Skirting board diy

Types of Skirting Board DIY

A skirting board DIY is a board that runs along the wall at the bottom. It covers the place where the wall meets the floor. Skirting boards are also called base boards in the United States. These skirting boards serve different purposes like protecting the walls from damage, hiding wires, and giving a room a finished look. DIY skirting boards come in different types, as discussed below:

• Wooden Skirting Boards

  These are the most common types of DIY skirting boards. They are made from different types of wood, which can be painted or stained. Wooden skirting boards are popular because they can be customized to suit different needs and preferences. They can also be found in different styles, from modern to traditional. Wooden skirting boards can be straight or have intricate designs. They can also be painted to match the color of the wall or left natural.

• MDF Skirting Boards

  MDF stands for Medium Density Fiberboard. These types of skirting boards are cheaper than wooden skirting boards. They are made from recycled wood and are very smooth. This makes them good for painting. MDF skirting boards are also flexible and come in different shapes and sizes. They can be used in different rooms. However, they are not as durable as wooden skirting boards.

• Plastic Skirting Boards

  Plastic skirting boards are made from materials like PVC. They are very easy to maintain because they can be cleaned with a wet cloth. They are popular in places that have high levels of moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens. Plastic skirting boards are waterproof and do not rot. They are also available in different colors and styles. However, they may not look as good as wooden skirting boards.

• Metal Skirting Boards

  Metal skirting boards are less common. They are made from materials like aluminum or stainless steel. These skirting boards are used in modern buildings. They give a room a sleek and contemporary look. Metal skirting boards are very durable and can be used in places with a lot of traffic. They are also easy to clean but can be more expensive than other types of skirting boards.

• Combi Skirting Boards

  Combi skirting boards are special types of baseboards that can be used in DIY projects to hide electrical wires. They have a compartment at the back or side where the wires can be placed. This makes the room look neat and organized. Combi skirting boards come in different materials, like wood or MDF, and have a modern design that fits different styles.

Function and features of skirting board diy

DIY skirting boards allow customization and cost savings. The features of DIY skirting boards are as follows:

• Materials

  DIY skirting boards are made from different materials, each with advantages. MDF is a popular choice due to its smooth surface, which is ideal for painting. It is also cost-effective. PVC is another material used to make DIY skirting boards. It is waterproof and durable. It is also easy to install. Wood is another material used in making DIY skirting boards. It is traditional and can be stained or painted. There is also a variety of materials used in making DIY skirting boards. This material gives an aesthetic look to the board.

• Design profiles

  DIY skirting boards come in different design profiles. This allows customization to fit different interior styles. The design profiles include: The chamfered skirting board has a simple design. It consists of a flat top and a beveled edge. The curved skirting board has a rounded top and a curved edge. The ogee skirting board has a decorative profile. This includes a convex and a concave section. The Victorian skirting board has a tall and ornate profile. The modern skirting board has a flat top and a straight edge. It is a simple design. The bead and flagellate skirting boards are more complex than the others. The bead skirting board has one or more recessed beads along the upper edge. The flagellate skirting board has a series of ridges or flutes along the upper edge.

• Height and thickness

  DIY skirting boards come in different heights and thicknesses. These impact the appearance and function of the skirting boards. Taller skirting boards make a room feel higher. Shorter skirting boards make a room feel smaller. Thicker skirting boards are more durable and can cover imperfections on the wall. Thinner boards look more elegant and modern.

Scenarios where skirting board DIY is applicable

There are different scenarios where a DIY skirting board can be applied. These include:

• Restoring an old house

  Skirting boards are a crucial component of any home, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. They protect walls from damage caused by furniture and foot traffic and cover electrical wiring and plumbing running along the base of the walls. Additionally, skirting boards give a finished look to the interior design by blending with the flooring and walls.

  In an old house, DIY skirting boards offer many benefits to homeowners. They are cost-effective, allowing people to save on costs by not hiring professionals to do the work. It also gives one the freedom to customize their skirting boards to their liking since they are the ones doing the work. It is also a learning opportunity since one gets to learn the ins and outs of fixing a skirting board in case it needs to be done again in the future.

