Hey everyone, welcome back to my channel! Today, we’re diving into the world of skirting boards, specifically for laminate flooring. Choosing the right skirting board can be tricky, but don’t worry, I’m here to help.
In this video, we’ll explore the different types of skirting boards available, from MDF to solid wood, and discuss the pros and cons of each. We’ll also cover important factors to consider when making your choice, such as size, style, and budget.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a complete beginner, this video will provide you with all the information you need to choose the perfect skirting board for your laminate flooring. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s get started!
Selecting the perfect skirting board for your laminate flooring is crucial for achieving a seamless and polished look. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the best choice:
Width:
- Standard Width: The most common skirting board width is 70mm, offering a versatile option suitable for most rooms.
- Wider Skirting Boards: Wider skirting boards, such as 90mm or 120mm, can add a touch of elegance and grandeur to larger rooms with high ceilings.
- Narrower Skirting Boards: Narrower skirting boards, like 40mm or 50mm, are ideal for smaller rooms or those with low ceilings, creating a more streamlined appearance.
Material:
- MDF: Medium-density fiberboard is a popular choice for skirting boards due to its affordability and ease of installation.
- Solid Wood: Solid wood skirting boards offer a premium look and feel, but they are more expensive and require more maintenance.
- PVC: Polyvinyl chloride skirting boards are water-resistant and easy to clean, making them suitable for bathrooms and kitchens.
Style:
- Traditional: Traditional skirting boards feature simple, clean lines and are perfect for classic or period homes.
- Modern: Modern skirting boards often have a more contemporary design with sharp lines and geometric shapes.
- Decorative: Decorative skirting boards can add a touch of personality to your space with intricate patterns or moldings.
Color:
- Matching the Floor: Matching the skirting board to the color of your laminate flooring creates a cohesive and unified look.
- Contrasting Color: Choosing a contrasting color can add visual interest and highlight the skirting board as a design element.
- White: White skirting boards are a timeless and versatile option that complements various flooring colors and styles.
Tools and Materials:
- Skirting boards
- Mitre saw
- Adhesive
- Nails or screws
- Filler
- Sandpaper
- Paint or varnish (optional)
Steps:
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- Measure and Cut: Measure the length of each wall and cut the skirting boards accordingly using a mitre saw.
- Apply Adhesive: Apply a thin line of adhesive to the back of the skirting board.
- Fix to the Wall: Press the skirting board firmly against the wall and secure it with nails or screws.
- Fill and Sand: Fill any gaps or nail holes with filler and sand smooth once dry.
- Paint or Varnish (Optional): If desired, paint or varnish the skirting boards to match your desired finish.
Tips:
- Use a mitre box to ensure accurate angled cuts for corners and joints.
- Start by installing the skirting boards in the least visible areas of the room.
- Allow the adhesive to dry completely before applying any weight or pressure to the skirting boards.
- Choose a high-quality adhesive suitable for laminate flooring and skirting boards.
- Expansion Gap: Leave a small expansion gap between the skirting board and the laminate flooring to allow for natural expansion and contraction.
- Cable Management: Skirting boards can be used to conceal cables and wires, creating a neat and tidy appearance.
- Protection: Skirting boards protect the edges of your laminate flooring from damage caused by kicks, bumps, and vacuum cleaners.
- Aesthetic Enhancement: Skirting boards add a finishing touch to your room, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.
- Direct Bonding: This method involves applying adhesive directly to the back of the skirting board and fixing it to the wall.
- Secret Nailing: This technique involves nailing the skirting board to the wall through the laminate flooring using specialized nails.
- Clip-on System: Some skirting boards come with a clip-on system that allows for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right skirting board and installing it correctly can significantly enhance the look and functionality of your laminate flooring. By following these guidelines, you can achieve a professional and polished finish that will complement your home’s interior design.
The width of your skirting board will depend on the size of your room and the height of your ceiling. As a general rule of thumb, the wider the skirting board, the more formal the room will appear.
Here are some general guidelines:
- Small rooms with low ceilings: Choose a skirting board that is no more than 70mm wide.
- Medium-sized rooms with average ceilings: Choose a skirting board that is between 70mm and 120mm wide.
- Large rooms with high ceilings: Choose a skirting board that is 120mm or wider.
The thickness of your skirting board is less important than the width, but it can still affect the overall look of the room. A thicker skirting board will make a bolder statement, while a thinner skirting board will be more subtle.
Here are some general guidelines:
- Small rooms: Choose a skirting board that is no more than 15mm thick.
- Medium-sized rooms: Choose a skirting board that is between 15mm and 20mm thick.
- Large rooms: Choose a skirting board that is 20mm or thicker.
There are three main ways to mount skirting boards:
- Glueing: This is the simplest and quickest way to mount skirting boards, but it is not the most durable. Glueing is best suited for small, lightweight skirting boards.
- Nailing: This is a more durable way to mount skirting boards, but it can be more time-consuming and requires more skill. Nailing is best suited for larger, heavier skirting boards.
- Screwing: This is the most durable way to mount skirting boards, but it is also the most time-consuming and requires the most skill. Screwing is best suited for skirting boards that will be subjected to a lot of wear and tear.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to use the correct type of adhesive or fixings. You should also make sure that the skirting boards are properly supported, especially if they are long or heavy.
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Here are some general instructions for installing skirting boards:
- Measure the room. You will need to know the length of each wall in order to purchase the correct amount of skirting board.
- Cut the skirting boards to size. Use a miter saw to cut the skirting boards at a 45-degree angle.
- Apply adhesive or fixings. If you are glueing the skirting boards, apply a thin line of adhesive to the back of the board. If you are nailing or screwing the skirting boards, drill pilot holes in the wall and then insert the nails or screws.
- Attach the skirting boards to the wall. Press the skirting boards firmly against the wall and hold them in place until the adhesive or fixings have dried or set.
- Fill any gaps. Once the skirting boards are in place, use caulk or filler to fill any gaps between the boards and the wall.
- Paint or stain the skirting boards. If you want to paint or stain the skirting boards, do so after the adhesive or fixings have dried or set.
Here are some additional tips for laying and installing skirting boards correctly:
- Start in a corner. This will make it easier to line up the skirting boards and ensure that they are all the same height.
- Work your way around the room. Once you have started in a corner, work your way around the room, installing the skirting boards one section at a time.
- Use a level. Make sure that the skirting boards are level before you attach them to the wall.
- Miter the corners. Mitering the corners will give the skirting boards a more finished look.
- Caulk the gaps. Caulk the gaps between the skirting boards and the wall to prevent drafts and moisture from entering.
Installing skirting boards is a relatively easy DIY project that can add a touch of elegance to any room. By following these tips, you can install your skirting boards like a pro.
