Door skirting

Types of door skirting

Door skirting, also known as baseboards, is a type of molding used to cover the joint between the wall surface and the floor. It is installed along with external doors and windows to give a finished look to any building. These are some of the types of door skirtings available in the market.

• MDF skirting boards

  MDF is an engineered wood product consisting of 100% recycled wood content. These skirting boards are popular among homeowners because they are economical and easy to work with. They can be shaped and sized according to the preference of the user. These boards have a smooth surface finish, which makes them ideal for painting. They are moisture resistant, which means that the possibility of them getting damaged by water is minimal. However, they are not completely waterproof. These boards can be classified into three categories: standard MDF, moisture-resistant MDF, and water-resistant MDF.

• Wooden skirting boards

  Wooden skirting boards are made from solid wood, and as a result, they show the natural grain of the wood, giving any space a more natural look. They are durable and long-lasting, meaning they will not get damaged easily. These boards can be polished and painted according to the user's preference. These boards are also more expensive than their MDF counterparts. The most commonly used wooden skirting boards are oak, pine, and mahogany.

• Vinyl skirting boards

  These are made from synthetic materials, which makes them very affordable. They are lightweight, and installation is easy because they do not need any special tools or equipment. Vinyl skirting boards are available in different designs and colors to match the interior design of any space. They are resistant to moisture, and as a result, they will not develop mold or mildew. Vinyl skirting boards are easy to maintain because they can be cleaned using a cloth and cleaning detergent. They are also suitable for areas with high traffic because they cannot get scratched or damaged easily.

• Plastic skirting boards

  As the name suggests, these boards are made from recycled plastic, which makes them a more affordable option. They are also lightweight, which makes them easy to install. Homeowners do not need a professional to install plastic skirting boards; they can do it themselves. These boards are waterproof, which means they can be installed in areas that are exposed to water, like bathrooms and kitchens. They can also be used in outdoor spaces. Because they are made from plastic, these boards are not affected by moisture; therefore, they will not develop mold or mildew. They are easy to maintain because they can be cleaned using a cloth and cleaning detergent.

Functions and features of door skirting

Below are some functions of the door skirting boards:

• Protection

  Skwirting protects walls from damage by furniture, especially in high-traffic areas like halls and corridors. Without them, the walls could suffer scratches, scuffs, and dents from people moving in and out of the rooms or furniture being pushed against the walls.

• Covering up wires

  Skwirting boards help in hiding electrical wires and cables that run along the bottom of the wall. This makes the room look tidier since there are no visible wires running up the walls. Some baseboards even have a groove on the inside part where they fit up and conceal the wires.

• Moisture Protection

  The baseboards help prevent moisture from splashing up on the walls from the floor, especially in places like bathrooms and kitchens near sinks. They form a barrier that keeps the walls drier. Some skirting boards are made of materials that don't soak up water, which helps stop mildew and mold from growing on the walls, too.

Below are some features of door skirting:

• Material

  A skirting board can be made out of different materials, like wood, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), and plastic or PVC. Each material has its good and bad points. Wood looks nice and natural, but plastic or PVC skirting boards are better for wet places like bathrooms since they don't rot.

• Height and thickness

  Skwirting boards come in different heights and thicknesses. Taller and thicker baseboards can cover up walls that are not in good condition at the bottom better than smaller ones. But thinner and shorter baseboards give a room a more modern and simple look.

• Styles

  Skwirting boards also have different styles. Some are very plain and simple, while others have decorative shapes and designs. More detailed skirting boards can make the room look fancier, but simple ones go with a clean, modern style that many people like.

• Color and finish

  Skwirting boards come in different colors and finishes. Some look just like painted wood, which is a nice neutral color that goes with anything. Others can be bright white or other colors. The finish on the baseboards may be smooth or textured to look like wood.

Scenarios of door skirting

As mentioned, door skirting boards serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Below are some application scenarios where door skirting boards are used:

• Residential Construction

  Residential construction is a wide market that involves building houses, apartments, and townhouses. This market uses door skirting boards extensively. The reason for this is that homeowners want to use door skirting boards to cover up wall imperfections. Also, homeowners want to use door skirting boards to give their homes a finished look. More advanced homes use customized door skirting boards that match the interior decor of the homes.

