Skirting Board Covers - Everything You Need To Know
Posted by Skirting World on 25th Oct 2024
Refurbishing your worn-out, unattractive, or aged skirting boards is tough without undergoing the hassle and expense of entirely replacing them. Worry not, skirting board covers might just be the solution you need.
In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about skirting board covers. We will cover what they are, the different types that are available, how they work, how to install them, and the pros and cons of using them. We will also provide some tips for choosing the right skirting board covers for your needs.
What are Skirting Board Covers?
Skirting board covers are a clever type of interior trim, designed to fit over your existing skirting boards on the wall. They look just like regular skirting boards except they feature a large rebate on the rear surface to accommodate your old skirting boards.
Effectively concealing any imperfections, without the need for removal of your existing bad skirting boards.
Available in various styles - from traditional to modern and contemporary - these covers are a simple and cheap way to refresh and rejuvenate old, bad, or simply ugly skirting boards.
Skirting board covers are available in materials like MDF (medium-density fibreboard), PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and natural woods like Oak and Pine.
The biggest appeal of skirting covers is their simple, easy installation method, often requiring nothing more than a few basic tools. Letting you carry out a DIY home project to save on carpenter costs.
How Skirting Board Covers Work
Skirting board covers work by simply being installed over your existing skirting boards. Your existing skirting boards remain in place on the wall, and the rebate on the rear of the skirting board cover will provide the space for them to become "integrated" into your new cover skirting.
Your old skirting boards will still be there. just out of sight. And if you ever feel a rush of nostalgia 20 years later, you can pull away your skirting board covers to reveal your preserved and protected old skirting, still in place.
Skirting covers are typically made from a material that is more durable than the existing skirting boards, such as MDF or PVC. This makes them a good option for updating the look of wooden skirting boards which can crack or warp over time. A great choice for a long term home renovation project.
If you're familiar with a bit of DIY work, you'll find skirting covers relatively easy to install. A saw, a hammer, and nails/screws or adhesive are about all you need. Once the skirting board covers are installed, they can be painted or stained to match the décor of the room.
Pros and Cons
| Benefits of Skirting Board Covers | Drawbacks of Skirting Board Covers |
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Easy Installation: The simplicity of their installation process allows even those with basic DIY skills to fit them.
Cost-Efficient: They provide an economical solution for those seeking to update their skirting boards without incurring the cost of a full removal and replacement. |
Limited Styles and Materials: Unlike traditional skirting boards, they are not available in all materials and styles.
Durability: Due to the large rebate, skirting board covers may not be as structurally robust as traditional skirting boards. Visual Inconsistency: The larger profile size of skirting board covers may lead to a discrepancy in visual balance within your space. |
Types of Skirting Board Covers
1. MDF Skirting Board Covers
Manufactured from medium-density fibreboard, a composite material made from wood fibres and resins. They offer an affordable and straightforward installation process. Their availability in various styles and finishes ensures you can find the perfect match for your décor.
2. Wood Skirting Board Covers
Crafted from solid wood, these covers provide durability that can last for many years. Despite being slightly more expensive than other types, they offer a natural aesthetic appeal that can complement your rooms perfectly.
3. PVC Skirting Board Covers
Made from polyvinyl chloride, these covers offer durability and resistance to moisture and rot. While they may not offer the same aesthetic appeal as other types, their affordability and easy installation make them a popular choice.
When selecting skirting board covers, important factors to consider include the material's durability and cost, the style's compatibility with your room's décor, the finish's influence on appearance and durability, and ease of installation.
Once you have considered these factors, you can choose the skirting board covers that are right for your project.
Skirting Board Cover Buying Guide
As skirting board covers are designed to fit over existing skirting boards, it's crucial they're correctly sized.
Here's a simple guide to help you select and buy skirting board covers:
1. Browse through our selection of skirting board covers and choose your preferred profile.
2. Measure your existing skirting board's height and thickness.
3. Select your dimensions in the dropdown menu.
If your skirting board's height isn't listed, select the nearest height above. Our standard skirting covers accommodate existing skirting board thicknesses up to 19mm. For custom sizing, please email our sales team at info@skirtingworld.co.uk
4. Place your order with free delivery - and prepare to transform your space!
Clip On Skirting Board Covers?
Clip on skirting boards are a new addition to the market, and are quite rare, here's an overview:
- Plastic or MDF boards that clip directly on top of existing skirting boards
- Have a built-in clip system on the back that grips the existing skirting
- Allow you to install new skirting over old skirting quickly
- Come pre-primed and ready to paint
- Provide an affordable way to update skirting boards
In summary, clip-on skirting and covers allow for quick and easy updates or concealment of existing boards without the need for removal or permanent installation. The clip system grips securely without adhesive or nails. An affordable way to update the look of trim.
Peel and Stick On Skirting Covers
Peel and stick skirting board covers are an easy option for covering up existing skirting boards without removing them. Here are some key details:
- Made from materials like PVC or wood veneer with an adhesive backing
- Peel off the adhesive backing and firmly press onto existing boards
- The adhesive forms a tight bond to adhere the covers
- Come in various designs from simple to ornate moulded styles
- Offered in different colours and faux wood finishes
- Provide an affordable way to update the look of trim
- Easy to install without nails, screws or caulk
- Can be removed later without damaging existing boards
- Don't require precise cuts like new boards would
- Available in standard lengths and widths
The main benefits are the easy peel-and-stick application and the non-damaging installation and removal. They provide a temporary cosmetic upgrade or cover up for discoloured or dated trim work. However, they are less durable than full skirting board replacement. Overall, peel-and-stick covers are ideal for renters and temporary makeovers on a budget.
