Skirting boards, sometimes referred to by the name of baseboards are an important element of interior design that offers a polished and slick design to any room. They not only cover the joints between the floor and the wall and the floor, they also shield the wall from harm and provide architectural appeal to the room. If you're trying to improve the appearance of your home by putting up skirting boards, this step-by-step guide will assist you to create a polished and professional end.
1. Take measurements and plan: Begin by taking measurements of the length of each wall you are planning to place skirting boards. Make precise measurements and think about any obstacles or corners that might require additional cutting or adjustments. Once you've got the measurements, you can calculate your total skirting board you'll need, taking into consideration excess length and waste for joints and corners.
2. Pick the best skirting board There are many kinds of skirting boards to choose from with different dimensions, styles and materials. Pick a skirting board model that matches the overall design of your room. Think about the design style of your house and the ceiling's height as well as the molding or trim within the space. Choose an option that is compatible with your budget and preferences like hardwood, MDF (medium-density fiberboard) or PVC.
3. Preparing the Skirting Boards Prior to installation, you'll need make your skirting boards. Cut the boards into the proper lengths with a miter saw or handsaw with the miter box. Make sure that you cut the boards at 45 degrees to create clean and smooth corner joints. If you have internal or external corners, you can use the coping saw to cut perfect and snug-fitting joints.
4. Prepare the Floors and Walls Make sure that the floors and walls are free of any debris or protrusions that could affect the installation. Remove any existing baseboards and trim them with care, if required. If the floor and walls are uneven, you can use an sander or a plane to make an even surface for skirting boards to stick to.
5. Apply adhesive or use nails: Determine if you would prefer to use nails or adhesive to fix to the boards for skirting. Adhesive offers a sleek and seamless look, whereas nails add security and durability. If you opt to apply adhesive, simply apply a thin layer of construction adhesive on your skirting boards back, and push it down to the wall. If you prefer using nails, make holes prior to drilling the board to stop it from splitting and secure your boards against the walls with finishing nails.
6. Create Corner Joints To create the corners that are both external and internal be sure to make seamless joint. When you're working with mitered corners place the skirting board and make sure that the angles match perfectly. Apply glue or nails to fix the joints. If you're coping corners, make use of a coping saw to cut the skirting board's profile of your skirting boards, then removing the excess material and creating an extremely tight fitting joint.
7. Fill gaps and nail holes When the skirting boards are in place make sure you fill any gaps or nail holes with caulk or wood filler. Smooth out the filler using an apex knife and let for it to cure. Sand the areas of filler lightly to make a smooth and uniform surface.
8. Sand and finish If you wish sand the skirting boards lightly to smooth out the rough edges and flaws. Utilize a fine-grit sandpaper, and sand along with the grain of the wood. After sanding, remove any dust using the use of a dry cloth. Apply the primer coat to the skirting boards in order to make them suitable to be painted or stained. After that, apply your choice of stain or paint by applying even coats to achieve an elegant and polished appearance.
9. Clean up: Once the stain or paint is dry, remove any excess material or debris that were left behind during the process of installation. Get rid of any tape used by the painter or protective covers and make sure that the space is tidy and clean.
If you follow these steps, you'll be able to put up skirting boards in a precise manner and create a polished appearance in your living space. Be sure to take your measurements carefully, select the appropriate skirting board style and materials be sure to pay attention to the corner joints and the finishing specifics. With a bit of perseverance and attention to detail Your skirting board installation can transform the appearance as well as feel of the living space and add a touch of class and elegance.