• Commercial Office Spaces

  Office spaces also use door skirting boards, which are sometimes called baseboards or office trim. These door skirting boards give the office interior a clean, professional look. They also provide protection to the office walls from furniture and foot traffic. In high-end offices, designers and architects use door skirting boards that are made of different materials to ensure that the look of the office is maintained.

• Retail Stores and Shopping Malls

  Retail stores and shopping malls use door skirting boards to make the walls look more finished. The door skirting boards are also used to hide electrical wiring in retail stores. The owners of retail stores and shopping malls choose door skirting boards that will complement the lighting and interiors of the stores and malls.

• Hospitality Venues

  Hotels, restaurants, and resorts use door skirting boards to enhance the spaces visually. More importantly, they use it to hide wear and tear. Hospitality venues receive a lot of guests and patronage. Because of this, the owners use door skirting boards that are durable and easy to maintain.

• Healthcare Facilities

  Hospitals, clinics, and care homes use door skirting boards to protect walls from damage. They also use it to cover electrical outlets and wiring. Healthcare facilities look for door skirting boards that can be easily cleaned and that will not trap dirt and bacteria.

• Educational Institutions

  Schools, colleges, and universities use door skirting boards to enhance the look of their interior. They use it for wall protection, especially in areas with high foot traffic. Educational institutions look for door skirting boards that are cost-effective and that can be easily installed.

How to choose door skirting

When choosing door skirting, it is important to consider several factors to ensure the selected ones meet the intended requirements. Here are some of the factors to consider:

• Material

  The material used to make skirting boards affects their durability and aesthetic appearance. For instance, MDF is a popular choice because it is affordable and can be painted easily. When choosing the right material for the skirting board, consider the existing flooring and the style and color of the materials to ensure they complement each other. Also, consider the maintenance level required. Some materials like wood require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition, while others like PVC require little maintenance.

• Height and width

  The height and width of the skirting board affect the room's overall appearance. Taller and wider boards are more decorative and can be used as a focal point in the room. On the other hand, shorter and thinner boards are more subtle and are used to give a room a more spacious feel. When choosing the height and width of the boards, it is important to consider the room size. In a smaller room, using taller and wider boards can make the room feel cramped. In this case, shorter and thinner boards would be more appropriate.

• Style

  Skirting boards are available in different styles, such as modern, traditional, and ornate. When choosing a style, it is important to consider the room's decor style to ensure they complement each other. Modern skirting boards have clean, straight lines that are simple and elegant. Traditional boards, on the other hand, have more detailed profiles, while ornate boards have decorative profiles and are highly detailed.

• Functionality

  The primary function of skirting boards is to protect the walls from damage caused by furniture and people walking with their bodies brushing against the walls. However, they can also be used to conceal electrical wiring or hide imperfections on the floor. When choosing skirting boards, it is important to consider their intended use to ensure they perform their function effectively.

door skirting Q&A

Q: What are the trends in door skirting?

A: Some of the trends in door skirting include using minimalist and contemporary designs. These are clean and simple lines that fit in with modern decor. Another trend is using baseboards that have built-in LED lighting. These provide ambient lighting and are functional. Eco-friendly materials are also trending because they are sustainable and have a lower environmental impact. People are also opting for skirting boards with easy DIY installation procedures. This eliminates the need for professional help and reduces costs.

Q: What is the difference between a door jamb and a door casing?

A: A door jamb is the frame that supports the door. It holds the door in place and is attached to the wall. A door casing is the trim used to cover the gap between the wall and the door jamb. It is used for decorative purposes to make the door area look finished and attractive.

Q: What are the different types of door frame skirting?

A: There are several types of door frame skirting. Bullnose - these have rounded tops that give a smooth and soft look. Chamfered are angled from the wall to the floor, making them clean and modern. ogee has a decorative S-shaped profile that looks traditional and fancy. Square-edged are flat and square, which gives a contemporary look. Victorian is a more detailed and ornate style that is historical.

Q: What is the difference between a plinth and a skirting?

A: A plinth is a base for supporting something, while skirting is a thin board that goes around the bottom of a wall. A skirting board is used for decorative purposes, but a plinth supports heavy items like cabinets.