Skirting boards look fantastic when they’re smart, smooth, and blemish free, like a neat ribbon that lines the room and compliments both flooring and walls.
However, as time goes on, skirting boards can become worn, scuffed, and even damaged, or simply outdated, especially if the rest of the décor has had a refresh. Let’s not forget the functional role of the skirting board – it takes the biggest hit from feet and furniture to protect the walls, so heavy-traffic rooms suffer skirting board horrors the most.
Is it time to replace your skirting boards, or will they hold up a little longer? None of us want to spend money if we don’t need to, but is there a time when we have to?
Here, we will be looking at the clear signs that tell us it’s time to replace the skirting boards for new – doing so will improve your room’s appearance, protect your walls, and reduce the need for costly repairs in the future.
Signs You Need To Replace Your Skirting Boards
Cracks, Chips and Gaps
Skirting boards are there to protect your walls from damage. As such, it’s inevitable that they’re going to be damaged over time, especially in areas that have high traffic, like hallways.
Cracks and chips are an obvious sign of wear, while gaps in between the skirting board and the wall can be a sign they’re detaching from the wall, or warping.
Dark Spongey Patches
If you notice a dark patch on your skirting board, especially if it feels spongey, it could be rot – and that’ll be a big problem. Prioritise replacing the skirting boards if rot is suspected, checking for the source of the problem before installing new ones.
Rough or Uneven Surfaces
Run your hand along the skirting board. Does it feel splintered or raised in areas? Flaking or peeling paint is also a clear indication that your skirting boards need attention.
It may be that you could sand them down, prime them, and either varnish or repaint them to restore them. But if you know they’re old and they need a lot of work, it may possibly be more cost-effective to replace them with some new and longer-lasting skirting boards.
Why Replace Skirting Boards?
A New Look to Your Home
Worn and tired skirting boards that have taken a beating from feet, furniture, pushchairs, and the likes can look dreadful. They’ve done a great job of protecting your walls, which are still in good condition. Simply changing your skirting boards alone will make all the difference to the room’s entire appearance.
Whether it’s a simplistic style of skirting board at a budget-friendly price, or an opportunity to select a luxuriously ornate replacement, now’s the time to breathe a little life into your room with this rather simple fix.
Be sure to take your old skirting boards to your local Household Recycling Centre, so they can be reused for something else.
It Adds Value to Your Home
This is especially important if you’re in the process of selling your home. Doing something as simple as replacing the skirting boards can add extra appeal to your property. It’s true that little details like these make a house look fresh and well cared for, increasing the likelihood of fetching a higher price.
Longer Protection
Perhaps I should’ve mentioned this first! Keeping an eye on wear and tear around your home is really important – it prevents the little problems from turning into big ones. Ignoring a brown patch, for example, could become a catastrophe if ignored.
And if it’s just wear and tear? Replacing your skirting boards for new will improve the longevity of your home and protect it for longer. The key is to look after it from new and ensure it continues to do its job for as long as possible.
Popular Skirting Board Profiles
If it’s time to take up that shabby old skirting and replace for new, beautifully finished ones, think about the material you want to replace it with. The most popular are MDF or pine:
MDF Skirting Boards
MDF skirting boards are affordable, durable, and easy to install. They’re the most budget-friendly option, and the surface of MDF is perfect for paint. Here are some common profile options for MDF skirting boards:
- Bullnose: A favourite for those wanting a clean and modern appearance, thanks to its simply smooth rounded edge.
- Torus: A great option for a more classic look or in period properties, courtesy of its S-shaped curve.
- Ogee: This offers an elegant, wavy profile, adding a touch of sophistication and refinement.
Pine Skirting Boards
Pine skirting boards are also durable – more so in fact, as it is a harder softwood than MDF. The pine gives a more natural, characteristic look, and is also very affordable. Pine skirting boards come in all the profiles we mentioned for MDF, plus:
- Square: A classic, understated albeit popular option, perfect if you’re looking for a minimalist design.
- Grooved: This one adds visual interest and texture with multiple parallel lines that are carved into the wood’s surface. The grooved design works really well for any décor, whether yours is modern or traditional.
Don’t Want To Replace Them? Cover Them.
If you don’t want the labour of removing and recycling your old skirting boards, or simply want to keep the originals in situ, then there is an easy solution – skirting board covers. Made from moisture-resistant MDF, these covers simply fit over your existing skirting boards, refreshing the room with a new appearance while protecting the old.
Plus, you can get them in all the profiles I mentioned for pine and MDF.
At Skirting King, we offer over 65 different profiles of skirting board. No matter your style or preference, we’ve got you covered. Our team of experts are on hand Monday to Friday, ready to answer any of your questions.