When installing flooring—especially wood, laminate, or vinyl—leaving expansion gaps around the perimeter is essential. skirting boards gaps allow flooring to naturally expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. However, these necessary spaces can detract from the finished look of a room. Skirting boards provide a practical and attractive solution by covering these expansion gaps and creating a clean, polished appearance along the bottom of walls.
Understanding Expansion Gaps
Expansion gaps are narrow spaces left between the edge of a floor and the adjoining wall. Without these gaps, the floorboards could buckle or warp as they expand in response to environmental conditions. Typically, an expansion gap ranges from 8 to 15 millimeters, depending on the type of flooring and size of the room. While necessary, these gaps are not visually appealing if left exposed.
That’s where skirting boards come into play. They hide these functional gaps while adding a decorative element that enhances the overall design of the room.
Skirting Boards as a Design Feature
Skirting boards do more than just hide expansion gaps. They act as a visual bridge between the floor and the wall, offering a sense of balance and proportion. The right skirting board can complement wall colors, door frames, and flooring types. Whether the goal is a traditional look with detailed mouldings or a modern, minimalistic finish, skirting boards can be selected to suit any design style.
They come in a variety of materials including MDF, hardwood, PVC, and even metal. Each option has its own advantages in terms of appearance, durability, and maintenance. Painted or stained to match or contrast with your walls and floors, skirting boards give you the flexibility to customize your space.
Easy Installation for a Finished Look
Installing skirting boards is generally straightforward and can be done as part of a DIY project or by a professional. Once your floor is installed and the appropriate expansion gaps are in place, the skirting boards are fitted over the edge of the flooring, secured to the wall using adhesive, screws, or nails.
For even more convenience, some skirting boards are designed with integrated cable channels or snap-on features for easy removal and access. This is particularly useful in homes or offices where wiring needs to be discreetly hidden yet easily accessible.
Durability and Wall Protection
In addition to aesthetics, skirting boards offer protection to your walls. They shield the lower part of the wall from scuffs, scrapes, and impacts caused by furniture, vacuum cleaners, or daily foot traffic. This helps maintain the appearance and integrity of your walls, reducing the need for frequent repairs or repainting.
By covering expansion gaps and protecting wall surfaces, skirting boards add both practicality and visual appeal to any room. They enhance the longevity of your flooring while contributing to a tidy and cohesive interior finish.
Conclusion
Skirting boards are more than just decorative additions—they serve a crucial functional purpose in modern flooring installations. By covering necessary expansion gaps, they help maintain the stability of your floors while ensuring your room looks complete and well-finished. With a wide range of styles and materials available, it’s easy to find skirting boards that suit your space and personal style, making them a valuable part of any home or renovation project.
