When it comes to home improvement, the little details can make a big difference. Skirting boards and architraves are often overlooked, yet they play a crucial role in giving your home a polished, finished look. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to choose and install skirting board & architrave to elevate the aesthetics of your living space.
Why Skirting Boards and Architraves Matter
Skirting boards and architraves are certainly practical, but they can also be an important finishing touch. Not only do they prevent walls from being scuffed and ruined, but also add magnificent design to any space. If chosen wisely, and installed well they should tie the overall scheme together giving a highly considered result.
They are not only great to use when transitioning between walls and floors or doors, but they also help cover up those mistakes you made exercising your skills with that circular saw. They can mask the blemishes that are going to show from an old house and they cam warm up a newer home.
Understanding Skirting Boards
What Are Skirting Boards?
Skirting boards are the trim along the bottom of interior walls-known simply as “baseboards” in North America. They are applied at the joint between the wall and floor to create a continuous link which protects your walls from kicks, furniture scuffs and vacuum cleaners.
There are different types of skirting boards, some higher or lower than the ones you asked to be installed in your home others may vary based on the material. There is a skirting board to suit your taste, from glossy modern styles to intricate traditional patterns.
Types of Skirting Boards
You will always have the choice of several types because each one has some unique features:Different types on Skirting board
Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is a low-cost solution, which makes MDF skirting boards really popular. It’s paintable and you can buy it in many different colors.
Wooden skirting boards: Wooden skirting is the quintessential look for a traditional style of home. You can stain them or paint to match your decor.
Plastic Skirting Boards : A strong and stain-resistant option, these are great for high traffic areas or homes with pets/children.
If you are able to decide on your skirting board, it is advisable to give some thought as for the varieties of residence that could be more suitable so because regarding any such job and how much spend a lot time in maintenance.
Choosing the Right Height
How high your skirting boards are can have a huge impact on how your room looks. High skirting boards create a space feel more grand and customary whereas low safeguarding suits the trendy room of minimalist nature.
Consider your ceiling height and the proportions of the room to find what height is right. Rooms with higher ceilings will generally require taller skirting boards, whereas shorter rooms may benefit from a smaller alternative.
Understanding Architraves
What Are Architraves?
Architraves: Moldings that outline doors and windows, obscuring the joint where it meets a wall or window frame. That extra little piece of flair provides a more unified look in your space, too.
Architraves, like skirting boards are also available in myriad styles and materials to allow you your choice of one that matches the scheme of things.
Types of Architraves
Some of the popular types are architrave:
The ones we are about to tell you today include: MDF ArchitravesMDF architraves, due to its affordability and versatility is one of the most used. Paintable (you can paint them to match your decor) available in several styles
Wooden Architraves: For a classic look and natural feel, wood architrave is your best bet. Practically any substance may be shaded or tinted and certainly there is a style for just about every solitary preference.
Plastic Architraves – these are great if you live in a high-traffic area, or have children and pets since they can withstand some level of beating but will be easily cleaned.
Remember to pick the right style for your doors, windows and overall home design when selecting architraves.
Matching skirting Boards and Architraves
Your skirting boards should be of the same style and colour as your architraves for a flawless finish. This doesn’t necessarily imply that they need to indeed be the same, but at least should mesh well stylistically or have similar color and material.
If you have a traditional look with wood skirting boards then choose wooden architraves to match. If you like a clean, contemporary style: Choose simple MDF skirting boards and architraves which can be easily painted in the same colour.
Preparing for Installation
Measuring and Planning
Measure your space before laying skirting boards and architraves. This will give you the lengths and heights required in each room, as well as allow you to plan how many pieces you can cut from them.
It is a great practice to get some inspiration, do multiple drafts of the layout including all corners with doorways and windows as well. This is good to give you an idea of how the skirting boards and architraves will piece together also so it helps with ensuring you have enough materials.
Tools and Materials
Tools & Materials for skirting board and architrave installation:
Picture Rails & Skirtings
Tape measure
Saw (hand saw or miter saw)
Nail gun or hammer and nails
Adhesive (if using)
Spirit level
Sandpaper
Paint or stain (if desired)
Make sure you have all of your stuff in place when attempting this, as it would be a bit inconvenient for someone who just realized they left their Nano at home.
Preparing the Surface
Always make sure your surfaces are clean, dry and free of debris prior to installing any skirting boards or architraves If there are already trim or moldings, remove it and fill in holes & gaps with filler. Use your hand sander to smooth the surface and assure a level, clean installation.
Installing Skirting Boards
Cutting Skirting Boards
Measure and mark how long will be each wall skirting board to which you want change the painted baseboard (use a saw for that). Corners will require you to trim the ends at an angle of 45 degrees in order to make a clean miter joint.
Fixing Skirting Boards
Place the skirting boards against your wall and make sure they are level You can nail them down using a hammer and nails or you could probably use a air gun if needed. If you are gluing, place high-bond adhesive on the back side of skirting before putting it into position.
Glue it all together and locate every corner to joint well, then fill gaps with wood filler Once the filler has dried, sand the joints smooth.
Painting or Staining
Synthetic skirting boards may be painted or stained if desired. Employ a high-end, non-toxic paint or water-based stain and add on several coats to get that smooth look.
Installing Architraves
Cutting Architraves
Measure the lengths of each door/window frame and mark them out on the architraves, using a saw to cut. For the corners, you can cut the edges at a 45-degree angle to form big joint.
Fixing Architraves
Fix the frame to door or window, leveling and aligning it with walls. Hammer or nail gun them on. Assuming you have adhesive, apply a small amount to the backs of the architraves before placing them.
Use filler to clog up any gaps, then sand the joints smooth.
Painting or Staining
Paint or stain the architraves to complement your decor, if desired. A high-quality paint, stain or finish may require multiple applications to look smooth and even.
Maintenance and Care
Regular Cleaning
Clean Dust the skirting boards and architraves every now and then to ensure they stay in good condition Do not use harmful chemicals or abrasive cleaners; these damage the finish.
Repairing Damage
If your skirting or architraves sustain damage, do not be tempted to leave them damaged as they will only lead to more problems that can come at a much higher price. Using filler to patch up any holes and/or cracks, getting the surface smooth again with sand paper before a fresh coat of white paint.
Repainting or Restaining
The paint or stain on your skirting boards and architraves might fade, be bleached by sunlight,or just wear out. Re-paint or re-stain as necessary to maintain their fresh, crisp look.
Conclusion
If you want your home to look complete and polished, one of the best ways for achieving this is by choosing the right skirting boards and architraves. With the right styles, materials and heights curated using good design principals in a thoughtful manner of installation this can help to achieve an elegant balance that work for you.
