Skirting boards are a popular interior design feature that have been commonly used in homes since the Victorian era. They are fitted at the base of walls and run along the perimeter of a room. In addition to adding decorative detail, skirting boards serve a practical purpose by protecting the lower part of walls from damage in high traffic areas. Some designs also include rebates to conceal cables or small pipes, helping to keep interiors neat and tidy.

Moisture-Resistant (MR) MDF is overall the best material for skirting boards because it is cost-effective and is easy to work with. Because it is not a natural wood product, MDF skirting boards won’t warp or twist in different home environments, and it contains no knots or natural defects that can be found in real-wood alternatives. It is a dense and durable material which reduces the risk of damage, and because it is moisture-resistant it can be used in bathrooms and kitchens or other areas of the home where there may be moisture in the air.

The best material for skirting boards ultimately depends on personal preference and what is important to you, as each material has unique positive and negative aspects associated with it. Tulipwood is considered the best material for skirting boards that are going to be painted, but does come at a premium price point in comparison to MDF. American white oak is the best material for skirting boards if you want a natural wood grain aesthetic instead of paint, and finger-jointed pine is a great cost-effective alternative to MDF for those who want to work with natural materials and intend to paint the skirting rather than leave the grain exposed.

The standard (and most common) thickness for skirting boards is 18mm. At this thickness, the skirting boards are not too heavy to handle, and are very durable. Thin skirting board can be used for aesthetic or cost-saving reasons, but is rarely thinner than 15mm. Thicker skirting boards are generally suited to older homes or rooms decorated in a period style, and can be 25mm, 30mm or even up to 36mm thick. This is usually to be in keeping with the particular style of the interior and to balance proportions rather than for any specific functionality.

Yes, we offer a bespoke skirting board service ideal for those seeking a unique solution. We can replicate existing skirting board designs and adjust the height, depth and length to suit your requirements. Boards are available unprimed or pre-primed. If you need custom dimensions or a specific profile to match your existing skirting, please contact our sales team for a bespoke quote.

Fitting skirting boards is a straightforward process that is well within the capability of a beginner DIYer. You need to be able to accurately measure the correct length for each piece, know how to cut a 45 degree angle using a mitre saw or hand saw, and understand how to scribe an internal corner, which is the hardest part of the process. Reading a guide beforehand or watching video tutorials will show you exactly what fitting skirting board involves and will give you confidence to try it. Compared to a lot of other woodworking projects, fitting skirting boards is easy to do.