Chloe Zhang
Plastic skirting boards are a durable, long-lasting, and low-maintenance alternative to traditional timber skirting. They are simple to install and can provide a professional finish to a room. To install a plastic skirting board, you will need to measure, cut, and fit the skirting board to the wall, using adhesive, nails, or screws as your fixing method. The specific steps may vary depending on the type of skirting board and your wall type, but the basic process involves measuring and marking the skirting board to fit the wall, cutting it to size, and then attaching it to the wall using your chosen fixing method.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Installation | Straightforward, no need to sand, prime or paint |
| Direction | Clockwise from an open door |
| Flooring | Install new hard flooring or vinyl before fitting skirting |
| Carpets | Fit carpets after installing skirting boards |
| Measurement | Measure from the outside edge of the door architrave to the corner of the room |
| Cutting | Cut to size using a fine-toothed saw |
| Adhesive | Apply adhesive in a zigzag pattern along the back of the skirting board |
| Nails | Drive nails through the skirting and into the wall using a hammer |
| Screws | Drill pilot holes, then secure with screws |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right fixing method: adhesive, nails, or screws
When installing plastic skirting boards, choosing the right fixing method is essential. The most common approaches are using adhesive, nails, screws, or a combination of these methods. Each technique has its advantages and is suitable for specific wall types and desired finishes.
Adhesive provides a clean and straightforward finish, as there are no visible fixings. It is ideal for straight, smooth walls and requires a simple application process. Apply the adhesive in a zigzag pattern along the back of the skirting board, press it firmly against the wall, and allow it to cure.
Nails offer reliable mechanical fixing and are particularly useful when combined with adhesive. This combination works well for uneven walls, where adhesive alone might not create sufficient contact. Before positioning the skirting board, mark the locations of the nails, typically where the wall studs are positioned. Apply adhesive in a zigzag pattern, place the skirting board against the wall, and use a hammer to drive the nails through the board into the wall. Ensure the nails penetrate the wall by at least 25mm after passing through the skirting board.
Screws provide the strongest mechanical fixing and are perfect for older properties, uneven walls, or areas requiring extra security. This method requires more tools and time but ensures the skirting remains securely in place for decades. It involves drilling pilot holes through the skirting board and into the wall, then securing the skirting with appropriate screws. For masonry walls, wall plugs may be necessary. For a clean finish, countersink the screw heads and fill them with wood filler before sanding and painting. Combining screws with adhesive provides both mechanical strength and gap-filling adhesion.
The choice between adhesive, nails, or screws depends on the specific wall type, the desired finish, and the level of security needed. Adhesive offers a clean and quick solution for straight, smooth walls. Nails provide reliable fixing, especially when combined with adhesive, and are suitable for uneven walls. Screws deliver the strongest mechanical fixing, ideal for uneven walls, older properties, or areas requiring additional security, but they require more time and tools. Combining screws or nails with adhesive offers a robust and gap-filling solution.
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$210.44
Preparing the wall
The next step is to decide on the fixing method, which can be adhesive, nails, or screws, or a combination of these methods. Adhesive provides a clean finish with no visible fixings, making it ideal for straight and smooth walls. For the best results, apply the adhesive in a zigzag pattern along the back of the skirting board. This method is straightforward and effective for many wall types.
However, if you have uneven walls, combining adhesive with nails or screws is recommended for a stronger and more durable installation. Nails provide reliable mechanical fixing, especially when used with adhesive. Mark the positions of the nails on the wall, typically where the wall studs are located, before positioning the skirting board. Drive the nails through the skirting board and into the wall using a hammer, ensuring they penetrate at least 25mm beyond the skirting board. Use a pin punch to set the nail heads slightly below the surface for a flush finish.
Screws offer the strongest mechanical fixing and are perfect for older properties, uneven walls, or areas requiring extra security. This method requires drilling pilot holes through the skirting board and into the wall before securing with screws. For masonry walls, drill wall plugs at the marked positions after removing the skirting board. Combine screws with adhesive to fill any gaps and provide a seamless finish.
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Measuring and cutting the skirting board
Measuring and cutting plastic skirting boards require precision and the right tools. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:
Measure the Wall and Mark the Cutting Line
Use a measuring tape to determine the length of the skirting board required. Then, transfer these measurements onto the skirting board using a pencil. Use a square to ensure straight lines for accurate cuts.
Adjust Angle Settings
Set your miter saw to the appropriate angle for internal or external corners. Most corners are cut at 45-degree angles, but always check your specific corner angles.
