Wooden skirting boards are gaining popularity in homes and offices due to their durability, versatility, and affordability. They offer a smooth finish to walls and floors, covering the gap between the two and adding to the aesthetics of the space. Wooden skirting boards are available in various designs, sizes, and materials, making it easier for people to select one that matches their decor. However, installing wooden skirting boards can be a daunting task for people without prior experience. In this article, we’ll discuss the step-by-step process of installing wooden skirtingboards, so read on!
Measuring and Selecting Materials
To start with, measure the perimeter of the room to determine the amount of material needed for your skirting boards. Ensure that you purchase enough material, bearing in mind any cuts or discrepancies that may arise. Once you have your measurements, select the type of wood that you would like to use for your skirting boards; woods such as pine, oak, or bamboo are popular choices. Also, select a style of skirting board that suits your home; this ranges from modern to traditional styles, giving you the flexibility to decide what works best for your home.
Preparing the Wall and Floor
Before the actual installation process, you need to ensure that the wall and floor are clean and free of debris. Dust and debris can affect the skirting board’s adhesive, leading to improper bonding. Use a damp cloth to clean and dry the surfaces thoroughly. Also, it would be best to fill any gaps or chips on the wall and the floor before installing the skirting board, as this will prevent any shifting or shifting of the skirting board.
Cutting the Skirting Board to Length
To cut the skirting board to length, take the measurements from step one and mark your skirting board with a pencil according to the measurements. Use a saw or a mitre saw to cut the skirting board, ensuring that you cut at a 45-degree angle at any internal or external corners. To make sure that skirting boards fit together well, cut the latter skirting board by slightly tilting the saw to the opposite angle from which it was cut initially.
Installing the Skirting Board
After cutting your skirting board to the desired length, you can start the installation process. First, apply adhesive (Selleys or Gripfill) to the wall and along the base of the skirting board. Place the board to the wall, applying pressure to ensure that the adhesive adheres to the wall. Secure the skirting board using a finishing nail and fix, ensuring that the nail heads are countersunk. The purpose of countersinking is to ensure that the nails are not visible from the exterior.
Finishing the Skirting Board
After installing all the skirting boards, fill any visible gaps between the skirting board and the wall using a paintable filler or caulk. When the filler is dry, use a fine-grit sandpaper to smoothen any rough edges and prepare the skirting board for painting or staining. Once ready, apply paint or stain colors that match your home’s interior. Allow the paint to dry for a day or two before moving any furniture back into the space.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, installing wooden skirting boards can be a hassle if you have no prior experience. However, with this comprehensive guide, you can now install wooden skirting boards with ease. Remember to measure and select materials, prepare the wall and floor, cut the skirting board to length, install the skirting board and finish the skirting board before painting or staining. This process guarantees a smooth finish while adding value to your home. We hope our guide has been helpful in your pursuit of installing wooden skirting boards.