Skirting boards are a vital part of any home. They can be a great way to add style and personality to your walls, but they also have practical uses. They act as a protective barrier between wall surfaces and flooring and can help keep dirt and dust from getting onto the flooring.
Skirting boards can also be used to hide pipes or cables that run along the base of the wall. So how much should you spend on them? Here are some tips:
Maintenance Costs
The primary consideration for large and highly decorative skirting boards is maintenance costs. This depends on the material used in making the skirting board, and its size and shape. Some fabrics require more care than others, meaning some may cost more than others over time. For example:
- Cedar or pine timber – These materials are low maintenance because they can be painted over or oiled when required without damaging them. They also don’t attract many pests or insects, so less cleaning is required.
- Laminate – Laminate boards are easy to clean with just a damp cloth or sponge (no harsh chemicals) but tend to scratch easily and need replacing every few years if heavily used by children or pets.
Aesthetic Appeal
No matter what lifestyle you lead or how much time you spend on home improvement tasks, you will always want your home to look its best. The first step in achieving this is choosing a skirting board that suits the style and ambiance of your home.
For example, if you choose a large skirting board with decorative trim, it can accentuate your room’s style. You can also add some color by painting it in bright hues that match the room’s other features.
If you want a more traditional feel, choose a plain skirting board that has been stained and varnished to give it a smooth finish. If you would prefer something more modern-looking, opt for one painted in white or another neutral color.
The main thing to remember here is not to pick out something too ornate because this might overpower other features in your room – especially if they are already quite prominent.
Think about Durability
For a durable skirting board, you should look for a material that won’t rot or crack. Cedar and pine are two of the most common woods used in skirting boards because they are durable and easy to work with.
Cedar is a popular wood for large and highly decorative skirting boards because it’s naturally resistant to rot and insect infestation. It also has a pleasant smell and looks good in most homes. Pine is easier and more robust than cedar, but it’s easier to work with, making it a great choice if you plan to install your skirting boards.
If you use your skirting board in an area where it will be exposed to moisture regularly (such as near windows or doors), then you’ll want something more waterproof than just plain wood. Before installation, you can do this by painting your skirting board with polyurethane or epoxy-based paint/stain. This will make it more water-resistant so that water won’t seep through tiny cracks or gaps in the wood over time.