• Building a new home

  Skirting boards play a crucial role in interior design by providing a finished look to any newly built home. With the many different styles and designs of DIY skirting boards, people can choose boards that will complement their newly built homes. Skirting boards also elevate the aesthetic appearance of a house, making it look visually appealing. They serve as a frame to the walls, especially in homes with minimalist designs.

  Skirting boards also highlight architectural features in newly built homes. For example, in houses with built-in bookshelves or window seats, baseboards can emphasize these features by drawing the eye to them. Additionally, in homes with different flooring types within the same room, such as tile in the kitchen and hardwood in the living area, skirting boards can help delineate these spaces and indicate that they are different.

• Improving an already existing house

  DIY skirting boards are an excellent way to improve an already existing house. They are cost-effective, allowing homeowners to spend money on other improvements instead of paying someone to fix their boards. They also allow for customization since homeowners can choose the style, shape, and size of the boards they want to fix in their homes. This also means that they can choose the color of the skirting boards to match the color of their walls or floors or even make them pop in case they want that effect.

  Additionally, fixing skirting boards is a simple task that does not require a lot of time, and it also allows people to learn a skill that can be used in the future.

How to choose skirting board DIY

• Consider the Style and Design

  When picking out a pre-made or planning to make a certain kind of skirting board, it's important to think about the style and design of the room where it will go. If the room is designed in a certain way, like modern or fancy, choose a skirting board that matches that look. Also, consider the color of the walls and other things in the room. A simple skirting board might work better if the room is plain. But if the room has fancy details, pick a skirting board with patterns or decorations to match it.

• Material Selection

  The material used to make a skirting board affects how long it lasts and how much care it needs. It's good to think about the materials for each room. Some rooms, like bathrooms and kitchens, have moisture, so pick a skirting board material that can handle that without getting damaged.

• Height and Proportion

  The height of the skirting board affects how the room looks. Taller boards can make the room feel grander, especially in rooms with high ceilings. On the other hand, shorter skirting boards are better for smaller rooms. It's good to think about the size of the room when choosing a skirting board height so that everything looks balanced and in proportion.

• Ease of Installation

  Installation is important when deciding whether to buy a skirting board or make one. Some skirting boards are simple to put together, which is good if there isn't much experience. These boards save time and effort. However, if someone wants to try a more difficult installation to learn new skills, they can choose skirting boards that require more work to install.

• Budget

  When picking a skirting board, it's helpful to have a budget in mind. This budget can be flexible, allowing for different choices that fit within that amount of money. It's not just about the board's price; consider the installation costs too. Some skirting boards are cheaper but need more money spent to put them in, while others cost more upfront but are easy to install, saving money.

skirting board diy Q&A

Q1: How should someone prepare a wall before installing a skirting board?

A1: To install a skirting board, the wall should be clean. The wall should also be straight. If the wall is not straight, a fixing could be added on the wall to make sure the skirting board stays straight. The fixing could be a plaster or a shim. The wall can be shimed or plastered to make it straight.

Q2: How is a skirting board light repaired if it is damaged?

A2: If the skirting board is damaged, it can be fixed using a repair kit. A repair kit comes with everything needed to fix the damage. It also has instructions that one can follow to fix the damage.

Q3: How does one take care of their skirting boards?

A3: Taking care of a skirting board is simple. One should dust it regularly to get rid of dirt. If the skirting board gets damaged, it should be repaired as soon as possible. This will prevent the damage from getting worse. Also, one should avoid using harsh chemicals on their skirting board when cleaning it.

Q4: How does one measure for a skirting board?

A4: To measure for a skirting board, get the length of each wall where the skirting board will be fixed. Add the lengths to get the total length of skirting board needed. It is also good to order an extra length of skirting board in case mistakes are made during cutting or fixing.

Q5: Is a miter saw needed for DIY skirting board projects?

A5: Yes, a miter saw is very helpful when cutting skirting boards. It will help one cut accurate joints that are 45 degrees. The miter saw will also cut straight joints that are 90 degrees. Using the miter saw is safe and easy. It will help produce joints that fit together perfectly.