Skirting boards might not be the first thing on your mind when you’re decorating, but they play a very crucial role in the finishing touches of any interior room design. Not only do they cover the joint between the wall and floor and protect the wall from scuffs and knocks from things like the vacuum, but they can also aid the overall style and elegance of the room depending on their design.
Choosing the right skirting board, however, can be a difficult choice when there’s so many styles, sizes, materials, colours and profiles to choose from. In this blog we’ll explain all the different types of skirting boards and the features of each, so you can decide on the perfect skirting for your latest renovation.
Skirting Board Sizes
Size does matter when it comes to your skirting board – the thickness and height of the skirting you choose should not only be proportionate to the size of the room, but also the overall style you or your customer has in mind.
In the UK, skirting boards are usually around 145mm (6”) in height, but they can range from 70mm to 400mm. Modern homes with lower ceilings might suit shorter skirting boards, whilst older period properties usually have high ceilings and need taller skirting boards to maintain proportion and balance.
The average thickness for skirting boards is 18mm but this can range from 12mm to 25mm – the thicker the skirting board, the more durable and impact-resistant it is.
Skirting Board Materials
Most skirting boards are made from wood, but there are several different types available, each with different features and benefits.
- Solid oak: Skirting made from solid hardwood like oak is often considered a premium option as it’s generally more expensive. Oak skirting is made from slow-grown timber making it heavier and more durable and impact resistant.
- Pine: Skirting made from softwood, such as pine, is an excellent cost-effective option for skirting boards and can easily be painted over, but they might not be as durable or long-lasting.
- MDF: MDF skirting boards are cost-effective while also offering excellent strength and durability – it’s stable but flexible and highly resistant to warping or splitting.
- UPVC: Plastic skirting is a great low-maintenance choice, offering strength and longevity. High moisture resistance means uPVC is a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms. UPVC skirting boards are easy to clean, but they might not be as customisable as wood skirting.
- Metal: In some cases, aluminium skirting boards can be used in a contemporary or industrial setting, offering high strength and durability.
Skirting Board Profiles & Styles
Whether the property you’re working on has a more traditional or modern design, there are plenty of styles and profiles for you to browse through to make your vision a reality. Choose between straight, angular profiles for a more modern look or curved, detailed styles for something more traditional. Here’s a list of the most popular skirting board styles available on the market:
- Ogee: Sometimes known as regency style, ogee skirting boards feature a distinctive S-shaped profile at the top of the board, perfect for adding a conventional and ornate elegance to any room.
- Torus: Torus skirting boards have a rounded semi-circle shape running along the top of the board, which is ideal as an in-between style for both modern and traditional interiors.
- Ovolo: With a classic aesthetic that works well in any environment, an ovolo skirting board features a simple, cut-out rounded design at the top.
- Bullnose: Bullnose skirting boards have a modern, minimalistic appearance with a straight edge that curves slightly towards the wall at the top of the board.
- Chamfered: Another great choice for a more contemporary, minimalistic space, chamfered skirting has a flat surface with a bevelled edge at the top.
- Lambs Tongue: A classic and elegant design, lambs tongue skirting features curved, straight and angled edges all in one board, perfect for Georgian and Victorian-style homes.
- Square Edge: Square skirting board is ideal for a clean, minimalist aesthetic, with a straight front and top of the board perfect for modern homes.
Skirting Board Colours & Finishes
If you’re working with plastic uPVC skirting board, you’ll need to find a colour and finish that works with the space (plain white is the most popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms). If you’re working with wooden skirting boards, however, they’re much easier to customise after you’ve bought them to match the style of the room.
Oak, pine and MDF skirting boards can all personalised – you might need to sand the wood and use a primer depending on the product. Opt for a stain or varnish to provide a sleek finish that enhances the natural grain of the wood, or you can paint the skirting with a high-quality wood paint. You could paint the skirting board the same colour as the walls to blend in or use contrasting colours to create a statement piece.
When choosing the right skirting board for your latest design project, you’ll need to consider all the factors such as size, style, colour, material and budget. Make sure you take into account all the architectural features of the home, as well as your own personal preferences. Remember that skirting boards aren’t just decorative, either – they hide unsightly joints and protect the walls. Take your time to explore your options, and you’re sure to find the perfect skirting board to enhance the functionality and beauty of your home.
