How To Fit Solid Oak Skirting Boards
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Cover gap between wall and floor |
| Length | Typically sold in 3 metre lengths |
| Preparation | Acclimatise boards to room before installation |
| Cutting | Use mitre saw for 45-degree angles |
| Fixing | Options: nailing, screwing, or glueing |
| Finishing | Caulk gaps, sand, and stain/oil for consistency |
Key Elements of Fitting Skirting Boards made of Oak
- Accurate measurement and cutting
- Proper preparation of materials and room
- Careful installation and fixing
- Attention to detail in finishing touches
- Coordination with other oak elements (doors, architraves)
Updating your home with solid oak skirting boards can bring a sense of style and warmth to any property. You don't change skirting boards often, so it's important to choose a style and type carefully before proceeding.
Classic chamfered edge for a timeless look
Smooth, rounded profile for a softer appearance
Decorative S-shaped profile for elegant interiors
Tools and Materials Needed
- Skirting Boards
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Mitre Saw
- Nails, Screws or Strong Glue
- Caulk
- Pencil
- Tape Measure
Checking & Measuring
Once you have measured your rooms and determined the amount of skirting you need, it's best to check for warped or damaged pieces on delivery or before you collect from the seller. Buy extra for wastage and bad cuts. Ideally, leave the skirting lying in the room for a few weeks to acclimatise before installation.
Start by measuring the width of the walls of the room. Using a pencil and tape measure, mark the boards where the cuts will be. Measure twice for accuracy. Use the mitre saw to cut 45-degree angles. Place all cut boards against the wall to check if joints line up and fit well.
Securing Oak Skirting Boards
Choosing to nail, screw or glue the skirting board is personal preference. If your walls are not perfectly straight, screwing the skirting would be a better option. Leave a few mm gap between the floor and the skirting board when fixing to the wall. Glue the corners or mitre cuts together for extra support.
Traditional torus profile for period properties
Classic ovolo design for versatile use
Simple, modern profile for contemporary interiors
Final Touches
- Apply caulk along the top edge of the skirting (between the wall and skirting).
- Use oak-coloured wood filler for small gaps at joins or corners.
- Lightly sand and dust off the skirting boards before applying stain.
- If fitting with oak doors and architrave, stain or oil everything together for consistency.
If fitting architrave and skirting at the same time, do the architrave first. Read our guide on how to fit architrave here.
Conclusion
Fitting solid oak skirting boards can significantly enhance the look of your room. With careful measurement, cutting, and installation, you can achieve a professional finish that complements your oak doors and architraves.
Elegant profile with a subtle curve
Matching architrave for chamfered skirting
Rounded architrave to complement bullnose skirting
For a cohesive look, consider matching your skirting boards with our range of oak architraves and door frames. Visit our oak accessories page to explore more options for your home renovation project.
