Skirting boards

Skirting boards, also known as baseboards, are boards that run around the lowest part of an interior wall. Typically, they cover the joint between the floor and the wall surface.

They can be used for purely decorative purposes and can feature mouldings and intricate chip carpentry. However, they are more commonly to be a simple plank of timber that has been fixed (with nails, screws, glue, and so on), to the wall.

A more functional purpose of skirting boards is to act as protection for the wall from abrasion, accidental knocks from furniture, wear and tear, and so on. They can also be used to hide unsightly wall or floor edges which may be uneven and untidy.

The most common material that is used for skirting boards is timber, which can be left untreated or lacquered, painted, etc. Plastics such as uPVC can also be used and is often glued in place to the wall. Vinyl can also be used and can be a particularly durable option.

Skirting boards can often have wires running along the top of them with clips attaching them at spaced intervals.

For more information, see How to fit skirting boards, and Types of skirting board.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Finishes.
• Floating floors.
• Flooring.
• How to fit carpet.
• How to fit skirting boards.
• Moulding.
• Plenum.
• Radiator.
• Splashback.
• Tiles.
• Types of carpet.
• Types of skirting board.