Is MDF or Softwood better for skirting?

MDF is more popular today because it is cheaper, comes pre-primed, and doesn't warp or have knots. However, softwood (Pine) is more durable and is preferred in period properties where a traditional wood finish is required. For bathrooms, always use Moisture Resistant (MR) MDF.

How much waste should I allow for skirting?

A 10% waste allowance is standard. This covers the 'lost' length when cutting mitre joints at corners and any mistakes made during the scribing process. If your room has many small alcoves, increase this to 15%.

What is a 'Scribe Joint'?

A scribe joint is used for internal corners. Instead of two 45-degree mitres meeting, one board is cut square into the corner, and the second board is shaped to follow the profile of the first. This prevents gaps from appearing if the walls aren't perfectly square.

Should I fit skirting before or after flooring?

Ideally, skirting should be fitted **after** the flooring (especially laminate or wood) to cover the expansion gap. If fitting before, you will need to use a 'beading' or 'scotia' trim to hide the gap between the skirting and the floor later.

Is MDF or Softwood better for skirting?

MDF is more popular today because it is cheaper, comes pre-primed, and doesn't warp or have knots. However, softwood (Pine) is more durable and is preferred in period properties where a traditional wood finish is required. For bathrooms, always use Moisture Resistant (MR) MDF.

How much waste should I allow for skirting?

A 10% waste allowance is standard. This covers the 'lost' length when cutting mitre joints at corners and any mistakes made during the scribing process. If your room has many small alcoves, increase this to 15%.

What is a 'Scribe Joint'?

A scribe joint is used for internal corners. Instead of two 45-degree mitres meeting, one board is cut square into the corner, and the second board is shaped to follow the profile of the first. This prevents gaps from appearing if the walls aren't perfectly square.

Should I fit skirting before or after flooring?

Ideally, skirting should be fitted **after** the flooring (especially laminate or wood) to cover the expansion gap. If fitting before, you will need to use a 'beading' or 'scotia' trim to hide the gap between the skirting and the floor later.

Skirting Calculator

Plan your room's finishing touches accurately.

Total Perimeter (m)

Number of Doors

Avg Door Width (m)

Standard Board Length (m)

Linear Metres

Cutting Tip: Always cut your longest lengths first. The smaller 'off-cuts' can then be used for short sections between doors or in alcoves. Using this 'longest first' method significantly reduces the amount of waste and saves you money.

Finishing with Finesse: The Skirting Guide

Profiles & Heights

Skirting boards do more than just hide the gap between wall and floor; they protect the base of your walls from vacuum cleaners and foot traffic. Choosing the right profile (like Ogee, Torus, or Bullnose) defines the character of the room.

Our **skirting board calculator** helps you estimate the total linear metres required and, crucially, how many physical lengths you need to order to minimize off-cut waste.

Standard Trade Lengths

Small DIY Pack2.4 Metres

Standard Trade3.0 Metres

Long Reach (MDF)4.2 Metres

Fixing Methods

In modern homes with stud walls, skirting is often fixed using a combination of **high-strength adhesive** (like 'Gripfill') and small 'lost-head' nails. For older masonry walls, you may need to use wall plugs and screws, or 'nail' the skirting into wooden 'ground' blocks built into the brickwork.

Always ensure the skirting is level. If the floor is uneven, scribe the bottom of the skirting to follow the floor's contour rather than leaving large gaps at one end.

Expansion Gaps

When fitting skirting over laminate or real wood flooring, remember that the floor needs a 10-12mm gap to expand. The skirting board should be thick enough (usually 15-18mm) to cover this gap entirely.

Priming & Painting

If using softwood, you must apply a 'knotting' solution to any knots before priming, or the sap will eventually bleed through the white paint. MDF is usually pre-primed, but still requires a light sand between final coats.

Pro Tip: Mitre Glue

For external corners, use a 'Mitre Fast' adhesive (a 2-part cyanoacrylate glue with activator spray). This creates a near-instant bond that is much stronger and cleaner than using nails alone, preventing the joint from opening up over time.

Skirting & Finishing FAQ

Project Disclaimer

Linear estimates are based on the assumption that walls are reasonably straight. If your property has many curves or non-90-degree angles, your waste percentage will increase. Always double-check your measurements on-site before cutting.