Update your skirting boards!
Whether you are seeking an economical way to revamp your skirting boards or looking for a cost-effective alternative to a complete replacement, skirting board covers are an excellent consideration.
Their user-friendly DIY installation process is enough to convince most decorators. Skirting board covers could be that transformative element for your home, offering a fresh, updated look to your skirting boards, all while being easy on the pocket and your walls.
With careful selection based on the material, style, and size that best fit your needs, skirting board covers can breathe new life into your space.
FAQ
What can I use to cover old skirting boards?
Skirting board covers are an excellent solution for covering old skirting boards. They can be installed over the existing skirting boards with ease. They are available in various styles and materials, including MDF, Wood, and PVC.
Can you cover existing skirting boards?
Yes, you can cover existing skirting boards. Skirting board covers are designed for this purpose. They fit over your existing skirting boards and can be used to hide any wear and tear or to update the look of your room. They're also relatively easy to install, often requiring only a few basic tools.
Are skirting board covers durable?
Skirting board covers are strong enough to withstand every day wear and tear in high foot traffic environments. However, the large hollow rebate on the rear of skirting board covers technically creates a structural weakness simply as the lower part of the board is thinner. However, under intended use this is not a vulnerability and we have never encountered cases of cracking or breaking. Your existing skirting boards also act as additional support inside the rebate, effectively cancelling out the weakness. Skirting covers are generally made from robust materials such as MDF, PVC, or wood, making them a suitable long-term solution for updating the look of your skirting boards.
How do I install skirting board covers?
Installing skirting board covers typically requires a few simple tools like a saw, a hammer, and nails/screws or adhesive. After measuring your existing skirting boards, purchase the appropriate sized skirting board covers, and then install them over your existing skirting boards. They can then be painted or stained to match your rooms décor.
How to cover nails in skirting boards?
There are two main ways to cover nails in skirting boards:
Use wood filler.
Wood filler is a putty-like substance that can be used to fill in nail holes and other imperfections in wood. It is available in a variety of colours to match different types of wood. To use wood filler, simply apply it to the nail hole with a putty knife and smooth it out until it is flush with the surface of the skirting board. Once the wood filler has dried, you can sand it and paint over it to create a seamless finish.
Steps on how to cover nails in skirting boards using wood filler: Clean the nail holes with a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt. Apply a small amount of wood filler to the nail holes using a putty knife or your finger. Smooth out the wood filler so that it is flush with the surface of the skirting board. Allow the wood filler to dry completely. Sand the wood filler lightly to create a smooth finish. Paint over the wood filler to match the skirting board.
Use nail hole plugs.
Nail hole plugs are small, cylindrical pieces of wood that are inserted into nail holes to cover them up. They are available in a variety of sizes and colours to match different types of wood and nails. To use nail hole plugs, simply drill out the nail hole to the appropriate size and then insert the plug. Once the plug is in place, you can sand it and paint over it to create a seamless finish.
Steps on how to cover nails in skirting boards using nail hole plugs: Drill out the nail holes to the appropriate size for the nail hole plugs. Insert the nail hole plugs into the holes. Trim the excess nail hole plugs flush with the surface of the skirting board. Sand the nail hole plugs lightly to create a smooth finish. Paint over the nail hole plugs to match the skirting board. Whichever method you choose, be sure to apply a thin coat of paint over the repaired area to ensure that it blends in seamlessly with the rest of the skirting board.
Are skirting board covers good?
Skirting board covers can be good for certain situations and people.
Here are some key points:.
Who they are most suitable for:
- Renters who want to update the look of their skirting boards without making permanent changes. Covers allow you to remove them when you move out and the existing skirting board can be preserved.
- Homeowners on a budget. Covers are an affordable way to update old or damaged skirting boards compared to replacing them entirely and paying for removal and fitting.
- Those who want a quick cosmetic update. Covers simply adhere over existing boards and can give a fresh look.
Use cases:
- Temporary update to modernise a room's style. Many covers come in on-trend colours and materials.
- Concealing damaged or marked boards. Covers can hide imperfections.
- Changing colour scheme. Covers allow you to easily alter colours.
Downsides:
- Not as durable as replacing boards.
- Cheap versions may not be suitable or well-fitting. Paying more for better quality helps.
- Existing boards must be cleaned and smoothed for proper adhesion. Extra preparation needed.
- Limited styles and materials compared to full replacement. Can't match all home decors.
- So in summary, covers can provide an affordable and temporary update, but won't match the longevity or options of fully replacing skirting boards. Best for renters, budgets or quick cosmetic updates. Durability and realism are downsides to consider.
Can I put skirting boards over skirting boards
With skirting board covers, specially designed to contain existing skirting boards, skirting boards can be placed over existing skirting boards, however conventional skirting boards cannot be placed over existing skirting boards as they do not contain a rebate large enough to host the existing skirting.