Main Purposes of Skirting Boards

Skirting boards, also popular as baseboards, have been around for a long time and are among the most popular flooring accessories that come with a lot of benefits to the whole wood flooring structure. Skirting boards are not only important for the overall appearance of the floor, ensuring a put-together and sleek look. Skirting boards are also important for the overall functionality and sturdiness of the flooring structure. In this short guide, we will explore more about skirting boards and how your interior can benefit from these small and seemingly insignificant but actually very important flooring accessories.

Purposes of Skirting Boards

Skirting boards or baseboards come with three main purposes. First of all, skirting boards are used for decorative purposes. Skirting boards are available in a variety of styles, colours, and materials on the market. They can completely blend with the existing flooring or you can play around and create an exciting contrast with them. Skirting boards, despite a detail, can contribute to the interior of every room. You can find a lot of skirting boards with mouldings and other intricate decorative details that give them a very attractive appearance.

In addition, baseboards are used for covering the expansion gap left during the installation of the floor between the floorboards and the wall along the whole perimeter of the room. The expansion gap is very important because it allows extra room for the floorboards to expand and contract due to the impact of moisture and humidity without getting damaged or broken. However, the expansion gap does not look very attractive and makes the floor look unfinished. Skirting boards are used to cover it and ensure a put-together appearance.

Secondly, skirting boards are used for protecting the wall. They protect the walls from accidental knocks, most commonly caused by furniture pieces and dragging or pushing them across the room, from soiling and wear and tear, from scratches and scuffs usually caused by mops and hoovers, and all other sorts of imperfections and issues that can affect the structure of the wall and affect its appearance.

Finally, skirting boards are used not only in combination for wood floors and for covering the expansion gap between the floorboards and the walls. Since skirting boards are used also for other types of floors that do not require an expansion gap, they are also a very clever and creative way to cover an uneven and rugged floor or wall edges.

Skirting Boards and Renovation of Wood Flooring

No matter if you are building a new wooden floor and installing it or you are planning a wood floor renovation project, you should definitely consider the installation of skirting boards too. In both situations, you have the chance to have them installed if you haven't had any until this moment. And if you are starting a wood floor renovation and repair project, it will be good if you already have skirting boards in place so you can protect the walls. If it comes to a floor renovation or a floor installation project and you already have skirting boards installed, you can choose to either have them removed and continue with the project or leave them in place.

When it comes to skirting boards that are older and in older properties, many people opt to not remove them, because there is a risk of getting them damaged or broken. In addition, the baseboards in older properties, when removed, can also take away the wall's plaster and make you start a wall painting project too. Therefore, when renovating or installing a new floor, people prefer to leave the baseboards in place. In case you opt for this alternative, you should know that the floor should be installed right up to each of the walls and bedding accessories should be used for creating a neat joint between the floorboards and the skirting boards. No matter the way you decide to continue with your project, do not forget about the importance of the expansion gap.

Skirting Boards and Wood Flooring in New-Builds

You can definitely enjoy a lot more flexibility when it comes to installing wood flooring in new-builds. In such cases, you will have the freedom to choose and install your own skirting boards and enjoy the exact design you want and achieve the exact appearance you desire. Once the wooden floor is installed, you can go for the exact style of skirting boards that will ensure a finished look. Once again, don't forget about the importance of the expansion gap.