
Steps To Follow When Fitting The Skirting Board
- Step 1: Take Measurements The first thing to do is use your tape measure to measure the wall you’re planning to install the skirting boards on. ...
- Step 2: Mark The Boards ...
- Step 3: Cut The Inner Corners ...
- Step 4: Cut A 45-Degree Angle On The Outer Corners ...
- Step 5: Attach The Skirting To The Wall ...
- Step 6: Finishing Up ...
Full Answer
How do you fit skirting boards?
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to fit skirting boards: Start by measuring the distance from your first corner, to the next corner and mark that measurement onto the top back edge of a piece of skirting. Then, lightly mark the intended direction of the corner cut.
What is the best way to cut corners on a board?
Each corner needs a different cut for the best results. Mitre joints are used for external corners. The boards are cut at 45 degree angles so they fit nice and tightly around the corner. Scribe joints are used for internal corners. One of the boards is cut square then the other board is cut – or “scribed” – to match the profile of the first board.
What are external corners on skirting boards?
External corners are where the skirting boards join to form a point that faces towards you. Internal corners are where the skirting boards join together and point inwards. Choose the appropriate cut for each skirting board to achieve seamless joints. Measure the boards and mark the cut lines on the surface.
How do you use a pencil to draw skirting boards?
Use a pencil rather than a pen as this can easily be erased. Mark which side of the corner the skirting board is on. This is an important step if you want your corners to fit together. If your skirting board sits to the left of the corner, draw an arrow on the wood pointing towards the left.

How do you put corners on skirting boards?
In theory, cutting them to size before installing and painting skirting boards should be a simple job, but to ensure a perfect finish, precision is important....Mark the First Mitre. ... Cut the Mitre. ... Repeat for the Other Side. ... Fix both pieces in place. ... Cut a 45° Mitre and Mark the Outline. ... Cut the Straight Section.More items...•
How do you fix skirting corners?
2:065:51How to fit skirting boards part 2: fixing the skirting boards - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the wall is flat you shouldn't need any additional fixings. But if the wall has a bow in it you'MoreIf the wall is flat you shouldn't need any additional fixings. But if the wall has a bow in it you'll need to put in additional screw fixings to draw the skirting board into the wall.
How do you Miter skirting internal corners?
0:433:19How To Do An Internal Mitre | Skirting World Tutorials - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith a mitre block. Half the skirting boards facing view and cut the end at a 45 degree angle. Once.MoreWith a mitre block. Half the skirting boards facing view and cut the end at a 45 degree angle. Once. Done then cut the skirting board to the size of the wall. And make sure it fits.
How do you finish the edges of a skirting board?
2:404:25How To End Skirting Boards | Finish A Run Neatly | Skirting World - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis off you'll need to cut the design off another piece of skirting. You can then cut this to sizeMoreThis off you'll need to cut the design off another piece of skirting. You can then cut this to size leaving. The appropriate end square and cutting a 45-degree angle on the opposite end.
Can you mitre internal corners?
The Internal Mitre Joint:- Used to join 2 pieces of skirting baord at an internal corner. This method of joining internal corners is probably much quicker and easier than the correct scribe joint.
Should you paint skirting boards before fitting?
If you're fitting brand new skirting, we'd recommend painting it before you fix it to the wall.
Should skirting boards be mitred?
Fitting the skirting board can be a bit of an art, you want the board to be uniformly parallel with the floor all the way around a room and the joints to be neat. With external corners, such as the front corner of a chimney breast, the skirting board on each side should be mitred to get the best results.
How do you cut interior angles on a skirting board?
1:136:08How to Cut and Scribe an Internal Corner on Skirting Boards - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow don't get caught with your pants down and don't get stressed because there is an easier way theMoreNow don't get caught with your pants down and don't get stressed because there is an easier way the way to do it is to put a 45 degree angle on one of your pieces of skirting.
Do you have to mitre square skirting boards?
Square edge skirting is the only skirting that can be done bodge free just on a mitre saw. You aren't going to need to mitre the meeting section the wrong way and trimming the bevel off with a upside down jigsaw as you would with a ogee for example. Just tweak the mitre saw to suit.
