How To Fit Skirting Boards – Pine Vs MDF, A Comprehensive Guide for 2024
Pine and MDF are two of the most popular choices when it comes to skirting boards.

Pine and MDF are two of the most popular choices when it comes to skirting boards.
Pine skirting boards bring a touch of natural elegance, boasting durability and a timeless aesthetic. They are often preferred for their ability to be stained or painted, allowing homeowners to tailor them to any interior design. On the other hand, MDF skirting boards are lauded for their smooth finish and consistent thickness. Resistant to warping, MDF boards are versatile and provide a modern touch to spaces, making them ideal for contemporary homes. Both options promise not only style but also practical benefits, ensuring your walls are protected with flair.
Key Benefits |
MDF Skirting |
Pine Skirting |
Cost Efficiency |
Highly Cost-Effective |
Great Price For Real Wood |
Material Consistency |
Uniform Texture & Surface |
Natural Wood Grain & Texture |
Ease Of Cutting |
Easily Cut & Shaped |
Good for Traditional Woodworking |
Surface Finish |
Super-Smooth Surface For Priming & Painting |
Can Be Painted, Stained or Varnished. |
Character & Feel |
Modern Home, Clean Finish |
Can be Styled Classically or Modern |
Think of skirting boards as the unsung heroes of interior design. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a room but also act as a shield, protecting the base of your walls. For homeowners keen on maintaining their interiors, skirting boards are a must-have. So you may be asking yourself, how to fit skirting boards?
The decorative and aesthetic appeal of skirting boards cannot be understated!
You can use either glue or nails to attach a skirting board to your wall. When you attach anything to a wall the first thing to look at is the condition of the wall. Is it dry and level? Can it be drilled into easily?
Any good grip compound will stick a skirting board to a wall. You can then nail or even screw it to the wall for maximum strength.
Fitting skirting boards is not a highly technical task, however some knowledge of cutting wood and using tools is very advantageous when dealing with where the corners meet. All you really need is a mitre block, a decent saw and some standard woodworking tools like a spirit level to ensure success.
From hardwood to softwood, skirting boards come in a wide range of materials. However, two of the most popular choices are pine and MDF (which is why we supply them). But why? Let’s explore.
Pine is a classic choice, known for its durability and timeless appeal. All our Pine skirting boards are fully FSC certified from sustainable forests.
As a supplier of Dual Purpose Skirting Boards in both Chamfered/Round and Torus/Ogee, we have helped many customer out of a bind when trying to match to an existing profile!
Pine skirting boards exude a natural charm. They’re robust, easy to work with, and can be stained or painted to match any decor. Not to mention, they’re cost-effective, ensuring you don’t break the bank while achieving a premium look. Pine boards match in to existing, older skirting boards really well and can even be customised to fit the height required. Pine can be stained to bring out the natural grain, providing a really classic and timeless look within your home.
Measure the length of the wall.
Cut the pine board to size. Remember to think about how you will meet the corners.
Apply adhesive to the back of the board.
Press the board against the wall.
Secure with nails or screws.
Repeat for all walls.
Finish with paint or stain.
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) is an engineered wood product, prized for its smooth surface and versatility.
MDF skirting boards are resistant to warping and are consistent in thickness.
They’re perfect for modern homes and can be painted in any shade to match your interior.
There are no knots or natural defects present.
Does not warp.
Flexible
With a super smooth surface they provide a clean and modern aesthetic.
Measure the length of the wall.
Cut the MDF board to size.
Apply adhesive to the back of the board.
Press the board firmly against the wall.
Secure with nails.
Repeat for remaining walls.
Paint to your desired color.
Getting the right tools can make the process seamless.
Nails or screws
Avoid cutting boards too short or not using enough adhesive. Always double-check measurements and ensure walls are clean and dry before installation.
Skirting boards, whether pine or MDF, offer both style and functionality. Choosing the right material and following the steps carefully will ensure a flawless finish that lasts for years.
Both have their advantages. Pine offers a natural look, while MDF provides a smooth finish.
Yes, both pine and MDF skirting boards can be painted, stained and varnished.
With proper care, they can last for decades. Replace when they show signs of wear.
While it’s possible to DIY, a professional can ensure a perfect fit.
Minor damages can be fixed with wood filler and paint.
Emulsion is a perfect basecoat for your skirting boards
Simply apply to the damaged area, sand down and repaint!
You can use wall paint on skirting boards. Its advisable to use a basecoat as both pine and MDF can soak up paint quite well!
The use of timber in our daily life dates back to prehistoric times when humans would use wood to create tools and weapons or as a source of fuel for fire.
Read More >>Have you ever found yourself in a social situation where the conversation, as it so often does, turns to the origins and practical benefits of trees?
Read More >>Sustainable timber refers to wood and wood products sourced and harvested in a manner that is environmentally responsible and socially beneficial, while also being economically viable.
Read More >>Sawn carcassing timber is a term used to describe timber that has been sawn and prepared for use in construction applications.
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