How To Fit Skirting Boards – Pine Vs MDF, A Comprehensive Guide for 2024

Why Pine and MDF Skirting Boards?

Pine skirting boards bring a touch of natural elegance, boasting durability and a timeless aesthetic. They are often preferred for their ability to be stained or painted, allowing homeowners to tailor them to any interior design. On the other hand, MDF skirting boards are lauded for their smooth finish and consistent thickness. Resistant to warping, MDF boards are versatile and provide a modern touch to spaces, making them ideal for contemporary homes. Both options promise not only style but also practical benefits, ensuring your walls are protected with flair.

Importance of Skirting Boards

Think of skirting boards as the unsung heroes of interior design. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a room but also act as a shield, protecting the base of your walls. For homeowners keen on maintaining their interiors, skirting boards are a must-have. So you may be asking yourself, how to fit skirting boards?

The decorative and aesthetic appeal of skirting boards cannot be understated!

Should you Glue or Nail Skirting Boards?

You can use either glue or nails to attach a skirting board to your wall. When you attach anything to a wall the first thing to look at is the condition of the wall. Is it dry and level? Can it be drilled into easily?

Any good grip compound will stick a skirting board to a wall. You can then nail or even screw it to the wall for maximum strength.

Can I fit Skirting Boards Myself?

Fitting skirting boards is not a highly technical task, however some knowledge of cutting wood and using tools is very advantageous when dealing with where the corners meet. All you really need is a mitre block, a decent saw and some standard woodworking tools like a spirit level to ensure success.

Different Materials for Skirting Boards

From hardwood to softwood, skirting boards come in a wide range of materials. However, two of the most popular choices are pine and MDF (which is why we supply them). But why? Let’s explore.

Pine Skirting Boards

Pine is a classic choice, known for its durability and timeless appeal. All our Pine skirting boards are fully FSC certified from sustainable forests.

As a supplier of Dual Purpose Skirting Boards in both < class="D-jZk">Chamfered/Round and < class="D-jZk">Torus/Ogee, we have helped many customer out of a bind when trying to match to an existing profile!

Why Choose Pine Skirting?

Pine skirting boards exude a natural charm. They’re robust, easy to work with, and can be stained or painted to match any decor. Not to mention, they’re cost-effective, ensuring you don’t break the bank while achieving a premium look. Pine boards match in to existing, older skirting boards really well and can even be customised to fit the height required. Pine can be stained to bring out the natural grain, providing a really classic and timeless look within your home.

Steps to Fit Pine Skirting Boards

1. Measure the length of the wall.

2. Cut the pine board to size. Remember to think about how you will meet the corners.

3. Apply adhesive to the back of the board.

4. Press the board against the wall.

5. Secure with nails or screws.

6. Repeat for all walls.

7. Finish with paint or stain.

MDF Skirting Boards

Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) is an engineered wood product, prized for its smooth surface and versatility.

Benefits of MDF Skirting

• MDF skirting boards are resistant to warping and are consistent in thickness.

• They’re perfect for modern homes and can be painted in any shade to match your interior.

• There are no knots or natural defects present.

• Does not warp.

• Flexible

• With a super smooth surface they provide a clean and modern aesthetic.

Steps to Fit MDF Skirting Boards

1. Measure the length of the wall.

2. Cut the MDF board to size.

3. Apply adhesive to the back of the board.

4. Press the board firmly against the wall.

5. Secure with nails.

6. Repeat for remaining walls.

7. Paint to your desired color.

Tools and Materials Needed

Getting the right tools can make the process seamless.

Essential Tools

• < class="D-jZk">Tape measure

• < class="D-jZk">Saw

• < class="D-jZk">Hammer or nail gun

• < class="D-jZk">Adhesive

Additional Materials

• Nails or screws

• < class="D-jZk">Paint or stain

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skirting Installation Errors

Avoid cutting boards too short or not using enough adhesive. Always double-check measurements and ensure walls are clean and dry before installation.

Conclusion

Skirting boards, whether pine or MDF, offer both style and functionality. Choosing the right material and following the steps carefully will ensure a flawless finish that lasts for years.