Do you need to prime the back of skirting boards?
Do I need to prime my skirting boards? If you've got new or ready-primed skirting boards, or they've already been painted before, you can skip this step. But if your skirting boards are wood-finished or haven't been painted previously, you'll need to apply one to two coats of primer to them before painting.
How do you blend skirting boards?
2:323:55How To Join 2 Pieces Of Skirting On A Flat Wall | Skirting World TutorialsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe spot and cut the skirting at a 45 degree angle. After that grab the other skirting board turn itMoreThe spot and cut the skirting at a 45 degree angle. After that grab the other skirting board turn it around mark. The spot. And cut the skirting at 45 degrees in the opposite.
Should skirting boards be level?
In an ideal world you would run your skirting boards level. However, if your floor is sloping, the boards should generally run at the same level as the floor. A small discrepancy in level will not be seen by the naked eye.
What do you fill skirting board gaps with?
The purpose of caulking is to fill gaps, so it is part of the preparation process. It doesn't matter what type of skirting you have, you should caulk before you paint your skirting boards. Just make sure that the area you are going to caulk is clean and dust-free before you apply.
What is the best filler for skirting boards?
CaulkCaulk: Generally made of flexible acrylic, mastic caulk has a smooth plastic type texture. Best used for filling gaps between skirting boards, doorframes or the edges of shelves and the wall.
How do you fix Moulding on skirting boards?
3:296:03How to fit skirting with Wickes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart the holes 50 millimeters from the end of the wall. And position them 25 millimeters from theMoreStart the holes 50 millimeters from the end of the wall. And position them 25 millimeters from the top and bottom of the skirting. Then repeat this at 500 millimeter intervals.
How do you fill the gap between skirting boards and walls?
0:382:09How to fill a gap between the wall and your coving or skirting - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRun it along the edge of the skirting. If there is any excess on your skirting board or your wallMoreRun it along the edge of the skirting. If there is any excess on your skirting board or your wall wipe. It off with a damp cloth. And leave it to dry. You can repaint your walls.
How to make a skirting board fit together?from wikihow.com
If one skirting board is hanging over the other board, you will need to plane the longer board down to size. Push the planer over the wood, following the angle of the original cut, to remove small shavings of wood. Recheck the boards to ensure that they fit together.
How to get baseboards off of wall?from wikihow.com
Place a scrap piece of wood between the back of the chisel and the wall to avoid damaging it as you pry off the baseboards. Work your way along the total length of the boards with this process until you can easily pull them away from the wall.
What is an external corner?from wikihow.com
External corners are where the skirting boards join to form a point that faces towards you. Internal corners are where the skirting boards join together and point inwards. Choose the appropriate cut for each skirting board to achieve seamless joints. Steps.
What do you need to cut a mitre?from mdfskirtingworld.co.uk
For a mitre cut, you'll also need a protractor to measure and draw your angle onto the skirting board (this is used as the guide for the saw).
How to smooth out wood?from wikihow.com
Sand the cut wood with 60-grit sandpaper . Use rough 60-grit sandpaper to quickly smooth down the freshly exposed wood. This will remove any splinters that are poking out. Rub the sandpaper back and forth over the wood for about 10 seconds.
How to cut a board with a coping saw?from wikihow.com
Cut the bottom board along the line you drew using a coping saw. Push the coping saw back and forth to cut through the wood. Turn the coping saw to face the direction that you want to saw as this will allow you to change directions and form curves.
What is the first piece of skirting board called?from wikihow.com
The first piece of board is called the bottom board , and the second board is known as the top board. Trace the profile of the top board onto the bottom board if the skirting is curved. Many skirting boards have ornate curves and grooves to add decoration to the room.
How to cut skirting boards one way?
Where two skirting boards will meet, use a mitre to cut one of the skirtings one way and the adjoining one the opposite way.
How to join two skirting boards?
Where two skirting boards are to be joined, use a mitre box to cut one skirting one way and the adjoining skirting the opposite way.
How much does it cost to fit a skirting board?
Generally, you can expect carpenters to charge around £200 per day to fit a skirting board, although this will be dependent on your location. This price includes installing and painting your skirting boards.
