Choosing the Right Skirting Boards for the Home

Skirting Board Tips for Every Room

Skirting boards are more than just functional components of a home, they provide a finishing touch that ties the room together. Acting as a transition between walls and flooring, skirting boards protect walls from scuffs and dents while enhancing overall visual appeal. For builders and trades, helping clients select the right skirting board material and finish for the home allows for both practicality and style, delivering a polished, professional finish.

Skirting Board Considerations

Cost Consideration

Budget plays a major role when selecting skirting boards. MDF is the most affordable option, making it ideal for large-scale projects or budget-conscious homeowners. It also comes in a moisture-resistant (MR) version suitable for areas prone to humidity such as laundry’s. For clients seeking premium finishes, hardwood options offer durability and a luxury aesthetic but come at a higher price point. Pine offers a similar aesthetic to hardwood, however it is more prone to denting due to its soft nature.

Protection for Walls

Other than providing a neat finish to wall and floor junctions, skirting boards are essential for protecting walls, particularly in homes with children or pets. Taller boards provide better wall coverage, shielding from knocks caused by furniture, toys, or everyday wear and tear. For high-traffic zones, durable materials like hardwood timber are ideal, offering longevity and easier maintenance compared to softer pine alternatives or MDF.

Skirting Board Materials and Finish

The choice of material determines the skirting board’s durability and visual appeal:

Pine: Versatile and cost-effective, pine suits both painted and stained finishes, making it a flexible option for many homes.

Hardwood: Premium and durable, hardwood skirting boards provide a high-end, natural look. Ideal for clients seeking lasting quality and timber aesthetics.

MDF: Smooth, affordable, and perfect for painted finishes. Pre-primed MDF saves installation time, while MR MDF resists moisture, ensuring longevity in wet areas.

Finishes also play a key role. Painted skirting boards in semi-gloss and high gloss allows for easy cleaning and helps to protect the board from scuffs and scratches. Stained hardwood highlights the natural timber grain for a premium touch.

Profile to Suit Home Design and Ceiling Height

Choosing the right skirting board profile enhances the overall aesthetic and aligns with the home’s architectural style. Popular options include:

Bullnose: Simple and timeless, perfect for modern and traditional spaces

Splayed: Sleek, contemporary, and low maintenance

Square: Minimalistic and ideal for modern or industrial interiors

Colonial/Victorian: Ornate profiles that suit period homes and heritage designs

Custom Designs: Ideal for clients looking to create unique, standout finishes.

Ceiling height also influences profile selection. Taller skirting boards complement high ceilings and larger rooms, adding a sense of grandeur, while shorter, streamlined options suit smaller spaces or modern interiors.

Visual Appeal

Skirting boards serve as a visual anchor in a room, enhancing design flow between walls, floors, and doorways. Aligning skirting boards with architraves creates a seamless, cohesive design that elevates the home’s interior style.

Bowens Skirting Boards

The right skirting boards deliver a professional finish that enhances both aesthetics and functionality in a home. Bowens supplies a range of skirting boards and architraves that can complement a wide range of designs and styles. Shop our range of skirting boards online or visit a Bowens store near you.