We walk past skirting boards several times a day without paying them much attention. It’s not until you actually need one for a renovation project that you start to think about what materials are used to make them. There are several options worth exploring before you make a decision, which we discuss below.
MDF Skirting Boards
Medium density fibreboard, commonly known as MDF, is renowned for being an affordable yet dependable material. It does not warp or swell particularly easily, which is why many people choose it for their skirting boards. In fact, it’s ideal for kitchens and bathrooms which might become damp, unlike soft and hardwood which is more likely to distort in such conditions.
As MDF is a manmade material, you could have a single piece running the full length of a room without the need for joints. What’s more, it won’t have knots or splinters, so if you’re planning on painting your skirting boards you can expect a smooth finish.
Hardwood Skirting Boards
Hardwood skirting is ideal in areas where it’s likely to experience knocks or accidents, because it’s really tough and can withstand a fair amount of damage. Although it’s a little more expensive than its alternatives, it looks great and is very durable.
The fitting of a hardwood skirting board can be quite tricky compared to MDF, so be sure to have the necessary tools and skills if you plan to do it yourself.
Softwood Skirting Boards
People tend to opt for softwood skirting due to its flexibility and the fact there are so many fantastic options, in terms of style and height. If you don’t like the finish on your softwood skirting, you can quite easily sand it down and re-use it. This makes a very sustainable option because you won’t have to remove it and start from scratch.
If you live in a period property or perhaps a country cottage, you might want to varnish or stain your skirting boards, which is easily done with softwood. This is also ideal if you need to match your new skirting board with an existing design.
Now that you are aware of some of the skirting board options, the only thing left to do is consider your requirements and decide which option is most appropriate and within budget.
