How to fit skirting boards

Fitting skirting boards is the next logical step after laying a new floor. Skirting is used to finish off flooring, protect the base of your walls and to hide away cables and wiring such as phone lines or internet cables.

No matter which method of skirting board installation you choose, the steps required to prepare your work space – as well as certain other steps – are largely the same.

Start by storing the skirting in the room of installation. You must leave the skirting boards flat on the floor in this room for at least 48 hours before installation. This allows the material to adapt to the moisture level of the room which will help to keep them straight.

Here are the four main steps to follow when fitting skirting boards:

1. Take measurements and mark out the first skirting board

Always fit your skirting boards starting from the edge of the door frame. Measure the distance up to the wall and mark out this measurement on the first skirting board.

2. Cut and fit the first skirting board

Using a saw and a mitre box, or a power mitre saw, cut a mitre joint into the end of the first skirting board. Fit the skirting board to the wall according to your chosen method (see below).

3. Line up and cut the second skirting board

Prepare the next skirting board by cutting the ends to the correct angle so that it will slot in perfectly with both the previous skirting board and the next one.

4. Cut and fit the rest of the skirting boards

To fit the next skirting board you might want to line the boards up end to end without cutting them. However, cutting mitre joints on each end of the skirting board will provide a more accurate connection. Next, fit the skirting boards to the wall.

Proceed in the same way as outlined above until the whole room is covered. Cut around any external corners according to the instructions set out below.

If you have cables to pass through a room, you can use skirting boards to hide them. Rebated skirting boards feature a section in the back for hiding cables. Be sure to check that this section is wide enough to fit your cables and wiring.

In order to cut a 45-degree joint, known as a mitre joint, you can either use a saw and a mitre box, or an electric mitre saw. It is recommended to use a mitre saw if you have a lot of cuts to make – for example if you are installing skirting in several rooms.

To cut a mitre joint into a straight board (90°), adjust the angle of the mitre box or mitre saw to 45°. If you are cutting mitres by hand, clamp down the mitre box and position the skirting board in the mitre box with the wall side of the skirting against the side of the box furthest away. Insert the hand saw into the slot and use it to cut through the skirting. A mitre joint can be external or internal.

As outlined above, mitre joints are also recommended for skirting boards installed end to end as this will make the joints between the boards almost invisible.

Some corners are not square, particularly in older buildings. This means that the angle of the corner does not always measure 90°. In this case, you won't be able to use a mitre box as they can only be adjusted to a limited number of angles.

A sliding bevel, or bevel gauge, can therefore offer a practical solution to help you make custom mitre joints. Sliding bevels are made up of two parts: the stock and the blade. The blade moves on the stock to reproduce a given angle accurately.

Here is how to use a sliding bevel to make accurate cuts using a mitre saw:

• Position the two parts of the sliding bevel against the angle. Clamp the stock in place to set the angle using the wing nut (can vary depending on model).

• Take note of the angle and divide the result in half. For example, in the image above, the angle measures 96°. You should therefore be looking to get two angles measuring 48°.

• Place the first skirting board against the fence of the power mitre saw. Adjust the cutting angle to 48° and cut the skirting.

• Place the second board in the opposite direction and proceed as detailed above.

As a result, you should get two lengths of skirting board that line up perfectly with your corner. Make sure to read the mitre saw instructions before operating the tool.

It is possible to find a 2-in-1 bevel gauge and mitre box tool which can be used to both measure your angles and make your cuts.

All options are valid as long as you choose the right method for the type of surface you are installing the skirting against. That said, it's important to know the advantages and disadvantages of each method before making your choice.

• Applying adhesive is quick and easy, but it does make it tricky to remove the skirting should you need to do any work later on.

• Clip on skirting saves you the hassle of gluing and makes it easy to remove the skirting. However, you will need to drill holes in the walls for the wall plugs.

• Nails are just as quick to install but can only really be used on wooden skirting and you will have to cover the holes with wood paint if you don't want them on show.

Finally, it is possible to fit scotia beading over skirting boards. This decorating moulding comes in a range of designs and is easy to fit. However, it can make for a less attractive result as it can overwhelm the existing skirting.

Skirting installation: adhesive, nails or clip on?

In short, your choice of installation method depends largely on the type of surface you are fitting your skirting boards to. Below you'll find a table setting out the main methods used in different situations.

If you opt for adhesive, be sure to check the glue you choose is compatible with the materials you want to adhere to. Nails are perfect for fitting wooden skirting boards to timber surfaces. For any curved wall, clip on skirting boards will be the best option regardless of the surface material. Special flexible skirting should be used as conventional skirting boards will often come away from the wall as they try to straighten themselves out.

Let's take a closer look at how to install skirting boards using each of these methods.

Adhesive is a quick and easy way to install skirting boards. In fact, it is even possible to purchase special skirting board adhesive for the job. That said, it is important to check that your surface is clean, dry and free of dust.

Be careful: if your walls are not entirely straight – as is often the case in older buildings – it's best to nail down the skirting or use clip on skirting. If you have absolutely even surfaces, adhesive will work perfectly. Proceed as follows to glue on skirting boards.

• Use a caulking gun to apply a bead of glue along the back of the skirting board.

• Hold the skirting board in place against the wall for a few seconds to help the glue to adhere properly.

• Repeat the process with all the skirting boards taking care to hold them in place as you install them.

Nails are the most traditional way to fit skirting boards. This method can only be used for wooden skirting boards. A very straightforward process, this method can be carried out in record time if you have an air nail gun.

Skirting boards should be installed using lost head nails. Unlike nails with flat heads, lost head nails will lodge themselves into the wood. Be sure to check that the wall is even and dry before starting work.

Use a hammer to secure lost head nails every 20 to 40 cm. For a better finish, hammer the nails in further using a nail punch.

Skirting boards with a clip fastening system are a relatively recent addition to the market. This method allows you to dispense with adhesive and nails. The other advantage of this system is that you can remove the skirting boards easily whenever you like. All you need to remove the skirting is a screwdriver.

Clip on skirting boards are held in place by clips. These clips can be made of metal or plastic and are secured to the wall using screws and wall plugs. The back of the skirting is also fitted with clips. Clip on skirting can be installed as follows:

• Position the clips against the wall on the ground every 25 to 50 cm depending on the size and layout of the room.

• Mark out where your screws will go, drill holes using a drill and fit the wall plugs to the wall.

• Use a cordless screwdriver to secure the screws for the clips. Remove the plastic base from the skirting board and secure it place by sliding the skirting in a downwards motion.

Required skills

Fitting skirting boards is an easy enough job for any DIYer, even beginners! No particular skills are required beyond knowing how to handle basic tools. If you opt to use a mitre saw be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Time required

1 or 2 hours for a room measuring 12 m2 (depending on room layout and installation method)

Number of people required

1 person

Tools and equipment

• Tape measure

• Drill

• Hand saw and mitre box

• Power mitre saw (instead of mitre box)

• Caulking gun (if gluing)

• Skirting board adhesive (if gluing)

• Wall plugs and suitable screws (for clip on system)

• Nails (if nailing)

• Wood paint and paint brush (if nailing)

Safety and workwear

• Gloves

• Safety shoes

• Safety goggles

This is a non-exhaustive list; be sure to match your safety and workwear to the job at hand.