What is skirting available in?
Also, spend a little time researching the different types and sizes of skirting that are available. Skirting is available in primed MDF, furnished MDF, softwood and other options.
How to make skirtings fit a room?
Try to avoid any joints mid-way along a wall. Instead, they should ideally be positioned at a corner, or towards a corner where they are likely to be covered by any furniture. Measure your skirtings and make a mark on the back of the board with a pencil.
Where do you attach skirting to studs?
Please be aware that when working with timber stud walls you will need to ensure that you attach the skirting to a point on the wall where the stud is behind the plasterboard.
What to use to fill holes in paint?
Fill any fixing holes with a suitable filler type material and sand, prior to painting.
What is the best way to fit skirting boards?
Skirting boards are used to cover the joint where the wall and floor meet each other. Depending on the nature of your project you’ll either be replacing the skirting in a room or fitting new skirting as part of a room makeover. If you’re adding both architrave and skirting then it’s a good idea to match the styles for a consistent look.
How do I cut and measure skirting boards?
When cutting skirting boards you will need to know the best way to join them at the corners. External corners face outwards and internal corners face inwards. Each corner needs a different cut for the best results.
How do I cut a mitre joint?
Measure the distance to the next corner and mark that distance on the top back edge of your piece of skirting. Then lightly mark the intended direction of the mitre cut .
How to join skirting in the corner?
Place the next adjoining piece of skirting in the mitre box and make a 45 degree cut in the opposite direction to the first piece, so they will join up around the corner. Lightly sand the ends until smooth and hold the two sections together to check that the mitre cuts join correctly.
How to make a sleeve?
Step 1. Start by cutting the piece of skirting that will form the right-hand part of the joint to the necessary length. Make sure the end is cut straight so that it can butt against the wall in the corner. Step 2. Cut the piece of skirting that will form the left-hand part of the joint to length using a mitre box.
How to cut skirting in 45 degree?
This helps prevent the skirting from being damaged whilst you cut. Firmly hold the skirting in place and make the 45 degree cut with a tenon or fine-tooth saw. When cutting a long piece of skirting you’ll need to support and secure the opposite end.
Where do I start to fit skirting?
Remember that when you’re planning to fit new skirting, start from the left-hand side of the door and work anti-clockwise around the room. This ensures that the square cut piece on an internal corner is always cut and fitted before the scribed piece. Make sure it’s clear which cuts are needed for each skirting end.
How to mark a corner of a skirting board?
1. Measure how long the board needs to be. Line a piece of skirting board up with the wall and mark where the corner of the wall is on the board . Use a pencil and ruler to mark the board. Use a pencil rather than a pen as this can easily be erased.
How to make a skirting board fit together?
If one skirting board is hanging over the other board, you will need to plane the longer board down to size. Push the planer over the wood, following the angle of the original cut, to remove small shavings of wood. Recheck the boards to ensure that they fit together.
How to remove mitre box?
Remove the pieces of board from the mitre box once you have cut it. Use one hand to hold the skirting board in place while you saw. Sand the exposed wood on the boards with 100-grit sandpaper. Rub a piece of 100-grit sandpaper back and forth over the freshly cut wood. Sand the wood for about 10 seconds.
How to cut skirting board in mitre box?
Place the board in the mitre box with the front of the skirting facing you. Place the skirting board into the open slit in the mitre box. Position the skirting board so that the end you need to cut is in the middle of the mitre box.
How to cut a skirting board?
Place the saw into the gap that corresponds to the angle you are cutting. If the arrow you drew on the skirting board points left, place the saw into the gap in the mitre box that point towards the left. Similarly, if the arrow on the skirting board points right, place the saw into the gap that points toward the right.
How to cut a board with a coping saw?
Cut the bottom board along the line you drew using a coping saw. Push the coping saw back and forth to cut through the wood. Turn the coping saw to face the direction that you want to saw as this will allow you to change directions and form curves.
What is the first piece of skirting board called?
The first piece of board is called the bottom board , and the second board is known as the top board. Trace the profile of the top board onto the bottom board if the skirting is curved. Many skirting boards have ornate curves and grooves to add decoration to the room.
