Why Skirting Boards Matter: Complete Guide for Wood Flooring Installations

Skirting boards are more than just a decorative trim at the base of your walls—they play a critical role in the final look, functionality, and longevity of your wood flooring. Whether you’ve chosen solid wood, engineered, or laminate flooring, skirting boards help create a polished, complete finish while protecting both the floor and wall edges.

In this guide, we’ll explore why skirting boards matter, the practical and aesthetic benefits they offer, and how they contribute to a clean and long-lasting flooring installation. We’ll also cover installation tips and whether it’s better to install them before or after the flooring.

What Are Skirting Boards and What Do They Do?

Skirting boards—also known as baseboards—are the wooden or MDF panels fixed to the bottom of interior walls where they meet the floor. While they serve a decorative purpose, their main function is protection. Skirting boards shield walls from scuffs, knocks, and moisture, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, and entryways.

They also provide a neat finish by covering the expansion gap left around the perimeter of wood flooring. This gap is essential for allowing natural movement of the floor as it expands and contracts due to humidity and temperature changes. Without skirting boards, these gaps would remain visible and vulnerable to dust, debris, and water ingress.

In addition, skirting boards can be used to discreetly hide unsightly cables, especially in modern renovations where aesthetics matter just as much as functionality.

Key Benefits of Using Skirting Boards with Wood Flooring

Skirting boards do much more than complete the look of a room. Here are the most important reasons why they’re a must for any wood flooring installation:

• Covering Expansion Gaps: Wood floors need room to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. Skirting boards conceal this gap and maintain a seamless finish.
• Wall Protection: Skirting boards protect walls from damage caused by furniture, vacuuming, mopping, and foot traffic—especially in busy areas of the home.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Available in a variety of styles, heights, and profiles, skirting boards add visual interest and help define the overall interior design.
• Cable Management: In some installations, skirting boards can be used to hide low-voltage cables neatly along the wall, reducing clutter and improving safety.
• Easy Maintenance: They create a clear boundary between the wall and floor, making cleaning easier and preventing dirt buildup in hard-to-reach corners.

Whether you’re installing laminate flooring, engineered boards, or solid hardwood, the addition of skirting provides both protection and polish.

Should Skirting Boards Be Fitted Before or After Flooring?

This is one of the most common questions when fitting wood flooring: should you install the skirting boards before or after laying the floor? The answer depends on your priorities—convenience or a seamless finish.

Fitting Skirting Boards After Flooring: This is the most recommended method if you want a clean, professional look. It allows the skirting to sit on top of the floor, fully covering the expansion gap and creating a flush edge. While this method may require a bit more care during fitting, the visual result is superior.

Fitting Skirting Boards Before Flooring: In some cases—such as when skirting boards are already installed or difficult to remove—you can keep them in place and use beading or scotia mouldings to cover the expansion gap. This method is less invasive but can look more dated or bulky.

Ultimately, the best results come from removing and refitting the skirting boards after the flooring is laid. If that's not possible, choose matching beading for a tidy compromise that protects movement and improves aesthetics.

Skirting Board Styles and Finishes

Skirting boards come in a wide variety of profiles, sizes, and finishes, allowing you to match them to your interior décor or highlight them as a design feature. Choosing the right style helps enhance the overall harmony of your room.

• Torus: A traditional curved profile often seen in period or classical interiors.
• Ogee: A decorative S-shaped design that works well in both classic and transitional homes.
• Square Edge: A clean, modern look ideal for minimalist or contemporary spaces.
• Chamfered: Sloped edges that create a subtle but stylish transition between wall and floor.

In terms of finishes, skirting boards can be:

• Primed and painted to match the wall colour or contrast with the flooring
• Stained or varnished to coordinate with wood tones in the floor
• Left natural for a raw, rustic aesthetic in certain designs

When choosing your skirting, also consider the height. Taller skirting adds elegance to rooms with high ceilings, while lower profiles are better for compact or modern spaces.

Can You Install Flooring Without Skirting Boards?

Technically, yes — it’s possible to install wood or laminate flooring without traditional skirting boards, but it’s not always recommended. If you decide to leave them out, you’ll still need a way to cover the expansion gap left around the perimeter of the room.

Here are some common alternatives:

• Beading or Scotia Moulding: A narrow trim installed along the base of the wall to cover expansion gaps. It’s especially useful when skirting boards are already in place and cannot be removed.
• Shadow Gaps: A more advanced and minimalist architectural detail, where a gap is left between the floor and wall, often used in ultra-modern spaces. This requires precise finishing and isn’t suitable for DIY installations.

While these alternatives can work in specific scenarios, most flooring professionals still recommend using skirting boards for both protection and aesthetics. They provide a more finished appearance and offer long-term durability for both your walls and flooring.

Final Thoughts

Skirting boards are a small detail that makes a big difference. They not only enhance the beauty of your wood flooring but also offer practical benefits like protection, easier cleaning, and a professional finish. Whether you're installing solid wood, engineered, or laminate flooring, skirting boards are a key part of achieving a complete and lasting result.

From traditional profiles to sleek modern edges, there’s a style of skirting to suit every taste and home design. And while alternatives like beading or shadow gaps can be used in specific cases, nothing quite matches the clean look and durability of well-installed skirting boards.

If you're planning a full flooring project and want expert help with both fitting and finishing, explore our wood floor installation services. Our team can advise you on the best skirting options and ensure a flawless result from start to finish.