Installing wooden skirting, also known as baseboards, adds a finished look to any room, covering the joint between the wall and the floor. It requires careful measurement and cutting to achieve professional results, especially at corners.
Tools and Materials
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials:
| Category | Item | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Tools | Measuring Tape | For accurate measurements |
| Pencil | Marking cutting lines and stud positions | |
| Mitre Saw or Box | Cutting angles for corners | |
| Hand Saw or Panel Saw | Cutting straight lengths | |
| Stud Finder | Locating wall studs (if nailing) | |
| Nail Gun (Brad) or Hammer | Securing the skirting | |
| Nail Punch | Sinking nail heads below surface | |
| Spirit Level | Checking level and plumb | |
| Caulk Gun | Applying adhesive or filler | |
| Materials | Wooden Skirting | The board itself |
| Nails or Screws | For fixing to studs or wall plugs | |
| Skirting Adhesive | Alternative or additional fixing | |
| Wood Filler | Filling nail holes and minor gaps | |
| Sandpaper | Smoothing filler and edges | |
| Caulk | Sealing gaps between wall and skirting | |
| Primer & Paint | Finishing the skirting |
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to install your wooden skirting boards:
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Preparation and Measurement:
- Clear the area around the walls.
- Measure each wall section where skirting is needed. It's advisable to measure twice.
- Decide where your cuts will fall, ideally positioning joints in less visible areas.
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Cutting the Skirting:
- Use a mitre saw or box to cut external and internal corner angles (typically 45 degrees).
- For straight joints along a long wall, cut a slight bevel (scarf joint) for a neater join.
- Cut straight lengths to size using a hand or panel saw.
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Starting the Installation (Corners First):
- A common technique is to start with the corners. This helps ensure that your miter joints butt up and match up nicely.
- Fit the pre-cut corner pieces first to establish the layout for the straight sections.
- Use a spirit level to check the board is level before securing.
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Securing the Skirting to the Wall:
- The skirting needs to be secured to the wall. You can use nails, screws, or adhesive, or a combination.
- If nailing or screwing, use a stud finder to locate wall studs and mark their positions lightly on the wall or skirting. This provides a solid fixing point.
- Apply a continuous bead of skirting adhesive to the back of the board if using, especially if the wall surface is uneven or you cannot fix to studs.
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Nailing or Screwing:
- Fix the skirting to the wall, primarily into the studs where possible, using appropriate nails or screws.
- Space fixings evenly, typically every 40-60cm.
- Once the nails are in place, scant sink your nails with the punch. This means using a nail punch to drive the head of each nail just below the surface of the wood, preparing it for filling.
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Filling, Sanding, and Finishing:
- Fill all nail/screw holes and any minor gaps at joints with wood filler.
- Once dry, sand the filled areas smooth and lightly sand the entire skirting board.
- Apply a thin bead of caulk along the top edge of the skirting where it meets the wall to seal any gaps.
- Prime and paint the skirting to match your room's decor.
Following these steps will help you achieve a professional and durable skirting installation.
