How to fit skirting boards

Skirting boards are used to cover the joint where the wall and the floor meet each other, and depending on the nature of your project, you will either be replacing the skirting in a room or fitting new skirting as part of a room makeover. If you’re wanting to add both architrave and skirting, then it’s a good idea to match the styles for a consistent look.

Skirting boards come in a variety of different materials, such as primed MDF, fully finished MDF, softwood and hardwood. MDF skirting doesn’t need sanding, but if you’re using softwood or hardwood boards, they may need lightly sanding and treating before fitting.

Don’t leave a gap underneath the skirting boards, if you’re having a carpeted floor, then fit the skirting boards first. But if you’re laying down a wooden floor, fit the skirting boards afterwards.

an image of a man fitting skirting boards in home

@made2measure_interiors

How do I cut and measure skirting boards?

When cutting skirting boards, you will need to know the best way to join them at the corners. External corners face outwards, whereas internal corners face inwards. Each corner needs a different cut for the best results.

Mitre joints are used for external corners. The boards are cut at 45 degree angles, so they fit nicely and tightly around the corner.
Scribe joints are used for internal corners. One of the boards is cut square then the other board is cut – or ‘scribed’ – which helps to minimise the risk of gaps forming if the skirting shrinks after fitting.

Remember that when you’re planning to fit new skirting, start from the left-hand side of the door and work anti-clockwise around the room. This is to ensure that the square cut piece on an internal corner is always cut and fitted before the scribed piece. Make sure it’s clear which cuts are needed for each skirting grid!

an image of a white painted wall with light fittings and skirting boards

@the_cyclists_abode

How to fit skirting boards – Step by Step

Step 1 - Detect any hidden pipes

Before fixing anything to the walls, use a pipe and cable detector to check for hidden pipes and electric cables. Be sure to follow according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

an image of a white painted wall with skirting boards

@renovating_with_reynolds

Step 2 - Mark position of studs

If you’re fitting skirting to a stud wall, then use a stud detector to locate the vertical timber studs behind the plasterboard. Mark the centre position of the studs on the skirting so you know where to hammer the nails.

an image of a red craftsman cable detector against wall

@craftsman

Step 3 - Apply adhesive

To fix the skirting board, apply grab adhesive to the back of the skirting and then press the board firmly to the wall and quickly wipe off any overspill. If the wall is perfectly flat, you may not need any other fixings. If your wall has a bow in it, you may need other screws or fixings to tighten up the skirtings.

an image of a man applying adhesive to skirting board

@moochstyle

Step 4 - Drill the skirting

If you’re fixing the skirting to a masonry wall, then use a 6mm masonry drill bit to drill through the skirting and into the wall. Start the holes 50mm from the end of the wall and position each one 25mm from the top and bottom of the skirting. Repeat this pattern at 500mm along the length of the skirting and countersink the holes so that the screws will be hidden, i.e., the screw head sits below the surface of the skirting.

an image of a man using hammer to take skirting boards out

@mrs.lewis.home

Step 5- Screw in

Insert a 6mm wall plug and an 8-gauge screw, tapping into place until you feel resistance. Then, screw until the head is below the surface of the skirting.

an image of skirting boards being prepared to be fit

@mayfield_reno

Step 6 - Hammer in

If you’re fixing the skirting to a stud wall, then hammer two 40mm lost head nails through the skirting into the centre of each timber stud. Use a hammer and nail stud to push the nails below the surface of the skirting.

an image of a man drilling hole into skirting board

@1993.home

Step 7 - Glue joints

When fitting and securing an external joint, apply PVA glue to the face of each mitre cut.

an image of a man painting skirting board white

@my_tiny_terrace

Step 8 - Fit square cut section

When securing the internal joints, the square cut section is always fitted first, so simply align the scribed section and secure the board. No PVA glue is required for internal joints.

an image of a mitre cut being used against skirting boards

@thequirkylodge

Step 9 - Seal off gaps

Using a cartridge gun, apply flexible decorators caulk to the top of the skirting to seal off and fill any small gaps between the skirting and the wall. Smooth the surface and wipe away any excess with a damp cloth.

an image of a man painting skirting boards in home

@homebuiltproject

Step 10 - Fill screw holes and sand

Finally, all countersunk nails and screws should be filled with caulk and sanded down. Now the skirting is ready to paint!

an image of a bright white wall with white skirting boards

@skirting4you

If you have any questions about how to fit skirting boards or need further information about the products we sell at Howarth, please visit your local friendly Howarth branch, or contact our customer services team on the number 01472 907051.

26th Jul 2022 Emily Green