A house or other building is filled with a myriad of different materials. Each material used to construct a home is there for a very specific purpose, but it is not always apparent what the purpose of a given thing it. A perfect example of this is skirting boards also called baseboards. If you are unfamiliar with both of these terms, it is talking about those boards that are often seen around the bottom or a wall. Sometimes they are tall starting at the floor and going up the wall around two feet. Others are quite short only extending up the wall a couple of inches. They wrap all of the ways around the room. You will see some variation of this in almost every house or building. It is a common misconception that baseboards are only for decorative purposes. In fact, they have an incredibly specific purpose and were designed only with this purpose in mind. Any decorative qualities are purely an added bonus as no one wanted something ugly forever on their walls. Interested yet? Here, you will find all of the information that you never knew you needed about skirting boards.
he first thing to discuss is a skirting board’s actual purpose. Consider the location of a skirting board, it has to have something to do with the bottom area or a wall, but really, what can it be doing just sitting there at the bottom of a wall? The answer is actually quite simple, a skirting board is there to cover the joining of the wall and the floor. That it its primary purpose. Its secondary purpose is to protect that area of the wall from everyday damage. It acts as a sort of bumper, keeping bumps and scrapes away from the actual wall. It is not a particularly glamorous job, that of a skirting board, but it is surprisingly important. While it may not seem all that important to everyone that the joint between wall and floor be covered, there are some that would not dream of allowing this area to be seen without a skirting board present. Many people painstakingly pick out the best baseboards they can find and put them all through the house.
Now, what can a skirting board be made out of? There are a surprising number of materials that can be used for skirting boards. The most common materials that you will see are wood and vinyl. However, there are many other choices that can be utilized. The cheapest material that you will find is medium-density fiberboard or MDF. This material is readily available and is undoubtedly the cheapest material you will be able to find. The best thing about using this is that not only is it cheap, it is also perfect for a skirting board. A baseboard does not have to be incredibly sturdy or strong. Its main job is simply to cover a specified area which is the perfect job for the MDF board. It is not particularly strong, but it is plenty sturdy enough to be on your walls for many years without losing its shape or becoming damaged. Of course, like anything, it can be damaged by the right set of circumstances, but overall it is a great choice. When choosing a type for your new skirting board, be sure to consider MDF ogee skirting boards.
It is entirely possible to remove and install skirting board on your own, but it is highly recommended that you hire a professional so that you can ensure that you do not damage the wall or floor in the process. If you do decide to replace the existing skirting board, install baseboards where there had previously been none, or remove existing skirting so that you can do something different with the wall, there are a few tips you can follow to make the process easier. The first tip is to be incredibly careful when you’re removing the old skirting board. You will need to gently run a blade of some sort along the edges to loosen it, then you will want to wedge a chisel behind it and slowly and painstakingly begin pulling the board away from the wall. Once the skirting board has been removed, you should clean the wall behind it very well before moving on to anything else. It is at this point that you will paint the wall if you desire to do so. Remember to prime the wall first and then use a coat of paint. After the paint has dried, it is advisable to use a top coat to seal the paint and protect it. Next, you will need to measure the area where you putting the new skirting board so that you have the exact dimensions that you need. That way, when you go to buy it, you will be able to have pieces cut to the exact sizes that you need. By doing this, you do not have to worry about trimming or fitting pieces where they do not necessarily fit. You will also to need to acquire the appropriate nails for the project. Different types of walls will require different types of nails. If you are unsure of the kind you need, go to your local hardware store and tell them what type of wall you have. They will be able to get you the right type of nails. When you are installing your new skirting board, it should always sit just above the carpet. It is important that carpet not go underneath the skirting.
If you have decided that you would be better off hiring a professional to remove and/or install new skirting board, here are a few tips to help you find the best one. First, know your budget before you even begin looking for a professional. This way you are prepared when it comes to price and you can negotiate beforehand so that you are not surprised by any unneeded charges and fees. Next, search for a professional that is close by. The purpose of this is so that there is not an extended period of time waiting for them to travel a great distance to begin and complete the project. Also, some professionals charge more when they have to travel a long way. Finally, trust your instincts. If something seems off about a situation, it probably is. Also, if you immediately feel comfortable with a given professional, it is for a reason.
