For centuries, skirting boards, or baseboards, have been a popular addition to interior home designs. In addition to providing a barrier between the wall and the floor, they lend an exquisite aesthetic quality to any room.
If you want to add a touch of elegance to the walls in your kitchen, bedroom, or living areas, consider investing in some skirting boards. With a broad range of profiles, though, selecting the perfect option for your home can be overwhelming.
Choosing between the abundance of different styles and materials on the market can be challenging. However, Oak skirting boards rank highly among the many options, but here are some other elements to consider when selecting. This includes considering styles and shapes as well as the materials and manufacturing processes used.
Luckily, this guide provides some handy advice and ideas to help you decide.
Selecting The Perfect Design
● Who’s living in your home?
It is essential to contemplate the age of people residing in your residence and any furry creatures you may have running around in your home. Not only does skirting help to improve the aesthetics of your house, but it is also incredibly long-lasting and is a fantastic way to protect your walls from permanent damage.
If there are children or pets living in the home, remember that these surfaces are vulnerable to scratches from toys or claws. Thankfully, these are still highly robust and reliable. Choose to pick the right profile that fits with the overall design of the home. Furthermore, opting for a cost-efficient model may be prudent.
● Scale & Proportion
It is of utmost importance to determine the correct size of skirting boards that are suitable for your home. Selecting one that is either too small or too large will be detrimental to the overall design. Take the height of your ceilings into account and choose proportional profiles.
Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences. Additionally, consulting a decoration specialist may help you change the room’s appearance simply by adjusting the skirting boards and architraves.
● Materials and Manufacturing
When deciding which material to choose for skirting, the overall look and durability of the room will be impacted. Typically, wood or MDF are used to make baseboards. MDF, also known as Medium Density Fibreboard, is a man-made product made from scrap material and wood dust bonded with a formaldehyde resin. While it may be more cost-effective, MDF lacks the character and strength of quality wooden boards, such as those made from Pine, Oak, Tulipwood, and Sapele.
Types of Skirting Boards
MDF
MDF skirting boards have quickly gained popularity due to their versatility and affordability. Installing these boards in your home is a great decision that can be easily maintained and provides the flexibility to customise your interior to any desired look.
Pine
Pine is a softwood, a type of wood with many uses ranging from furniture to entryways. This lumber is accessible and affordable due to its faster growth rate than other kinds of wood, making it a popular choice among those seeking a reliable, economical option.
Oak
Investing in solid oak skirting is a wise decision. Oak is a hardwood renowned for its strength, durability, and long-term lifespan. Oak has a smooth finish and attractive grain pattern, making it an ideal choice for skirting. Moreover, Oak window board can add a rustic wooden element to any room.
Tulipwood
Known for its medium density and shock resistance, the Tulipwood (the Tulip or Yellow Poplar) is highly customizable and easily bendable to accommodate odd-shaped rooms.
Sapele
For those seeking an attractive, hard-wearing wood, Sapele is an excellent substitute for an Oak window sill. Its impressive strength and attractive grain are brought to life when finished with varnish or high-gloss polish.
Walnut
Walnut is a highly recommended option for an affluent and sophisticated skirting board. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, it is also highly durable and robust.
Ash
Ash skirting boards provide a budget-friendly alternative to Oak skirting boards. Although a hardwood, it is lighter in colour than Oak, allowing for an increased luminosity in your home. Plus, with a decreased maintenance requirement, it is an ideal choice for a practical and cost-efficient skirting board.
● Design of your Home
When designing the interior of your home, solid Oak skirting boards can be an effective tool to spruce up the room’s aesthetic. The initial step is to evaluate the house’s architectural style and match the skirting board accordingly to ensure a uniform look. It is vital not to overlook the effect skirting boards can have on the appearance and ambiance of a room.
To sum up
When it comes to your perfect skirting boards, the search has come to an end. However, the installation is the hard part. Doing the installation part on your own is a daunting task; thus, we suggest reaching out to a professional and knowledgeable installer for help.
Contact our experts today for cost-effective skirting solutions.
