Skirting Board
(21 Products)Skirting boards, also known as baseboards or base mouldings, are an important finishing touch for any room. They are the trim pieces that are installed along the lowest part of an interior wall to serve a number of purposes - including protecting walls from furniture and foot traffic, hiding gaps or imperfections between walls and floors, and adding a decorative element to a space.
What Are Skirting Boards?
Skirting boards run along the base of interior walls, bridging the gap between the wall surface and the floor. As well as serving a practical purpose - protecting walls from scuffs, scratches and knocks caused by furniture or foot traffic - they also bring a decorative finish to a room. Available in a wide range of styles and materials, from classic wooden mouldings to sleek, modern profiles, skirting boards can be painted or stained to suit any colour scheme, helping to tie together the overall look of a space.
We stock an extensive selection to suit all tastes and budgets - from crisp white skirting boards to softwood options that can be customised to your liking. In addition, we offer an extensive range of high-quality cladding and wood flooring ideal for constructing the sub-floor, as well as sealants and adhesives to keep it all intact.
Benefits
- Protects walls from scuffs, bumps, and furniture damage
- Conceals gaps and uneven edges between floor and wall
- Creates a polished, professional finish in any room
- Enhances interior design by framing floors and adding character
- Supports cable management (some profiles can hide wires)
Types of Skirting Board Profiles
- Chamfer: A chamfered skirting board boasts a sleek and minimalist design, characterised by a single angled edge that slopes down to a flat, straight surface at the bottom of the board.
- Bullnose/Pencil-round: A pencil round, otherwise referred to as a bullnose skirting board, boasts a clean-lined style, featuring a smooth rounded edge at the top front of the board, accompanied by a flat face.
- Ogee: Ogee is a decorative profile that boasts an angled edge that gracefully graduates into a sweeping curve, with a flat face at the bottom of the board.
- Torus: A torus profile boasts a semi-circular round at the top front of the board, with some designs featuring an indent below the curve while others gradually transition into a flat face.
- Ovolo: Ovolo skirting features an elegantly curved arc at the top front of the face that tapers back towards the wall.
- Square Edge: Square edge skirting features a straight, sharp edge along the top surface, providing a clean and minimalist look
Choosing the Right Skirting Board
When choosing skirting boards, it’s important to consider both the practical needs of the space and your design preferences.
- Room Type: Moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms may benefit from moisture-resistant MDF or PVC options.
- Wall Finish: For newly plastered or uneven walls, a thicker board can help mask imperfections.
- Interior Style: Traditional spaces often suit decorative profiles like ogee or torus, while minimalist interiors tend to favour square edge or chamfered designs.
- Painted or Stained?: White primed boards offer a blank canvas, while natural wood styles bring warmth and texture.
How To Install Skirting Board
Skirting boards can be fixed to walls using either screws or a strong adhesive, depending on the type of wall and the finish you're after.
For a full breakdown of tools, techniques and tips, head over to our step-by-step blog: How To Fix Skirting Board - ideal for both first-timers and seasoned DIYers looking for a refresher.
Frequently Asked Skirting Board Questions
What Is The Standard Height For Skirting Boards In The UK?
Most skirting boards in the UK range between 120mm and 220mm in height, with 145mm (approximately 6 inches) being a common standard.
Should Skirting Boards Be Painted Before Or After Installation?
Skirting boards are usually easier to paint before installation, especially if you're using a different wall colour. A final touch-up coat can be applied once they’re fixed in place.
What’s The Best Adhesive For Fitting Skirting Boards?
A strong grab adhesive like Gripfill or No More Nails is ideal for bonding skirting boards to walls. For uneven walls or heavier profiles, mechanical fixings (screws and plugs) may be required.
Can Skirting Boards Hide Cables And Wires?
Yes - many modern skirting profiles are designed with recessed grooves or hollow backs that allow you to conceal electrical cables and low-voltage wires for a cleaner look.
Do I Need To Use Sealant Between The Skirting And The Wall?
Yes, applying a decorator’s caulk or flexible filler between the top edge of the skirting and the wall helps create a seamless look and covers minor gaps or imperfections.
Can Skirting Boards Be Used With Underfloor Heating?
Yes - skirting boards are compatible with underfloor heating systems, but ensure materials like MDF are moisture-resistant to avoid warping in warm, humid environments.
How Do I Join Skirting Boards In Corners?
For internal corners, a technique called ‘scribing’ gives the cleanest join. This involves cutting the profile of one board to fit snugly against the face of the adjoining board.
Are Skirting Boards The Same As Interior Mouldings?
The term 'interior mouldings' encompasses a wide array of decorative elements that add detail and definition to the edges and surfaces of projections or cavities.
From skirting boards that outline the base of walls, to architraves that frame doorways, mouldings are an essential component in any home design scheme.
What Is 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.
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