How To Scribe A Skirting Board To The Floor | Video Tutorial
Posted by Lee Watkinson on 22nd Mar 2023
How To Scribe A Skirting Board To The Floor
When fitting new skirting boards, you might find that uneven floors leave unsightly gaps between the floor and the bottom of the skirting. If this is the case, you'll be wanting to know how to scribe a skirting board to the floor.
Required Tools
Everything you'll need to scribe skirting boards:
- Skirting Board
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Block Plane
- Packers
Step By Step Guide
1. Dry Fit The Skirting Board
For the first step, you'll want to cut the skirting board to size and 'dry fit' it to the wall.
This means putting it in place without actually fixing it to the wall.
If you find that there are no gaps between the floor and the bottom of the skirting, you're good to go! You can continue to fix the skirting to the wall.
If you see gaps, you'll need to scribe the boards.
2. Marking The Skirting
In the video above, you'll see that we have used a thin piece of material to sit the pencil on top of it whilst we draw the line.
The pencil line will then follow the floor shape - the end result will be a line below which the material will be removed and the skirting board will sit flush with the floor!
3. Remove The Material From The Bottom Of The Skirting
Now you know where you need to go up to (thanks to the line you've just drawn), you can begin removing material from the bottom of the skirting board!
You'll need to remove the skirting from the wall and place it in such a way that gives you easy access to the bottom. Tressels or a vice would work well.
You now simply use the block plane (as seen in the video) to start removing the area of skirting board up to the line!
Once you've finished scribing up to the line, you can dry fix the skirting again to check if all the gaps have disappeared.
This will help you see if there is anywhere that needs a slight alteration before permanently fixing the skirting to the wall.
4. Fix The Scribed Skirting Board To The Wall
If you're happy with the results from step 3, you can simply install the skirting board as normal. Finally, step back and admire your DIY skills!
Video Tutorial
FAQ
Do I need to scribe the skirting?
You do not necessarily need to scribe the skirting if you are fine with the gaps between the floor and the skirting board. Gaps are usually only visible with wooden or laminate flooring, and carpet usually hides them. However, if the gaps bother you, you will need to scribe the skirting boards so they sit flush with the floor.
What tools do I need to scribe skirting boards?
To scribe skirting boards, you will need the following tools:
- Skirting board
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Block plane
- Packers
How do I scribe a skirting board to the floor?
To scribe a skirting board to the floor, follow these steps:
- Dry fit the skirting board.
- Mark the skirting board using a pencil and a thin piece of material.
- Remove the material from the bottom of the skirting board using a block plane.
- Fix the scribed skirting board to the wall.
What is the best tool for scribing skirting?
The best tool for scribing skirting is a block plane. A block plane is versatile and easy to control, making it ideal for removing material from the bottom of the skirting board to ensure a precise fit against the floor.
Should I mitre or scribe skirting boards?
You should use a combination of mitre and scribe techniques when fitting skirting boards. Mitre joints are used for joining two skirting boards at an external corner, while scribing is used for internal corners and fitting the skirting board to the floor. Scribing ensures a tight fit and helps to accommodate any irregularities in the floor or walls.
How do you make skirting boards look neat?
To make skirting boards look neat, follow these steps:
- Measure and cut skirting boards accurately to fit the wall dimensions.
- Use mitre joints for external corners and scribe joints for internal corners.
- Scribe the skirting board to the floor to ensure a tight fit against uneven surfaces.
- Fix the skirting board securely to the wall and ensure that it is level.
- Fill any gaps between the skirting board and wall with decorator's caulk or wood filler.
- Apply a finish, such as paint or varnish, to the skirting board for a polished appearance.
Should you scribe skirting to the floor?
The answer to this question depends on the specific situation and personal preference. Some people prefer to scribe skirting boards to the floor for a seamless look, while others prefer to leave a small gap for ease of installation and maintenance. Ultimately, the choice is up to you.
Lee Watkinson
Digital Marketing Director at Skirting World with 10 years of experience in Home Interiors & Manufacturing.