Redoing skirting boards involves removing the old ones, preparing the walls, cutting and fitting the new boards, and finally finishing them. It's a DIY project that can significantly improve the look of a room.
Preparation: Removing Old Skirting and Preparing Walls
Before fitting new skirting boards, you first need to remove the existing ones carefully to avoid damaging the wall.
- Score the Seal: Use a utility knife to cut through any paint or sealant where the skirting meets the wall and the floor.
- Prise Away: Use a crowbar or a flat pry bar, starting from one end, to gently lever the old skirting away from the wall. Use a block of wood against the wall to protect it from damage.
- Remove Fixings: Pull out any nails or screws left in the wall or the back of the removed skirting.
- Prepare the Wall: Clean the wall surface, removing any debris, old adhesive, or loose plaster. Fill any large holes or damaged areas and ensure the surface is relatively smooth and dry.
Fitting New Skirting Boards
This stage requires accurate measurements and cuts.
Measuring and Cutting
- Measure the lengths of wall where the skirting will be fitted.
- For internal corners, cut the ends of the two adjoining pieces at a 45-degree angle (mitre joint) so they fit together snugly. Alternatively, you can cope one joint for a neater fit.
- For external corners, cut 45-degree mitre joints in the opposite direction to internal corners, creating a perfect 90-degree corner when joined.
Joining Lengths
When a wall is longer than a single piece of skirting board, you need to join two lengths together.
- Don't just butt join the two lengths end-to-end, as this creates a weak and visible seam.
- Instead, cut the joints at 45°. This creates a scarfe joint, where the two angled ends overlap. This method makes the join stronger and less noticeable once filled and painted.
Fixing to the Wall
There are several methods to fix the new skirting boards to the wall. Often, a combination is used for the best result.
- Adhesive: For a better fit and a clean look (especially on smooth walls), use adhesive specifically designed for wood or skirting boards. Apply a zigzag bead along the back of the skirting.
- Nails: Use lost-head nails (nails without a visible head) hammered into wall studs or using appropriate wall plugs if fixing into masonry. Sink the nail heads slightly below the surface using a nail punch.
- Screws: Screws can be used, particularly into wall studs or with wall plugs. Counter-sink the screw heads so they can be filled over later.
Apply adhesive and/or fixings, pressing the board firmly against the wall.
Finishing the Skirting
Once the skirting boards are fitted, the final steps involve making them look seamless and ready for painting.
- Fill Gaps and Holes: Use a flexible wood filler or decorators caulk to fill any small gaps between the top edge of the skirting and the wall, at joints (like the 45° scarfe joints), and over nail or screw holes.
- Sand: Once the filler is dry, lightly sand the filled areas and the entire surface of the skirting board to ensure it's smooth.
- Paint: Apply an appropriate primer, undercoat, and then finish coat of paint (e.g., satinwood or gloss) to the skirting boards.
Summary Table: Key Steps
| Step | Description | Important Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Remove old skirting, clean and repair walls. | Protect walls during removal. Ensure walls are clean/smooth. |
| Measuring & Cutting | Measure walls, cut boards for internal/external corners and joins. | Accurate cuts are crucial for good joints. |
| Joining Lengths | Cut ends at 45° angles (scarfe joint) where boards meet mid-wall. | Avoid butt joints; cut at 45° for a better fit. |
| Fixing | Attach boards to the wall using adhesive, nails, or screws. | Use adhesive for a better fit. Fix into studs/plugs. |
| Finishing | Fill gaps/holes, sand, and paint the boards. | Use flexible filler for gaps. Smooth finish before paint. |
Following these steps will help you successfully redo your skirting boards, improving the finish and protection of your walls at floor level.
