Last Updated on October 4, 2023
Are you looking to add a touch of elegance and charm to your home? Knowing how to fit skirting boards is a strong way to do so. They enhance the room’s overall appearance and protect your walls from damage.
In this article, we will guide you through the process, ensuring you have all the necessary tools and knowledge to complete the installation successfully.
Step 1. Preparing Your Workspace and Gathering Tools
Before diving into the steps, preparing your workspace and gathering all the required tools is essential. This includes measuring tape, a saw (either hand or electric), adhesive or nails, sandpaper, filler, and a caulking gun. Now that you’ve got all your tools handy, it’s time to transform your workspace into a skirting board fitting haven.
First, ensure you have a clean and clear area to work in. Remove any furniture or obstacles that might get in the way and lay down some protective covering on the floor to catch any dust or debris. This will save you from having to do unnecessary cleaning later on.
Step 2. Measuring and Cutting the Skirting Boards
To accurately install the skirting boards, measuring and cutting them precisely is essential. Start by measuring the length of each wall where you’ll be installing the boards. Use a tape measure and consider any corners or obstacles affecting the measurements.
It’s important to measure twice to ensure accuracy. Once you have your measurements, transfer them onto the skirting board using a pencil. Make sure to mark both ends of the board and use a straight edge or spirit level to draw a straight line connecting the two points. This will serve as your cutting guide.
Next, securely clamp the skirting board onto a workbench or sawhorse to hold it steady while you cut. Use a fine-toothed or powered mitre saw for clean and precise cuts. Follow along the marked line, keep your hand steady and apply even pressure as you cut through the board.
Remember, it’s always better to start with longer lengths of skirting board and trim them down if necessary. You can always make small adjustments later, but there’s no going back once you’ve cut too much off. Take time with this step, and double-check your measurements before cutting.
Step 3. Applying Adhesive and Attaching the Skirting Boards
Once you’ve precisely measured and cut the skirting boards, it’s time to apply adhesive and securely attach them to the walls for a flawless finish.
Start by applying a generous amount of adhesive along the back of the skirting board. Be sure to spread it evenly using a notched trowel or a caulking gun, ensuring full coverage for maximum adhesion.
As you press the skirting board against the wall, ensure it aligns perfectly with your measurements and fits snugly into place.
Next, use screws or nails to attach the skirting boards to the wall firmly. Place them regularly, ensuring they are evenly spaced and countersunk into the wood. This will prevent any visible holes once you’re done. Don’t over-tighten, as this can damage the skirting board and the wall.
To add that extra finesse, gently wipe away any excess adhesive that may have squeezed out from beneath the skirting board while attaching it. A damp cloth or sponge should do the trick without causing any damage or leaving marks behind.
For uneven walls, you can use wedges or shims behind the skirting board to level it out before fixing it in place. Apply adhesive along the back of the skirting board and press it firmly against the wall. Use nails sparingly unless it’s necessary for extra support or if there are gaps between the wall and the skirting board. Repeat this process for each wall until all skirting boards are securely fitted.
Remember, attention to detail is key to achieving a professional-looking result!
Step 4. Filling and Sanding any Gaps or Imperfections
After attaching the skirting boards, you must address any gaps or imperfections by filling and sanding them for a flawless finish.
Start by inspecting the boards carefully to identify any unevenness or cracks. Use wood filler or caulk to fill in any gaps between the boards and the wall, pressing it firmly into place with a putty knife. Smooth out the filler with the knife, removing any excess material.
Allow the filler to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once dry, use a fine-grit sandpaper to gently sand down the filled areas until they are smooth and level with the rest of the skirting board surface. Be careful not to over sand or apply too much pressure, which could damage or weaken the boards.
After sanding, wipe away dust or debris with a damp cloth before applying a final coat of paint or varnish. This will help achieve a seamless appearance and ensure your skirting boards look professionally installed.
Step 5. Finishing Touches and Finalising the Installation
Now that you’ve perfected the filling and sanding process, it’s time to add those final touches and put the finishing touches on your skirting board installation.
Start by thoroughly wiping your skirting boards with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris. This will ensure that your boards are clean and ready for their final coat of paint or varnish.
Carefully inspect your skirting boards for any remaining imperfections or gaps. Use a small amount of wood filler to fill in any last-minute gaps or nail holes that may have been missed during the previous step. Smooth the filler with a putty knife and let it dry completely before moving on.
Once the filler is dry, lightly sand the entire surface of the skirting boards using fine-grit sandpaper. This will create a smooth finish and prepare the boards for painting or varnishing. Be sure to remove dust from sanding with a clean cloth before proceeding.
It’s time to apply your chosen finish to the skirting boards. Whether you opt for paint or varnish, use even strokes and work in one direction for a professional-looking result. Allow each coat to dry fully before applying additional coats as needed.
To Summarise
Fitting skirting boards can be straightforward if you follow these five steps.
By following these steps, you’ll find that fitting skirting boards becomes an achievable task that even beginners can confidently tackle.
So go ahead, grab your tools, measure twice, cut once, and enjoy the satisfaction of completing this home improvement project successfully!
