The Essential Role of Skirting Boards in Your Home
Skirting boards are an essential feature in any home, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits. At Finishing Touches SA, we believe that skirting boards not only protect your walls but also enhance the overall look of your space. Here’s why skirting boards are a must-have for your home.
The Main Function of Skirting Boards:
Protecting Walls from Damage: Skirting boards act as a protective barrier, safeguarding your walls from knocks, scuffs, and damage caused by daily activities. They are especially useful in high-traffic areas where walls are more prone to wear and tear. Made from high-density MDF or hardwoods like oak and meranti, skirting boards are durable and capable of withstanding significant impact.
Creating a Clean Finish: After plastering walls, achieving a perfect finish where the wall meets the floor can be challenging. Skirting boards help cover any imperfections, providing a neat and tidy appearance. This clean finish not only enhances the room’s aesthetics but also adds a polished look to your home.
Skirting Boards as a Design Feature:
Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal: Skirting boards have evolved significantly, offering a wide range of designs to suit various interior styles. Whether you prefer a classic Victorian look or a modern minimalist design, skirting boards can complement and accentuate your room’s décor. They provide an opportunity to add unique character and style to your space.
Introducing Colour: Skirting boards also allow for creative use of colour. You can choose to paint them in a contrasting shade to make a bold statement or match them with your walls for a seamless look. This flexibility in colour choice can significantly impact the overall design of your room, making it more dynamic and visually appealing.
Installing Skirting Boards:
Tools Required:
- Pencil
- Square
- Marking Gauge
- Wood Chisel
- Hammer
Step-by-Step Installation:
1. Skirt the First Wall:
- Measure and Cut: Start with the longest wall in the room. Measure the length needed and cut the skirting board accordingly.
- Attach to Solid Walls: For solid walls, use screws and wall plugs. Drill pilot holes in the skirting board, align it against the wall, and insert the screws through the board into the wall plugs. Countersink the screw heads to ensure they sit flush with the surface.
- Attach to Stud Partition Walls: For stud walls, use oval nails. Hammer the nails through the skirting board into the studs behind the plasterboard. Punch the nail heads below the surface with a nail punch for a smooth finish.
2. Skirt the Other Walls:
- Internal Corners:
- Cutting Mitres: When dealing with internal corners, cut a 45° mitre on the end of the first length of skirting board. This angled cut ensures a neat fit in the corner.
- Butt and Fix: Position the mitred end into the corner and fix it in place. Take the second length of skirting board, cut a matching 45° mitre, and butt it against the first piece. Secure it with screws or nails as appropriate.
- External Corners:
- Cutting and Joining: For external corners, both lengths of skirting board need 45° mitres cut on their ends. Apply wood adhesive to the mitred edges, then press them together to form a neat external corner. Pin the joint with small nails to hold it in place while the adhesive dries.
3. Fill Joints:
- Preparation for Decorating: Once all the skirting boards are installed, use wood filler to fill any gaps at the joints, along with the countersunk screw heads and nail holes. This creates a smooth surface ready for painting or staining.
- Sanding: After the filler has dried, sand down the filled areas to ensure they are level with the rest of the skirting board, providing a professional finish.
Skirting boards play a crucial role in protecting your walls and enhancing your home’s décor. At Finishing Touches SA, we offer a variety of high-quality skirting boards to suit your style and needs. Our expert team is here to help you choose and install the perfect skirting boards for your home.
Ready to upgrade your home with stylish and functional skirting boards? Visit Finishing Touches SA today to explore our collection and find the perfect skirting boards for your home. Transform your space with our expertly crafted products!