Secure the Skirting Board
Place the skirting board securely on the saw's base, ensuring it won't move during cutting.
Cut the Skirting Board
Use a miter saw for straight cuts and external corners. For internal corners, use a coping saw to allow the first skirting board to fit neatly against the second.
Dry Fit and Sand/File Edges
After cutting, place the skirting board in position to check the fit. If adjustments are needed, trim gradually. Smooth any rough edges with sandpaper or a file to ensure a clean finish.
Additional Tips
- Always double-check measurements and angles before cutting to avoid mistakes.
- Practice on spare pieces of skirting board to gain confidence and accuracy.
- Use a support block under the skirting board near the cut line to prevent splintering.
- Ensure your walls are clean and free of any old adhesive before installing the new skirting board.
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Fitting the skirting board
Before you begin, ensure your walls are clean and free of any old adhesive using a cloth. If you plan on installing new hard flooring or vinyl, this should be done before the skirting is fitted. However, if you are fitting new carpets, it is suggested that you do so after the skirting boards have been installed.
It is recommended that the skirting is fitted in a clockwise direction from an opening door. Measure from the outside edge of the door architrave to the corner of your room. Mark the measurement on a length of skirting and cut to size using a fine-toothed saw. If you need to cut corners, ensure they are cut to a 45-degree angle to guarantee a flush fit.
Run a bead of adhesive down each adhesive channel on the back of the skirting. Push the skirting firmly to the wall. For the best results, apply adhesive in a zigzag pattern along the back of the skirting board. Always position the skirting board to check the length before applying the adhesive.
If you have particularly uneven walls, you may wish to use nails or screws in addition to adhesive. Mark where the nails or screws will go (typically where wall studs are located) before positioning the skirting. Apply adhesive in a zigzag pattern, then position the skirting against the wall. Drive nails or screws through the skirting and into the wall. Ensure the nails or screws are long enough to penetrate the wall by at least 25mm after going through the skirting.
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Finishing: filling, sanding, and painting
Filling, sanding, and painting are crucial steps in fitting a plastic skirting board, ensuring a smooth and professional finish.
Sanding
Sanding is an important preparation step that removes old paint, rough edges, and imperfections, creating a smooth base for the new paint to adhere to. It is recommended to start with medium-grit sandpaper, especially if there are deep scratches or an old coat of paint. Begin with 80-120 grit sandpaper, and work your way up to finer grits, such as 150 for finishing and 240 for an extra smooth finish. This process will take time, but it is worth it to achieve a professional look. Remember to move any furniture out of the way and use a dust sheet to catch the dust produced during sanding.
Cleaning
After sanding, it is essential to clean the surface to ensure that dust does not become embedded in the paint. Use a vacuum to remove dust, paying extra attention to the crevices between the skirting board and the floor. Then, use a soft sponge and clean water to wipe down the surface, removing any remaining dust. Allow the skirting board to dry completely before painting, as moisture can ruin the paint job.
Painting
Before painting, prepare the surrounding area to avoid getting paint on the floor or carpet. Use plastic sheets and masking tape to protect these areas. When painting, use thin coats of paint and apply in long strokes, moving from right to left if you are right-handed, and left to right if you are left-handed. This technique prevents dripping and helps achieve a smooth, even finish. If you are using white paint, you may need to apply two coats, especially if the previous paint was dark. After painting, leave the skirting board to dry, and then remove the plastic sheets.
Ongoing Maintenance
To maintain your freshly painted skirting board, regular dusting with a feather duster or cloth is recommended. For scuff marks, use a non-abrasive cleaning pad and warm, soapy water to clean the affected area.
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Frequently asked questions
There are three main fixing methods for fitting a plastic skirting board: adhesive, nails, or screws. Adhesive provides the cleanest finish as there are no visible fixings, but it is best suited for straight, smooth walls. Nails provide reliable mechanical fixing, especially when combined with adhesive. Screws provide the strongest mechanical fixing and are ideal for older properties, uneven walls, or heavy skirting boards.
You will need a cloth to clean the walls, a saw to cut the skirting board to length, and adhesive and/or nails or screws to fix the skirting board to the wall. If using nails or screws, you will also need a hammer or drill.
Measure the length of the wall where you will be affixing the skirting board. Mark this measurement on the skirting board and cut to size using a fine-toothed saw. If you are cutting corners, the corners need to be cut to a 45-degree angle to ensure they fit flush.
If you are installing new hard flooring or vinyl, this should be done before the skirting board is fitted. If you are fitting new carpets, this should be done after the skirting board has been installed.
