Skirting Board: Understanding Its Function
For protection
Help protect walls from damage with these acting barriers between the wall and the floor. If walls are scratched, marked, or scuffed, you may need to paint over them or even install new wallpaper. With high-quality skirting boards, all you’ll need to do is wipe them down! This is particularly useful in areas that experience high volumes of foot traffic, such as hallways and kitchens.
For design
The character and design possibilities of skirting boards make them a popular design addition for many homeowners. They can create a finished look in your room and act as a frame for your walls, and are also available in a range of different styles, so you can choose ones that complement the overall style of your home.
Types of Skirting Boards
Bullnose skirting has a rounded edge. This exhibits a softer look, which can be suitable for more traditional homes. Bullnose is also easier to install than its countertypes, as the curved edge means that it doesn’t need to be cut. The beauty of this skirting is its simplicity! It works well in modern rooms or cottages where more detailed profiles would look out of place.
Chamfered skirting boards have a 45-degree angled edge. This type of board is more suited to contemporary homes as it has a sharp, clean look. The chamfered style can also be used to create the illusion of more space in a room as they allow one to see more of the floor.
Ogee skirting has an S-shaped profile with a concave and convex curve. This edging is more ornate than bullnose or chamfered boards and is often used in traditional homes as they provide a timeless look. This skirting is best suited for hallways, lounges, and bedrooms.
Torus skirting has a similar profile to ogee; however, the curves are gentler. They are slightly less ornate than ogee but just as versatile. This skirting is also well-suited to traditional homes as it can create a feeling of warmth and elegance.
What else can skirting boards do?
By installing skirting boards, you provide a buffer between the wall and your furniture. This stops unsightly marks on wallpaper or paint from smudging because the furniture is too close to the walls.
It’s challenging, even for the most experienced fitters, to keep the floor aligned with the walls. There is always going to be a noticeable space after the flooring installation is complete. Most contractors opt to cover these unsightly gaps.
Electrical wirings that are exposed from walls or ceilings aren’t aesthetically pleasing. If you try to hide them in the ceiling, repairing any wiring will be more difficult because the entire ceiling may have to be taken down. A more economical and practical solution is hiding the wiring within the skirting.
Not only do these boards disguise the line where walls and floors meet, but they can also be painted to match or contrast with your decor. Some even have decorative mouldings that help to further tie the room together.
Style and Design Considerations
The completed style should also complement that of your walls and floors. At M&A Timbers, we have a wide range of skirting boards to suit all types of homes. If you’re not sure which type is right for your home, our team of experts can help.