Skirting
About Skirting
A building is a compilation of numerous materials. Each element has a specific role to play and ensures to extend a distinct look to your establishment. A perfect example of this is the skirting boards or the baseboards. You’ll most likely know what these are if you’re an interior designer. But, hey novice buyers, fret not! We’ve got your back too. Check this guide to know all about the baseboards. And yes, do not miss to scroll ahead and check out a few quick tips on how to choose the best skirting boards online.
So, first things first, let’s answer what you wanted to know the most – what is skirting boards? Baseboards, kickboards or moulding, whatever you may call them, these boards are boards running along the base of your interior walls. You’ll find them in different materials, and you can fix them in different ways by using nails, screws, or glues. You’ll usually find them with the height of 5cm up to 15cm. You can either stain them or paint it as per your needs. That said, one thing is evident, and that’s – you’ll find several choices when you’re out searching for these kickboards. Therefore, let’s take a look at a few popular ones for a better understanding.
The different types of skirting boards to choose from
Baseboards are multifunctional and come in various styles to suit different kinds of interiors and exteriors. From grand Victorian designs to minimalistic contemporary designs, you’ll find them apt for numerous apartments and lofts. Remember the kickboards you buy must mirror the décor you wish to display through your home’s or establishment’s design. Luckily, several manufacturers have taken their games a notch up when it comes to designs of these mouldings. They offer both lightweight and heavy-duty options as per your needs. Below, we’ve compiled a list of different options that you can consider investing in.
The MDF skirting boards
The medium density boards or as people usually call – MDFs are affordable, durable and reliable for long-term usage. With these excellent features in place, most people tend to choose these kickboards for their residences. Their durable natures make them susceptible to harsh wear and tear. Besides, they also handle the foot-traffic well, if installed on floors. Apart from that, they do not swell or warp easily when exposed to moisture. And thus, they make up for a perfect choice for both kitchen and bathrooms.
The softwood modern skirting boards
If you’re a lover of contemporary home décor, then look no further than the softwood kickboards. They’re well known for their ease and flexibility. Besides, you can choose them from a wide range of heights and styles. Also, their unique structure allows you to effortlessly re-use and sand down if you’re not fond of the finish. This feature makes it a better sustainable choice, as you do not have to take it away from scratch. However, beware that the softwood baseboards tend to move. So, it would be best if you were careful while walking or using them on the walls.
The plastic skirting boards
From homes to light commercial spaces, people use plastic or PVC skirting boards in all kinds of environment. One of the biggest reasons why several homeowners prefer these baseboards is that they require less to no maintenance. But that’s not the only benefit. While protecting the base of the walls has long been an excellent reason to invest in them, the visual appeal of the product also makes them prevalent. Many believe a simple kickboard gives a lot of space character. We too think that it offers a stylish finish.
The wall skirting
Bare walls and floors do have their elegance. They aren’t shabby and give a neat vibe. But, then comes these slim boards that sweep you off your feet with their stylish aesthetics and smart features. Yes, we’re talking about the wall skirting boards. These aren’t necessary per se. But, they indeed protect your walls from damage caused by mops. There are many types of wall kickboards, though each one with its own merits and demerits. Some of the different types of mop boards for walls include vinyl, sit-on, wood, cove, pencil round, and metal.
Tips on how to buy Skirting Boards online
With so many choices and profiles, the decision on which skirting boards to buy can be a daunting task. Below we’ve put together a few essential tips to consider when making your decision. Besides, having these tips in hand will help you be more confident while creating a beautiful interior for your home or office with these boards.
- Check out your interior style – First, you need to decide on what kind of interior style you’re looking out for? Do you like contemporary? Or are you more of a vintage fan? Moreover, it would be best if you kept an eye on the existing style and furniture pieces inside your place. Understanding your required style and the existing interior aesthetics will help you pick your right boards easily.
- Keep an eye on the scale and proportion – Make sure that you always consider the size of your room when you’re choosing the skirting boards. If you have low ceilings, you must avoid tall panels. That’s because any horizontal lines will visually shorten your room height. Remember, you can alter the perceived proportions by making a few smart board choices. As a general rule, you should opt for boards that roughly measure about 1/18 of the height of your room.
