Skirting boards are essential features in any home that add both style and functionality to the overall design. They offer protection to the lower part of your walls from damage, hide unsightly gaps, and cover the edges of your flooring. However, installing skirting boards can be a challenging task, especially if you do not get the measurement process right. Accurate measurement is critical in ensuring that your skirting boards fit perfectly, and ultimately delivering excellent results. In this blog post, we will delve into the steps to take to accurately measure for skirting board installation.
1. Start with a checklist
Before getting started, prepare a checklist, highlighting the tools and materials needed to complete the project. Ensure that you have a tape measure, pencil, coping saw or electric saw, adhesive, and skirting board of choice. Take care to select a skirting board that complements your home’s style, color, and design. Once you have all the tools and materials ready, you can begin the measurement process with confidence.
2. Measuring the walls
The firststep is to measure the length of each wall you want to fit the skirting board. Use the tape measure to determine the length of each wall in meters or feet, and write it down. Once you have the length for each wall, measure the height from the bottom to the top of the skirting board, or to the ceiling. Take note that walls may not be perfectly straight or even, so it is essential to measure at multiple points along each wall to get accurate measurements.
3. Subtract the internal corners
The next step is to take note of any internal corners or obstacles along each wall, such as fireplaces or protruding walls. You will need to deduct the total length of each obstacle from the wall length to determine the actual skirting board length required. For internal corners, measure from the corner to the end of the wall from which you started. Once you obtain the length for each wall that has an internal corner, add up the total lengths, and subtract it from your total wall length measurements.
4. Creating the right angles
The next stage is to cut the skirting board at a 45-degree angle for each corner. It would be best if you cut the skirting board to fit flush with the corner’s edges. If you have an electric saw, you can use it to make precise cuts. However, if you are using a coping saw, it would be best to practice on a scrap wood piece first before cutting the skirting board. Take care to avoid mistakes when cutting the skirting boards, as any errors will require you to use more materials and possibly ruin the overall design to the detriment of the project.
5. Test Fitting
After cutting the skirting boards to size and making angle cuts, it’s time to test fit them in place to ensure that they fit perfectly. If any of the boards need adjustments, make the necessary cuts until they fit snugly. Use the adhesive to hold the skirting boards in place and leave them to dry for the recommended time to ensure that they are secure and stable.
Measuring for skirting board installation is a process that requires careful attention to detail. Accuracy is crucial in ensuring that the project delivers high-quality results. Start by preparing a checklist of all the tools and materials needed, measure walls, take note of internal corners, cut the skirting boards at a 45-degree angle, and test fit. By mastering the measurement process, you can achieve perfect skirting board installation that will enhance your home’s style and functionality for years to come.
