appeal to any room or area.
No matter the type of skirting chosen, it is important to ensure proper installation and maintenance to ensure long-lasting results.
Is it possible to have no skirting?
Yes, it is possible to have no skirting. Skirting is generally used to cover up pipes and other unsightly fixtures that might otherwise be exposed. However, it’s also possible to conceal piping and other fixtures with other methods, such as by building false walls, creating a box frame around the fixture, or by building shelving to hide the piping.
Additionally, if you already have access to the piping, you may find that it’s easier to simply paint the piping rather than installing skirting. While skirting has its uses, it’s not absolutely necessary for every room or design.
Can I use tiles as a skirting board?
It is not impossible to use tiles as a skirting board, but it is not ideal. Skirting boards are usually used to protect the walls from moisture and provide a decorative trim between the wall and the floor.
Tiles do not provide the same amount of protection as traditional skirting boards and can be difficult to clean. In addition, tiles are usually thicker than traditional skirting boards and may not fit in the space available.
Furthermore, the grout between the tiles can gather dirt and debris, making it hard to keep the skirting board clean and looking nice. Thus, while it can be done, it is usually not recommended to use tiles as a skirting board.
Can you put carpet down without skirting boards?
Yes, you can put carpet down without skirting boards. However, skirting boards do provide a few key benefits. First, they act as a barrier that helps protect the walls, as well as the edges of the carpet/flooring.
This not only adds strength to the walls and flooring, but it also can help minimize the chance of dirt and dust getting through to the walls and other surfaces. Second, skirting boards can be a great way to hide the edges of the carpet and any imperfections, giving your room a more polished look.
Finally, skirting boards can give an additional layer of safety, particularly in rooms with young children and pets, by helping to prevent protrusions or sharp edges that could be a choking or tripping hazard.
How do you fill gaps between carpet and walls?
To fill gaps between carpet and walls, you can use a variety of methods. The most common and recommended method is to use a carpet tack strip. This is a thin strip of wood, typically less than an inch thick, that has nails or tacks running along its edge.
The tack strip is placed around the perimeter of the room, with the nails/tacks pointing up and a slight gap between the strip and the wall. Then, the carpet is placed in the gap and stretched over the top of the tack strip.
The tacks hold the carpet in place, ensuring that there are no gaps between the carpet and the wall.
An alternative method is to use carpet glue. This method is generally easier and quicker than tacks, but much harder to undo or change. You simply apply a bead of glue to the edge of the carpet and press it against the wall tightly.
This method has the advantage of being secure, but it could make it more difficult to lift the carpet and replace it in the future.
A third option is to use an adhesive-backed carpet seam tape. This is a special tape that comes with an adhesive backing. You simply press the tape along the perimeter of the room and then press the carpet against it.
This method is simple and cost-effective, but won’t be as secure as tacks or glue.
No matter which method you choose, ensure that the gap between the carpet and the wall is kept to a minimum. This will help keep your carpet looking neat and tidy.
Can a wood floor be fitted beneath skirting boards without removing them?
Yes, it is possible to fit a wooden floor beneath skirting boards without removing them, although it is recommended that they are removed before installation. This is because when fitting a wooden floor, you need to ensure that the skirting boards are cut to the correct size and shape, and the edges are nailed down securely.
This cannot be achieved with skirting boards still in place, as they will get in the way and prevent the nails from being driven in properly. Moreover, the skirting boards may not sit flush against the new floor if not cut accurately, and may be difficult to fit over the new floor, as the previously cut edges may not fit back together perfectly.
Therefore, it is advised to take the time to remove all skirting boards before fitting a wooden floor, to ensure a neat finish.
What is the difference between skirting and Scotia?
Skirting and Scotia are two different moulding profiles typically used to finish the transitions between the floors and walls in a room. Skirting is a single flat piece of moulding that runs along the base of the walls, usually 8 to 10 cm high, while Scotia is a three-dimensional moulding that also runs along the bottom of the walls, but with a more curved, decorative shape.
Some of the most common skirting profiles include Torus, Ogee, and Chamfer, while the most commonly used Scotia profile is a Cove.
Skirting is usually used in classic and traditional styles, commonly with wood materials, to help complete the wall’s profile and enhance the décor of the room. Scotia, on the other hand, can be used in more modern and contemporary rooms, often with more colorful materials like PVC and polyurethane.
It adds character to the room and helps complete the contrast between the wall and floor, while also serving to hide any joints and imperfections in the wall.
Does wood flooring go under skirting boards?
Yes, wood flooring should go underneath the skirting boards. The skirting boards should generally be installed after the flooring is in place and the floor should be left slightly proud to provide a base for the skirting boards.
Installing the skirting boards before the flooring may cause gaps between the floor and the skirting which could be a hazard in itself. It is also important to relay the skirting boards after the flooring is installed, as any movement in the flooring may cause issues with a pre installed skirting.
When installing the skirting boards, it is best to use a slightly wider board than the gap between the floor and wall to avoid any movement in the wood when the boards are fixed. This will also allow for a smoother finish when the skirting is fixed in place.
If there is any doubt on if the skirting should go before or after the flooring, it is best to always install it after.
Can you paint skirting boards with carpet down?
Painting skirting boards with carpet down is possible, but it is not the recommended method. It can be done, but the end result will not be the same quality as painting without the carpet. The carpet will decrease the adherence of the paint and can create an uneven finish.
It is difficult to get paint into all the nooks and crannies of the skirting board when it is still covered in carpet. To get the best results and the smoothest finish, it is best to paint the skirting boards with the carpet removed.
This will also help to avoid any mess that could result from the carpet being in place. If the carpet is in good condition it is recommended to remove it and replace it after the skirting boards have been painted.
Is it worth replacing skirting boards?
Replacing skirting boards is a worthwhile endeavor as long as you have the time and resources to do it. Skirting boards are integral to the aesthetics of a home, not to mention the fact that they are strong and durable.
Replacing skirting boards can help to increase the value of a home, as skirting boards can be one of the first things that potential buyers notice when they first look at a property. Replacing skirting boards can also create an overall fresh and new look to a room, as well as provide extra protection against dust and dirt.
Furthermore, replacing skirting boards can also help to reduce noise, as skirting boards can act as a soundproofing layer between the floor and the walls. Overall, replacing skirting boards can be a rewarding experience, both in terms of the added value to your home and the improved aesthetics of a room.
How do you make skirting boards look new?
Making skirting boards look new can be challenging, especially if they’ve been in place for a while or come with a dated finish. Depending on the type of material and the level of damage, there are a few different approaches.
If your skirting boards are made of wood, you’ll need to begin by stripping off the existing finish. This can be done using a combination of sandpaper, a paint stripper, and a wire brush to remove all of the paint and residue.
Once the boards are bare, use a sandpaper to smooth them down and remove any rough edges. Once you’ve achieved a smooth finish, you can start to paint.
If you’re looking for more of a contemporary look, opt for a water-based paint. If a more traditional finish is desired, choose an oil-based paint. Either way, once you’ve finished painting the boards, apply a good quality sealant.
This will help to protect them from dirt and damage and ensure that your skirting boards last for a long time.
Finally, if you’d like to add more of a statement piece to your home, consider replacing the boards with something more modern. There are a range of materials and designs to choose from, allowing you to get a bespoke look without needing to do much work.