Skirting boards – installation

Installation of a skirting board – why is it worth it?

Skirting boards are an extremely practical and attractive element that is essential when fitting flooring. Their primary function is to cover the expansion gap that is left to allow the flooring to work. Moreover, under the skirting board cables can also be placed to avoid spoiling the decor. Installing a skirting board is also a way to neatly connect the floor surface and the walls. If you properly adjust and carefully install the skirting boards, they will beautifully complement the entire interior design.

How to install skirting boards? – Instructions

Instructions In order to achieve aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting results, it is worth considering how to properly install skirting boards. Below you will find a description of proven installation methods, thanks to which you will be able to fix any type of skirting boards yourself.

How to prepare for installation?

In order to ensure that skirting board installation goes smoothly, regardless of the method, prepare for it properly. In any case, first measure and correctly cut the skirting boards at a 45° angle, so that their dimensions match the length of the walls, taking into account the allowances used at the joints.

Carefully select all the materials you will use during the installation. Dowels or adhesives are intended to be used with specific products, so check that they are compatible with the dimensions and material of your skirting boards and flooring. If you can’t find skirting boards in the desired colour of your dreams, get a paint that can be applied to any material. This can make the skirting boards almost invisible against the wall.

Skirting board installation using glue

One of the easiest ways to install a skirting board is to glue it with an adhesive or silicone intended to be used with a particular material. The adhesive protects the expansion joint against dirt, sand and dust, and its use does not require drilling. This reduces the risk of damaging the pipes or creating additional dirt.

Cover the back of the skirting board with a layer of properly prepared adhesive and press it against the wall and floor. Pay attention not to apply too thick layer of the product, because the adhesive may leak. If this happens, remove it with a damp sponge. The adhesive can take up to 24 hours to dry. After this time, you can gently remove the residue with an abrasive sponge. Once the adhesive has dried, it is difficult to correct any shortcomings. The adhesive is usually so strong that when you try to remove the skirting board, it comes off with a fragment of the wall or plaster.

Skirting board installation using dowels

Dowels for skirting board installation require careful measurements. Place them on the wall 40-50 centimetres apart, or even closer if the walls are uneven. Drill holes in the wall and fix the clips on the dowels. Then slide the skirting board onto the clips prepared in this way and press it down gently. You will need a rubber mallet for this. The clips you use for this method should be compatible with the skirting boards system. When working out dowel placement, also take into account the corners and leave room for plugs or connectors.

If you want to make your job easier, you can also use intermediate installation systems. Today, many features are available that will allow you to avoid the troublesome steps of skirting board installation. These include ready-made clips made of plastic or metal. Dowels can also be purchased on special carrier rails, which do not require measuring individual heights and distances. Once the skirting board has been installed on the clips, it is a good idea to protect it with a layer of acrylic. Silicone gaskets can also be placed on the top and bottom of the skirting board, which, like adhesive, will protect the free space from moisture and dirt.

How to install skirting boards – key tips

Depending on the effect you want your skirting boards to provide, the installation can be carried out in different ways. Which one works best for your home is mainly influenced by the type of material the skirting boards are made of. Below you will find tips to help you install the different types of skirting boards.

Installation of MDF skirting board

MDF skirting boards are one of the most common floor finishing materials. They are made of laminated, hard fibreboard, which is distinguished by its resistance to moisture. They are rigid and therefore difficult to adjust to uneven walls. However, they often have grooves that make it possible to hide unsightly cables underneath them.

It is best to install this type of skirting board using the clip method. Its individual elements are put on individual clips, which have already been fixed to the wall with dowels. Make sure to use clips that are designed for particular skirting boards. Very often, MDF skirting boards can also be attached with special adhesive or silicone. For best results, connect them in the corners by cutting them at a 45° angle.

PVC skirting boards

PVC skirting boards are extremely soft and adapt easily even to very uneven walls. They are available in a two-piece version, which is best installed using wall plugs. Dowels with a diameter of 5 or 6 mm should be placed 40-50 cm apart and 8-10 cm from the corner. Then they are pushed through special holes in the skirting board. You can also hide the cables at this stage. The fixing point is covered by the second piece of the material – the cover. It can be easily removed in the event of renovation. If the wall is even or the skirting board is very flexible, the installation with the use of clips will also work well.

PVC skirting boards are also available in a variant that is very easy to install. You can buy L-shaped skirting boards. These have two strips of adhesive – one is used to attach them to the wall and the other to the floor. They will stick best on laminate flooring and flexible PVC flooring.

Installation of a wooden skirting board

Skirting boards made of solid wood are also available on the market. The installation of a wooden skirting board is similar to that of MDF skirting board. Most often, clips or special adhesive are used for this. You can use massive connectors to connect skirting boards in the corners. They give the interior a slightly old-fashioned look, making them ideal for retro-style decor.

Skirting boards– installation will not be a problem for you!

There are different ways to install skirting boards. However, the most popular methods are so simple and intuitive that you will certainly handle them. Once you’ve followed the tips and advice above, the installation using glue, dowels or ready-made clips should hold no secrets from you. We hope that our guide will make it easier for you to choose and put into practice the best method of skirting boards installation.