Skirting Board Covers - Everything You Need To Know
Posted by Skirting World on 15th Apr 2025
Skirting board covers are the cost-cutting, time-saving solution for refurbishing your interior. You don't have to tear out your old skirting, just fit a cover over the top.
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Refurbishing 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 available, how they work, installation, and the pros and cons of using them. We will also provide 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 board.
Effectively concealing any imperfections, without the need for removal of your existing bad skirting boards.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Select a cover that is taller and deeper than your current skirting to ensure proper coverage and a clean finish.
Here's a simple guide to help you select and buy skirting board covers:
Browse through our selection of skirting board covers and choose your preferred profile.
Measure your existing skirting board's height and thickness.
Select your dimensions in the dropdown menu.
Place your order with free delivery and prepare to transform your space!
Note: 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.
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 railing which is attached to the wall
- Have a built-in clip system on the back that grips a PVC railing attached to the lower part of the wall.
- Allow you to install new skirting quickly and swap for new profiles without causing damage to the walls.
- 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 gaps at the bottom of walls 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 and also allows for quick removal to place wires, cables and pipes behind. The main benefit in clip on skirting boards is the ability to quickly fix and replace cables.
Peel and Stick On Skirting Covers
Peel and stick skirting board covers are an easy option for covering up gaps at the bottom of walls 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 your wall
- The adhesive forms a tight bond to adhere the covers
- Come in mostly simple flat designs
- Offered in different colours and faux wood finishes
- Can be removed later without damaging walls, but may pull off plaster
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.
FAQ
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.