Introduction
Installing skirting boards is one of the most rewarding DIY jobs you can tackle at home. Done well, it adds a polished, professional finish to any room. This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from measuring up to nailing the final mitre joint.
What You'll Need
- MDF skirting boards (we recommend primed MDF for ease of painting)
- Tape measure and pencil
- Mitre saw or mitre box and hand saw
- Coping saw (for internal corners)
- Adhesive (grab adhesive or No More Nails)
- Finishing nails or a nail gun
- Decorator's caulk and caulk gun
- Sandpaper (120 and 240 grit)
- Primer and paint
Step 1: Measure the Room
Start by measuring the perimeter of the room, wall by wall. Add 10–15% to your total length to account for waste from angled cuts. Note any doorways, alcoves, or obstacles that will require special cuts.
Step 2: Choose Your Profile
The profile you choose sets the tone for the room. Classic profiles like Torus and Ogee suit traditional interiors, while Square Edge and Chamfer Round work beautifully in contemporary spaces. Browse our full range of MDF skirting profiles to find the right fit.
Step 3: Cut the Boards
For external corners, cut both boards at 45° angles so they meet neatly at the corner. For internal corners, the best approach is to butt one board flat against the wall and cope the second board to fit over it using a coping saw — this gives a tighter, more durable joint than mitring.
For straight runs, cut boards square at 90°.
Step 4: Fix the Boards
Apply a bead of grab adhesive to the back of the skirting board, then press it firmly against the wall. Use finishing nails or a nail gun to secure it in place while the adhesive sets. On solid walls, you may need to use wall plugs and screws instead.
Tip: Check the board is level as you go — floors are rarely perfectly flat.
Step 5: Fill and Finish
Once all boards are fixed, fill any nail holes with wood filler and allow to dry. Run a bead of decorator's caulk along the top edge where the skirting meets the wall, and along the bottom edge at the floor. Smooth with a damp finger for a clean line.
Sand lightly with 240-grit sandpaper, then apply your topcoat paint. Two coats of a satin or eggshell finish will give a durable, professional result.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not accounting for out-of-square walls — always test-fit before applying adhesive.
- Skipping the caulk — it hides gaps and gives a truly finished look.
- Using the wrong adhesive — grab adhesive is ideal for MDF; avoid solvent-based products that can damage the board.
- Painting without priming — if using unprimed MDF, always apply a primer coat first to seal the surface.
Final Thoughts
With the right tools and a little patience, installing skirting boards is well within reach for any competent DIYer. MDF skirting is particularly forgiving to work with — it's consistent, easy to cut, and takes paint beautifully.
Browse our full range of MDF skirting board profiles to find the perfect match for your home.