HOW TO INSTALL SKIRTING BOARDS
Category: Doors And Floors
Published: 01/12/2023
How to Install Skirting Boards
Skirting boards, often known as baseboards, are a reasonably straightforward do-it-yourself job for completing any space. Whether you're replacing old skirting boards or installing them in a brand-new room, you only need a few basic equipment and materials to do the job yourself. A little practice can have you installing skirting boards like an expert in no time!
What is the best method for installing skirting boards?
Skirting boards are used to conceal the seam between the wall and floor. Depending on the nature of your project, you will either install new skirting or replace the existing skirting in a room. When adding architrave and skirting, it is advisable to match the styles for a unified appearance.
There is no need to allow a space beneath the skirting boards. If you are carpeting the floor, install the skirting boards first. If you are installing a wooden floor, install the skirting boards next.
Skirting boards are available in many materials, including primed MDF, completely finished MDF, softwood, and hardwood. The MDF skirting does not warp and lacks knots or defects. If you pick skirting made of hardwood or softwood, consider lengths with the fewest knots and flaws.
HOW TO Install and Replace Skirting Boards and Trim
Before you begin installing skirting boards, you must determine how much you will need to purchase. Whether for a repair or restoration job, be careful to accurately measure the areas where the skirting boards will be installed. Buy more than necessary. This will allow you to check that each piece fits the wall, and the additional material will account for the miter cuts required for the outside corners.
Prepare for installation of skirting boards. Before attaching the skirting board to the wall, ensure that the region is fully dust- and dirt-free. If you are doing a repair, then dispose of all the old material. To do this, use a knife or other sharp instrument to carefully push the old skirting board away from the wall, then cut it off and scrape away any remaining debris.
Cut and measure the skirting board pieces. Place the skirting board pieces along the wall or walls where you want to put them. Then, mark the corners with a pencil.
Saw the pieces. Once all the pieces have been marked, you may cut them using a Handsaw. Remember to put on your goggles before sawing. Once the parts have been cut, verify that the edges align. You may return to the saw at any time to make modifications. Once you are satisfied with the lengths and angles, you may install the skirting boards.
Attach baseboards to the wall. Simply apply the wood glue of your choice and push the skirting board pieces into place.
Sandpaper. Using sandpaper, round out jagged edges.
Caulk the border boards. Apply sealant to the top and bottom of your skirting boards using a caulking gun.
How to Fasten MDF Skirting to the Wall
Typically, you may use a grip or decorator's caulk to join MDF baseboards and a plaster wall. How is an MDF skirting board attached to a wall? Apply glue at regularly spaced intervals to the back of the board and hold it in place while it dries. Some contractors like to use nails and adhesive to secure skirting boards, although this is not always necessary.
What Type Of Nails Should You Use To Install Skirting Boards?
The right nails for skirting board installation depend on the material of your wall. For brick and concrete walls, masonry nails are necessary. Nails with a missing head or brads fired from a nail gun may be used to build wooden wall frames. In lieu of nails, MDF skirting boards may depend only on adhesive.
What is the best nail gun for skirting boards?
This is sometimes referred to as a "bradder" when using a nail gun to connect skirting boards, such as square skirting boards. This means that it fires with a strip of thin nails. For most skirting board installs, you may use a straight bradder or an angled bradder if you need to access tighter areas. Wear protective eyewear and ear protection while using any sort of nail gun for skirting boards.
Should Skirting Boards Touch the Ground?
Placement of skirting boards must be flush with the floor. When installing skirting boards in new construction, the framework may eventually settle and leave a gap. If the gap is less than 5 mm wide, sealant may be used to fill it. Larger spaces will demand the installation of brand-new moldings.
How to Cut Outside Edges of Skirting Boards
Many people find connecting skirting boards around corners to be the most difficult aspect of skirting board installation. Using a workbench-mounted miter saw is the easiest approach. This enables you to cut the boards at the correct angle, which is 45 degrees in most houses. Verify that the boards are aligned, leave a little lip on one side to make them easier to connect, and learn how to cut external board skirting corners.
How Should Holes in a Skirting Board Be Fixed?
Even if you properly measure your baseboards, there may be spaces between the boards or panels and the wall. They may be filled with caulking by hand or by caulking gun. This is also how a skirting board joint may be concealed. After cleaning the area, apply caulking at a 45-degree angle along the length of the gap. Any excess should be swept away as quickly as possible before it hardens. Wait at least 2 hours after caulking before painting or staining the skirting boards.
Methods for Hiding a Skirting Board Joint
What is the most effective method for installing skirting boards without exposing the joints? A few boards may undoubtedly have seams where one length of the wood runs out if you’re seeking to save money with your skirting board installation. One method for hiding the connections from view is to place them in concealed areas, such as under a table or decoration. If the gap is more noticeable or you need a smooth finish, you will need to learn how to patch the skirting board. Before painting, smooth it out with a decorator's caulk.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this post has answered the majority of your issues about skirting board installation. With the information given above, you may start your project with full confidence.