Skirtings are a beautiful element in many homes and help to finish it off. However, they need to be installed correctly and hiring a professional carpenter can ensure that the job is done right. 

What are skirting boards?

Skirtings are a type of moulding, and they are also called baseboards. The main purpose of skirtings is to hide any gap between the wall and the floor. They are also a decorative element as they are available in many different profiles to suit any style of home. 

A carpenter can install new skirtings or replace skirtings throughout the home relatively quickly and easily. 

Types of skirting boards

There are a lot of different styles that you can get for your skirting boards. You can talk to your carpenter about the best options for your home. Usually, when it comes to skirting boards, it’s best to think in terms of materials and profiles: 

Materials

Skirting boards can be made with a range of materials, many are wood but they can also be plaster or other materials. 

Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) skirting

A combination of wood chips, resin, sawdust and wood shavings, MDF is a great budget-friendly option for your skirting boards. It is one of the most popular choices as it combines low costs with strong coatings and smooth finishes. 

MDF doesn’t last as long as some other materials and the edges can be prone to chipping. It also easily warps if it comes into contact with too much moisture so it should be avoided for humid or water-prone areas. 

Finger-jointed pine (FJ pine) 

Finger-jointed pine uses real timber made in individual pieces that are fitted together with interlocking joints, or fingers. It is generally slightly more expensive than MDF but it is the cheapest of the real timber options. 

It can be stained and give your home a rustic or natural look though knots or veins in the wood can be visible if not treated properly. FJ pine is also susceptible to marks as the wood is softer. 

Hardwood skirtings 

Durable and natural, hardwood skirting boards give your home a natural and sophisticated look. It can be sealed or varnished to maintain its natural look or it can be painted to fit in with your house. Of the wood options, hardwood skirting is one of the most durable but also the most expensive. 

Other types of skirting

Skirting can be made with other materials as well. It’s best to talk to your carpenter before choosing any skirting board material to make sure that it is the best choice for your home. Other options for skirting board materials include metal and plaster.

Profiles

Profiles are the styles carved into skirting boards. Usually, they will involve either curved or square details that help to naturally bridge the gap between the floors and walls. 

Some popular profiles for skirting include:

Bullnose profile: Bullnose skirting is one of the most common and simple profiles. It has a curved edge and a flat frame. The curved edge usually leads into the wall to help blend the gap.

Square profile: Square skirtings are growing more popular for their minimalist and modern look. They have no curves, only straight edges. Their popularity comes from their simplicity, no extra decorations or fancy flourishes.

Ovolo profile: Similar to the bullnose skirtings, Ovolo has a curved edge that leads into the wall and a square finish at the floor. The curve is much less rounded and ends in a nib at the wall. It’s becoming a popular choice in modern and contemporary homes. 

Other decorative profiles

There are a lot more choices when it comes to the profile of your skirtings. Many involve more detail and decoration depending on your style and home. 

Some other decorative profiles include

• Art Deco skirtings
• Chamfered and rounded skirtings
• Victorian skirtings
• Torus skirtings
• Lambs tongue skirtings
• Ogee skirtings
• Colonial skirtings
• Federation or Edwardian skirtings

Cost of installing skirting boards

Carpenters will usually charge by the hour and you can expect to pay between $45 and $60 on average. Skirting board installation is a relatively easy job for a carpenter so they may charge on the lower end of that scale. 

Remember that the cost of materials will also be added to the cost of the job, so it’s good to factor that into your budget. 

For primed MDF boards, expect to pay around:

• $9 to $41 for a 67mm high by 18mm thick by 5.4 metres long half-splayed skirting board
• $9 to $41 for a 67mm X 18mm X 5.4 metre-long lamb's tongue
• $21 to $67 for a 140mm X 18mm X 5.4 metre-long lamb's tongue skirting board

Hardwood prices may be higher:

• Pine can cost $23 for a 138mm X 18mm X 2.7-metre length
• Meranti veneer can cost $39 for a 138mm X 18mm X 2.7-metre length

Architraves 

Architraves are another type of skirting that goes around window and door frames. They come in a range of styles that match the skirting boards of your home. If you just need someone to install skirting around your window or door frames, you can contact a specific architrave installer. Otherwise, you can usually find skirting board installers that can do it all. 

Hiring a carpenter for skirtings

If you are hiring a carpenter for your skirtings, it is ideal to make sure that they are correctly licensed, insured, and qualified. Since installing skirtings is a relatively easy job for a carpenter, you may want to make the most of their visit by having them attend to other jobs such as architraves, fixing a door, or other relatively simple tasks so that you can get the most value for your money.