What is the angle of a skirting board?
This page has everything you need to know first for internal 90° corners, and after that to scribe skirting board into corners other than 90 degrees like 122.5°, often found in bay windows.
How to cope intricate baseboard trim?
When coping intricate baseboard trim, it's sometimes difficult to remove the waste so to make this easier cut at an angle, taking more timber out of the back of the board where it won't be seen . By doing this you ensure it doesn't get in the way of the face edges touching if the wall is very slightly out of square. Finally sand off any pencil lines and,
How to get tight joints?
In order to get a tight joint you have to scribe skirting board at internal corners instead of mitering them.
Can you use a compass to scribe skirting board?
This will help to guide the next cut correctly ( you can use a compass to scribe skirting board like the normal corner above if the first one is cupped).
Can you cut the back of a skirting?
Cutting the back out of the skirting like this ensures it doesn't get in the way of the first board already fixed. If you want to be sure you can adjust the angle to remove a little more out of the back, you can use a handsaw if your miter saw won't do the angle/depth of cut.
Can you cut skirting board straight?
You can now see the exact amount (everything to the right of the pencil line) that needs to be cut out! If when you scribe skirting board it's perfectly straight then it can be cut with a miter saw. If not, I use my jigsaw with a downward cutting blade.
What are the two types of corners for skirting boards?
There are two main types of corner, an internal corner and an external corner .
How to mark skirting boards?
Mark your boards. Using a pencil, draw a clear arrow on the back of your boards, indicating which edge is the top of the skirting. This will help save you from making mistakes when it comes to fitting your boards to the wall.
How to start a board?
When fitting your first board, start with a board that goes in with two straight-cut edges. In a standard box-shaped room, it’s usually easiest to start from the left side of the door and work your way around the room in an anti-clockwise direction.
How to cut a corner in a mitre box?
Cut your first edge. Securing your right-hand board to your work bend or slotting into your mitre box, cut a 45-degree angle away from the corner – the opposite direction from your scribed cut. 3. Cut your second edge. Taking your second board, make the same cut on the edge you want to fit the corner.
How to join boards on an angle?
1. Measure and mark. Where you want your boards to join on an external angle, you need to make sure you leave enough wood when cutting the boards to ensure the edges meet. Measure the distance from the join to the corner and mark this on the back of your board. 2.
How to crib corners?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to scribing your internal corners: 1. Cut a 45-degree angle. First, you’ll need to cut a 45-degree angle in your board. Do this using a mitre saw or mitre box, angling your cut into the corner. 2. Colour the profile.
How to make a neat join on internal corners?
The best way to achieve neat joins on internal corners is to fit a ‘scribed edge’ against a fitted board. A scribed edge is one that’s been cut to fit the profile of the other part of the joint. If you feel like you need to practise, try a few test-runs on some off-cuts before cutting your join. 1.
How to cut a corner of skirting?
Step 1. Start by measuring the distance from your first corner, to the next corner and mark that measurement onto the top back edge of a piece of skirting. Then, lightly mark the intended direction of the corner cut.
What Tools Do I Need to Fit Skirting Boards?
Before fitting new skirting boards, you need to make sure you have the right tools for the job. Below is a list of the tools that you will need to install new skirting boards:
What is the cut on the corners of skirting boards called?
The cuts on the corners of skirting boards are known as a mitre cut . These are done at perfect 45-degree angles so that the two pieces fit together in a perfect corner joint. Last updated by MyJobQuote on 22nd December 2020.
What safety equipment is needed to fit skirting boards?
Below is a list of the recommended safety equipment needed to fit skirting boards: Safety goggles. Protective gloves.
What is the thickness of skirting boards?
The most common thickness of skirting boards in the UK is 18mm.
Where should I start when installing skirting?
When installing skirting, you will need to cut your pieces of skirting so that the corners fit together. You should always start at the left-hand side of the door and, working anti-clockwise around the room, deal with each of the corners in turn.
When fitting a joining piece, should you also apply PVA glue to the corner cuts?
When fitting a joining piece, you should also apply PVA glue to the corner cuts so that the corners stay in position.
