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Last edited 02 Oct 2020

Types of skirting board

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 and provide protection from impact..

Many skirting boards are simple, rectangular timber boards fixed with nails, screws, glue, and so on, to the wall. However, there are some that can be used for more decorative purposes and can feature mouldings and intricate carpentry.

Common types include:

Bullnose skirting boards have a top edge that is rounded and convex. Their design is extremely simple.
Ovolo, with is similar to bullnose, but with a more gradual rounded curve that is set back slightly.
Chamfered skirting boards have a top edge that is bevelled. They are slightly more stylish than bullnose boards but are still relatively simple.
Ogee skirting boards have an ornate top edge with double curve.
Torus skirting boards have a semi-circular, convex profile that is usually less ornate than ogee.
Grooved skirting, which is rectangular, with one or more horizontal grooves below the top edge.

A great number of other variations are also available.

Ogee profile skirting.

There are three general types of installation:

Applied skirting board is glued or nailed direct to the wall surface. This technique is quite common, since it is one of the easiest forms of installation.
Flush skirting board is installed in a recess so it is flush with the wall. This permits furniture to be positioned directly against the wall. A shadow gap may be included between the skirting and wall.
Reveal (or floating) skirting board is recessed in a manner that produces a negative space where the floor meets the wall.

For step by step installation instructions, see How to fit skirting boards.

It is possible to put skirting over skirting using skirting board covers. These can be placed directly over the original skirting boards without removing them. By avoiding the removal process, possible damage to the wall can be reduced. These covers are produced in a way that reproduces the look and feel of original skirting boards. However, they are designed specifically to be fitted over existing materials.