The skirting, also known as the skirting board, wall skirt, or floor skirt, is a decorative material installed at the junction of the wall foot and the floor slab. Its function is to protect the bottom of the wall, beautify the indoor space, hide indoor wires and cables, or provide auxiliary lighting for the indoor environment.
There are many types of skirting profiles on the market, including PVC skirting, MDF skirting, aluminum alloy skirting, stainless steel skirting, etc. Different skirting materials and wall conditions require different fixing methods. This article will introduce several skirting fixing methods in detail to provide some help for you when decorating your house!
Whether you are a professional decorator or a DIY enthusiast, installing skirtings has never been a difficult task, especially for those who like to use their brains. We all know that no matter what type of skirting installation work, these steps are required. For example, preparing tools in advance, leveling the wall, cutting skirtings, installing and fixing skirtings, and cleaning the installation area after installation. So, let's take a look at the following different types of skirting installation methods and what tools they need to prepare in advance.
Option 1: Glued skirting boards
Skirting is a very common decorative profile. Usually, their surface is relatively flat and there is no complicated appearance design.
Glue-mounted skirting is suitable for projects that need to be installed quickly, such as engineering projects or commercial projects. Its convenient installation method can save you more time and cost.
When installing, you only need to use a glue gun to evenly apply glue on the back of the skirting. Usually, we will apply glue in an "S" shape. Then place the skirting at the bottom of the wall, and then gently press the skirting to make it fit tightly with the bottom of the wall. If necessary, other tools can be used to help fix the skirting, and the fixings can be removed after the glue is cured.
After the installation is completed, it is necessary to check the fit of the skirting with the wall and floor again. If necessary, caulking can be used to repair the gap to make it more delicate.
Materials: adhesive skirting, glue (glass glue, nail-free glue, structural glue), ruler, level, gloves, goggles, hand saw or electric saw, miter box (precision miter saw, electric compound miter saw), pencil (oil pen), glue gun, caulking, rag, etc.
Option 2: Nail-Install skirting boards
Some people may ask, is it better to glue or nail? This depends on your project requirements and personal preference. Nailing is also a convenient way to install skirting, and it can achieve a more stable installation effect.
Several types of skirting are usually installed with nails, such as PVC skirting, MDF skirting, and solid wood skirting.
During the installation process, you only need to clean the installation area in advance to ensure that there is no debris at the installation location. Place the skirting at the bottom of the wall, and then use a nail gun to drive nails along the surface of the skirting to complete the fixation. Usually, we use headless nails, so that the surface of the skirting will not leave an ugly appearance. To ensure a perfect decorative effect, you can also paint the nail hole position with paint to achieve the effect of hiding the nails. But you need to use paint of the same color as the skirting.
After the installation is completed, you also need to check whether the skirting is flush with the wall and whether there is a gap. If necessary, use a caulking agent to repair the gap.
Materials: Baseboard nail installation, nail gun, headless nails, caulking agent, level measuring instrument, gloves, goggles, rags, sandpaper, paint (the same color as the baseboard), utility knife, etc.
Options 3:Clip-on skirting boards
Snap-on skirting usually consists of two parts, one is the bottom buckle and the other is the skirting. This type of skirting has no unsightly nail holes on the surface, is quick to install, and is usually suitable for residential and commercial spaces.
The advantage of snap-on skirting is that it is easy to replace. If the house decoration style is changed later or the house is renovated, the snap-on skirting can be easily removed. You only need to remove the skirting on its surface and then customize the same type and size of skirting that matches the interior style.
During the installation process, the snap-on skirting needs to be installed at the bottom of the wall first. Usually, a bottom buckle is installed every 40-50 cm, and then the skirting is fixed on the bottom buckle to ensure that the bottom buckle fits tightly with the skirting.
Materials: snap-on skirting board, screws, screwdriver, hand saw (metal cutter), miter box (precision miter saw or electric compound miter saw), level measuring instrument, gloves, goggles, pencil, sandpaper, caulking agent, etc.
Option 4: Recessed skirting boards
The installation of embedded skirting usually requires cutting grooves at the bottom of the wall in advance, and then embedding the skirting into the wall and keeping it flush with the wall. This installation method can achieve the decorative effect of the skirting and the wall being integrated.
Embedded skirting is usually made of metal, such as stainless steel skirting, aluminum alloy skirting, etc. The advantages of embedded skirting are beautiful and simple and can hide the gap between the wall and the ground.
However, this installation method is inconvenient to replace the skirting later, the cost of secondary replacement is high, and it is easy to damage the wall.
During installation, it is necessary to cut grooves at the bottom of the wall in advance, and the groove height needs to be slightly higher than the height of the skirting. Usually, glue is applied to the surface of the skirting, and then it is placed in the groove at the bottom of the wall and fixed with pressure.
Materials: metal skirting board, metal cutting machine, goggles, gloves, level measuring instrument, pencil (or oil pen), glue, glue gun, electric drill, caulking agent, etc.
Options 5: Screw skirting boards
The skirting can be fixed with screws. When installing the skirting, you need to drill holes in the skirting groove first, and then use a screwdriver to screw the screws into the holes to ensure that the skirting can be firmly installed at the bottom of the wall.
When fixing the skirting, embed the strips into the groove to achieve the effect of hiding the nails.
Materials: screws, screwdrivers, hand saws (or metal cutters), gloves, goggles, caulking agent, utility knife, electric drill, level, etc.
1. Check the skirting boards regularly for signs of looseness or detachment, and repair them in time.
2. If the skirting boards are found to be loose or slightly damaged, use glue or nails to make small repairs.
3. Avoid contact with highly acidic and alkaline cleaning agents.
What is the installation method of skirting? There is no clear answer to this question, which depends on the skirting material you choose, the project environment, personal preferences, and other factors.
I believe that the above installation methods of skirting can bring you some help. If you encounter some installation difficulties when decorating your house, you can always consult our expert team, they will provide you with professional help!
