Skirting and Architrave
(33 Products)
As a homeowner or interior design enthusiast, you may have heard the terms "skirting" and "architrave" when it comes to interior finishes. These two architectural elements play a crucial role in giving a polished and professional look to any room. We stock a huge range of skirting boards and architraves from primed skirting boards to moisture-resistant chamfered architrave - whatever the project, we have the perfect skirting board and architrave for you.
Find Out More About Our Types of Skirting & Architrave
What Is Skirting?
Skirting, also known as baseboard, is a decorative trim that runs along the bottom of an interior wall, covering the joint between the wall and the floor.
Skirting serves both functional and aesthetic purposes.
Functionally, it protects the base of the walls from damage caused by furniture, vacuum cleaners, and general wear and tear.
Aesthetically, skirting adds a finishing touch to a room, providing a seamless transition between the walls and the floor, and covering any gaps or imperfections in the joint.
Skirting comes in a wide range of materials, including wood, MDF (medium-density fibreboard), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and metal, with wood being the most traditional and popular choice.
Wood skirting can be made from various species of timber, such as oak, pine, or beech, and can be stained or painted to match the room's decor.
Skirting Board Styles
There are numerous different styles of skirting board profiles available, each with its own unique design features that can complement different interior design themes.
Here are some popular skirting styles:
- Classic Skirting: This style features a simple and understated design with clean lines and minimal ornamentation. It is a versatile option that can work well with both traditional and modern interiors.
- Victorian Skirting: Inspired by the Victorian era, this style typically includes intricate mouldings, such as curves, scrolls, and floral motifs, and is often taller in height compared to other styles. It adds a touch of elegance and grandeur to a room and is best suited for traditional or period property.
- Modern Skirting: This style is characterised by its sleek and minimalist design, with clean lines and simple shapes. It complements contemporary interiors with its unobtrusive appearance and can be a great choice for a more streamlined and minimalist look.
- Shaker Skirting: Based on the Shaker design philosophy of simplicity and functionality, this style features plain and unadorned boards with square edges and simple profiles. It works well with rustic or farmhouse-style interiors, providing a clean and timeless look.
Please navigate our skirting board category page to explore our full range of skirting board profiles.
What Is Architrave?
Architrave is the decorative moulding that frames a door or window. Its primary purpose is to cover the joint between the door or window frame and the wall, and it also adds an elegant finishing touch to any interior design project.
Architrave comes in various styles and sizes, from simple square-edged designs to more intricate, detailed mouldings. The most popular materials for architrave include MDF, softwood, and hardwood.
The Benefits of Skirting and Architrave
Skirting and architrave are both essential elements in any interior design project, providing a range of benefits that go beyond aesthetics.
- Protection: Skirting protects the bottom of walls from scuffs and damage caused by foot traffic, while architrave protects the edges of doors and windows from wear and tear.
- Finishing Touch: Skirting and architrave add a polished finishing touch to any room, providing a decorative element that ties together the design.
- Concealing Wiring and Pipes: Skirting and architrave can also be used to conceal unsightly wiring or pipes, creating a clean and neat appearance.
Choosing the Right Skirting and Architrave
Choosing the right skirting and architrave for your interior design project requires careful consideration of several factors, including the style of the room, the size of the space, and your personal preferences.
- Style: Choose a style that complements the overall design of the room. For example, if you have a contemporary space, opt for a simple, clean-lined skirting and architrave design. If you have a more traditional space, choose a more ornate, detailed moulding.
- Size: Consider the size of the room when choosing your skirting and architrave. Larger rooms can accommodate larger, more ornate designs, while smaller rooms may require a more minimalistic approach.
- Material: Choose a material that fits your budget and the needs of the space. MDF is a popular and affordable option, while hardwoods such as oak or mahogany provide a more luxurious finish.
In addition to aesthetics, durability and moisture resistance are also crucial factors to consider when choosing skirting boards and architraves.
Moisture-resistant materials, such as moisture-resistant MDF or PVC, are ideal choices for areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens, as they are less susceptible to warping, rotting, or other water-related damage.
Frequently Asked Skirting & Architrave Questions
Can Skirting Boards Be Painted or Stained to Match My Room's Color Scheme?
Yes, skirting boards can be painted or stained to match your room's colour scheme. Many skirting boards come pre-primed and can be easily painted or stained to achieve the desired finish.
However, it's important to properly prepare the surface and use suitable paint or stain for the material to ensure a long-lasting and professional result.
Can Skirting Boards & Architrave Be Installed as a DIY Project, or Do I Need To Hire a Professional?
Skirting board and architrave installation can be a DIY project for those with experience in carpentry and DIY skills.
However, it's crucial to ensure proper measurements, cuts, and installation techniques to achieve a seamless and professional result.
If you're not confident in your skills, it's recommended to hire a professional carpenter or installer to ensure the best outcome. Architrave specialists and carpenters have the expertise and experience to ensure a proper fit which ultimately helps you achieve a consistent look throughout a room.
What Is an Ogee Profile?
An ogee profile refers to a type of architectural or woodworking design that features a distinctive S-shaped curve. It is commonly used in skirting boards, architrave, and other decorative mouldings to add an elegant and decorative touch to interior spaces.
The ogee profile typically consists of a concave curve that transitions smoothly into a convex curve, forming a graceful "S" shape. The concave curve is often referred to as the "cove," while the convex curve is known as the "swell."
The combination of these curves and double groove creates a visually appealing and intricate profile that adds depth and character to the moulding.
What Is A Rebated Skirting?
For the sake of hiding away wires and pipes, a skirting board can be engineered with grooves of varying depths and thicknesses. These artistic rebates efficiently allow for wires to fit snugly behind them, making for a more cohesive finish.
What Does "Double Sanded" Mean?
When applying the initial primer onto skirting, it's common for the material's surface (wood or MDF) to lift slightly - requiring sanding down before a second coat is added. This process of double priming and sanding must occur in order to acquire an even surface prior to adding the final coat.
Many manufacturers neglect this procedure during the manufacturing process, resulting in rough finished products. Keep in mind that even with double priming and sanding, a final coat of sanding may still be needed before the board is complete.
Skipping or cutting corners on this step could result in an uneven finish that requires more effort to correct.