- The bigger, the better – It’s always better to go for bigger and thicker models with prominent rounded features. This not only creates a stylish standout look but helps the skirting to hold its elaborate structure. If you wish to offer your interiors a coastal feel, then go ahead with a tall skirting that has a much simpler design.
- Check out the design – Make sure you select a model that has an apt design that suits your room. Boards are usually the decorative element of your design. Thus, it’s important not to underestimate the impact of the boards on the look and feel of your rooms. When choosing the boards for your place ensure to check the age and architectural style of the building.
- Pick the best material – These boards come in a variety of materials. With more choices, you need to be extra careful while picking yours. Usually, the MDF boards tend to be more susceptible to warps, chips and cracks. But, there’s no denying the fact that they’re a budget-friendly friendly option when compared to other materials. If you can afford it, we would always recommend you to go for high-quality materials that last longer.
- Consider the colour – People usually tend to overlook these features and concentrate more on other features like quality and durability. But, let’s remind you that these boards are design elements that can both make and break your aesthetics. Hence, make sure that you choose the perfect colour that matches your interiors. Whitewoods usually work for most interiors, along with wood colours. By the way, you could also paint them the colour of your choice.
- Check out the prices – With more options come more enhanced features. This, in turn, means that you’ll find both cheap skirting boards to buy as well as expensive ones. And quite often the skirting board prices depend on the features and characteristics of the board. Hence, it’s best to set aside a budget before you make your choice. Make sure that you do not compromise on quality. One way to do that is to buy the skirting boards for sale.
Bottom line, do not treat the boards as a mere afterthought. If you can afford it, then go for the highest quality. Yes, you need not shed a few extra bucks, but you should always never forego the quality of the product you buy. After all, you do not want to be shelling money to replace the boards now and then. We hope the above tips and tricks will guide you in your buying process and help you buy modern skirting boards online in UAE effortlessly.
Question & Answer
Why is there a gap between the skirting board and floor?
Usually, you do not leave a gap between the boards and the floor. But, if you have decided on installing timber floorboards, then you need to lay them before you fit your skirting boards. It is in this process that you usually leave out a gap between your wall and your first board. This makes sure that the board withstands any swelling and movement bound to happen later on. Besides, they also tend to shrink and expand as per the climatic conditions. Hence, leaving out this gap ensures that no damage occurs to the other parts of the board.
How do I fix skirting boards?
Whether you’re fixing a new one, replacing the old, or simply trying your luck at a DIY , you need to follow a set of steps to install the boards successfully. Before you start fitting the boards, make sure you have the right tools for doing the job. Some essential tools for fitting the panels include protective kit, knee pads, fine sandpaper, and wood drill kit, tape measure, and pencil, gap-filling adhesive, paintbrush, glue, wall plugs, nails, and more. Once you have the tools in place, next make sure that you know how to work on the joints. Then, mark the position of the corner, and then correctly position the skirting boards. Cut the required length and then screw them onto the floors or walls.
Do you need skirting boards with tiles?
The boards with tile are a neat way of making the junction between wall tiles and floor tiles. Bathrooms are one of the most critical spaces to provide skirted tiles. That’s primarily because the flooring requires regular cleaning, and this involves frequent mopping and sweeping. Thus, the tiles are the best option because they can withstand the scrubs and moisture. Similarly, you can also install them in the kitchen. And yes, you can find them in classic colours such as white and black.
Which are the best skirting boards?
The best boards are those that fit your interiors and your various requirements. However, apart from that, it’s the quality of the board that determines the durability, performance and longevity of the panels. And there’s only one way to make sure that you have the best quality, and it is to purchase them from the best brands. Some well-known brands from where you can consider buying your boards include B & Q, Menards, Mitre 10, Magnet, Scotia, Thermaskirt, Azek, Amtico, Boral, and Carvers.
Where can I buy the skirting boards online?
Today, several online stores offer you all sorts of skirting boards. You can buy from any of them. However, if you wish to experience a hassle-free online purchase, then look no further than Shops.ae. From best exterior skirting boards to several other interior panels and tiles, our product search engine brings you the best of the best. What’s more, you can buy your favourite products from your favourite brands and also compare prices.
Purchasing the boards requires careful consideration as it’s an element that plays a vital role in enhancing your walls and floors – an essential part of your building. Do not make hasty decisions. Make sure to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each product and then make your final choice. And yes, whatever be your choice, Shops.ae ensures that you’ll find one that tickles your liking.