How to Fit Skirting Boards: A Step-by-Step Guide
Fitting skirting boards is one of the most impactful finishing touches in any room. At Univers Skirting & Architrave, we manufacture moisture-resistant MDF skirting boards in Gosport, Hampshire, and we've put together this definitive guide to help you achieve a professional result.
What you'll need
- MDF skirting boards (moisture-resistant recommended)
- Mitre saw or mitre box and hand saw
- Tape measure and pencil
- Adhesive (grab adhesive or No More Nails)
- Finishing nails or a nail gun
- Caulk and caulking gun
- Sandpaper (120 and 240 grit)
- Primer and topcoat paint
Step 1: Measure the room
Measure each wall carefully, accounting for internal and external corners. Add 10% to your total length to allow for waste from mitre cuts. At Univers Skirting & Architrave, we supply boards in lengths up to 4.4m to minimise joins on longer walls.
Step 2: Cut your mitres and scribes
For internal corners, use a scribe joint rather than a mitre — it's more forgiving as walls are rarely perfectly square. For external corners, cut a 45° mitre on each board. Always cut slightly long and trim to fit rather than cutting short.
Step 3: Fix the skirting boards
Apply grab adhesive to the back of the board in a zigzag pattern, then press firmly against the wall. Use finishing nails at 600mm intervals for additional security, particularly on longer runs. Check for level as you go.
Step 4: Fill and caulk
Fill any nail holes with decorator's filler and allow to dry. Run a bead of flexible caulk along the top edge where the skirting meets the wall, and along any joins. Smooth with a damp finger for a clean finish.
Step 5: Prime and paint
If using unprimed boards, seal all edges with MDF primer or diluted PVA before applying your topcoat. If you've chosen factory-primed boards from Univers Skirting & Architrave, simply apply your finish coat directly — saving 3–5 hours of labour per room.
Tips for a professional finish
- Always acclimatise MDF boards in the room for 24–48 hours before fitting
- Use moisture-resistant MDF in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways
- Paint the back of boards before fitting in high-humidity areas for extra protection
- Choose factory-primed boards to eliminate edge swelling and reduce on-site prep time
Browse our full range of MDF skirting profiles — including Torus, Ogee, Bullnose, Pencil Round, and Ovolo — at universconstruct.co.uk, with nationwide delivery and local van delivery across Hampshire.