Skirting

Skirting refers to the strip along the base of an interior wall, commonly called a skirting board or baseboard. It covers the joint between wall and floor, protects the wall from impacts, and hides expansion gaps and uneven edges. It also provides a visual transition between wall finish and flooring and can influence a room’s style.

Materials for skirting vary widely. Wood (softwood or hardwood) and medium-density fibreboard are common, as are PVC/uPVC, polyurethane, metal, and sometimes stone veneers. Finishes include paint, stain, veneer, or laminate, and some skirting is left unfinished for staining. Profiles range from simple square or pencil rounds to more elaborate shapes such as ogee, bullnose, or cavetto. In moisture-prone areas, vinyl or plastic skirting is often used for durability.

Installation involves measuring, cutting to length, and joining at corners with mitred joints, then fixing to the wall with nails, screws, or adhesive. A small expansion gap is left at the bottom to accommodate flooring and movement. Skirting is typically installed after floor coverings are laid in modern interiors, but may be fitted before walls are finished in some cases. In some regions the term “baseboard” is preferred.

Maintenance is straightforward: periodic cleaning and occasional repainting or refinishing. Skirting can be replaced to update a room’s look, or removed during renovations to access plumbing or electrical work. Regional usage varies, with “skirting” common in British and Commonwealth contexts, while “baseboard” is more common in North America.