Skirting, a border usually crafted from wood or tile, serves as a protective barrier around the base of interior walls. Its primary purpose is to shield walls from dirt particles, impacts, and other potential sources of damage. Additionally, skirting provides a polished finish, conceals uneven edges, and guards against accidental furniture bumps.
Today, thanks to innovative concepts in interior design, a wide array of skirting boards is available, each boasting unique materials and patterns. These include skirting made from wood, metal, pencils, and more. This article aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the function and various types of skirting boards commonly employed in construction.
Skirting boards come in various designs and materials, offering an array of choices to suit different architectural styles. Here are the most common types based on design and materials:
| Type of Skirting | Description |
|---|---|
| Wooden Skirting | Ideal for imparting a luxurious feel, especially for homes with marble or tiled flooring. Wooden skirting complements light-colored floors, walls, and ceilings, providing an ornamental and vintage touch. |
| Metal Skirting | Often crafted from stainless steel, metal skirting offers a contemporary, sleek look to a living space. Its smooth surface gives the interior an airy feel, though it may be susceptible to scratching. |
| Pencil Skirting | Perfect for achieving a neat, finished look in a room’s design, pencil skirting covers the expansion gap and provides a clean surface. It can be applied to plain or textured walls, and often features a rounded upper border. |
| Flush Skirting | In this type, skirting and plastering are seamlessly integrated, creating a streamlined appearance. Because it aligns with the wall, it accumulates less dust compared to protruding skirtings. |
| Continued Skirting | This type extends as a continuation of an interior feature, such as a staircase, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the entire space. |
| Double-Layered Skirting | It involves two-toned skirting, adding depth and complexity to the room’s design. |
| Plastered Skirting | This novel type adorns walls with a fashionable, contemporary finish, breaking the monotony of smooth wooden floors and plastered walls. |
| Movable Skirting | An innovative design featuring a movable element beneath cabinets, concealing a hidden storage space. This clever solution is particularly advantageous for small city residences. |
| Bullnose Skirting | Employed to impart a sleek, modern look to a house, bullnose skirting comes in various standard heights. It requires minimal maintenance and is suitable for various interior design styles. |
| MDF Skirting | Made from Medium Density Fiber, MDF skirting offers versatility in style, with options for pre-finished or pre-primed boards. It is an affordable and durable choice, suitable for traditional white skirting. |
| Colored Skirting | In this type, the skirting board is painted in a specific color, often utilizing MDF boards for cost-effectiveness. |
| PVC Skirting | Nailed or taped to the lower part of walls, PVC skirting is easily customizable and can be painted or changed in color. It serves to cover gaps between the floor and the wall, providing protection against water and scratches. |
Selecting the ideal skirting board for your home involves several key factors:
Measurement and Proportion : Take into account the size of the space and the height of the ceilings. Taller or heightened baseboards may be necessary for rooms with high ceilings.
Style : With a multitude of design options available, choose a skirting board that complements the overall aesthetic of your home.
Materials : Material selection is crucial, considering both quality and durability. Decide between contemporary, classic, or traditional materials based on your preferences.
Maintenance : Factor in the time required for maintenance when choosing a skirting board. Some materials may require more upkeep than others.
