Install Skirting Boards After New Flooring: Complete Guide

Installing skirting boards after new flooring is an essential finishing step that completes the overall look of any interior space. It helps create a clean transition between the wall and the floor while also protecting walls from damage caused by furniture, cleaning, and daily use. Whether you have installed hybrid, vinyl, timber, laminate, or carpet flooring, proper skirting installation ensures a polished and professional appearance.

In this guide, you will learn how to install skirting boards after new flooring step by step, including tools required, installation techniques, common mistakes to avoid, and cost factors. This complete guide will help you achieve a perfect finish for your flooring project, whether you choose DIY installation or professional services.

What Are Skirting Boards and Why Are They Installed After Flooring?

Skirting boards are protective and decorative boards fixed along the bottom of interior walls where the floor meets the wall. They are installed after flooring to ensure a clean, aligned, and professional finish that matches the final floor height. Skirting boards not only enhance the visual appeal of a room but also protect walls from everyday wear and tear. Installing them after new flooring ensures a perfect fit and seamless transition between surfaces.

1. Purpose of Skirting Boards in Interior Finishing

Skirting boards play an important role in both protection and aesthetics. They prevent damage to walls caused by furniture movement, vacuum cleaners, and general daily activity. They also create a smooth visual transition between the wall and flooring surface, improving the overall interior finish. Additionally, skirting helps cover small gaps between the wall and floor, ensuring a neat appearance.

2. Why Install Skirting Boards After New Flooring?

Installing skirting boards after new flooring ensures the best alignment and finishing results. It allows installers to match the skirting height perfectly with the final floor level, avoiding mismatches or uneven edges. This process also helps achieve a cleaner and more professional appearance throughout the room.

• Ensures accurate alignment with the finished flooring level
• Prevents visible gaps between flooring and wall edges
• Avoids cutting or re-adjusting skirting due to floor height changes
• Improves overall interior design consistency and symmetry
• Provides a smooth and seamless transition between wall and floor
• Enhances the final polished and professional look of the space

Tools and Materials Needed to Install Skirting Boards After New Flooring

Installing skirting boards after new flooring requires the right set of tools, materials, and safety equipment to ensure accurate fitting and a professional finish. Having everything prepared before starting the installation helps save time and reduces errors during cutting and fixing. Proper tools also ensure clean edges, secure attachment, and long-lasting results. Choosing quality materials is equally important for durability and visual appeal.

1. Essential Tools List

Proper set of tools is essential for precise skirting board installation. Common tools include a measuring tape for accurate sizing and a saw or skirting board cutter for clean cuts. Nail gun or hammer is used to securely fix the boards to the wall. Adhesive may also be used for extra stability. Spirit level ensures that the skirting is perfectly aligned along the wall. These tools help achieve a neat and professional finish.

2. Recommended Materials

The most commonly used materials for skirting boards include MDF, timber, and PVC, each offering different levels of durability and style. MDF is popular for its affordability and smooth finish, while timber provides a more premium and natural look. PVC skirting is ideal for moisture-prone areas due to its water resistance. Adhesives and wood filler are also required to secure joints and fill gaps. Choosing the right material depends on flooring type and room conditions.

3. Safety Equipment Requirements

Safety equipment is important during skirting board installation to prevent injuries and ensure safe working conditions. Gloves protect hands from sharp tools and rough materials. Safety goggles are used to protect eyes from dust and wood particles during cutting. Knee pads may be required when working on low installations for extended periods. Proper footwear ensures stability and reduces the risk of accidents. Following safety measures ensures a smooth and risk-free installation process.

How to Install Skirting Boards After New Flooring: Step-by-Step Guide

You can install skirting boards after new flooring by following a structured process that includes measuring, cutting, fixing, sealing, and finishing. Each step is important to ensure a precise fit, clean alignment, and professional appearance. Proper execution of these steps helps avoid gaps, uneven edges, and installation errors. Careful approach ensures the skirting complements the flooring and enhances the overall interior finish.

1. Measuring and Planning Wall Layout

Accurate measurement is the first step in installing skirting boards after new flooring. Measure all wall lengths carefully to determine the required board sizes. Planning the layout helps reduce material waste and ensures smooth installation. Mark reference points on the wall to maintain alignment. Proper planning ensures a balanced and professional result.

2. Cutting Skirting Boards to Size

Cutting skirting boards accurately is essential for a perfect fit. Use a saw or skirting cutter to achieve clean and precise edges. Pay attention to corner joints, especially internal and external angles. Double-check measurements before cutting to avoid material waste. Proper cutting ensures seamless joint connections during installation.

3. Fixing Skirting Boards to Walls

Fixing skirting boards securely ensures long-lasting stability. Use adhesive, nails, or a nail gun depending on wall type and material. Press each board firmly against the wall to maintain alignment. Spirit level helps ensure straight installation across all sections. Proper fixing prevents movement and gaps over time.

4. Sealing Gaps and Joints

Sealing gaps and joints is important for a clean and professional finish. Use wood filler or caulking to close small spaces between boards and walls. This step improves appearance and prevents dust accumulation. Smooth out the filler for a seamless look. Proper sealing enhances durability and aesthetics.

5. Finishing, Painting, and Polishing

Finishing is the final step that enhances the appearance of skirting boards. Sand any rough edges before applying paint or polish. Choose a finish that matches or complements the flooring and interior design. Apply even coats for a smooth and uniform look. Proper finishing ensures a polished and professional final result.

What Type of Skirting Board Is Best After New Flooring Installation?

Best skirting board after new flooring installation depends on durability, moisture resistance, and the overall interior style of your home. MDF skirting boards are the most popular choice for modern interiors, while timber offers a premium natural finish and PVC is ideal for moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms. 

Skirting Board Type	Key Features	Advantages	Disadvantages	Best Use Case
MDF Skirting Boards	Smooth finish, easy to paint, cost-effective	Affordable, modern look, widely available	Not moisture-resistant unless sealed	Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways
Timber Skirting Boards	Natural wood, premium appearance	Highly durable, elegant finish, long-lasting	More expensive, requires maintenance	Luxury homes, premium interiors
PVC Skirting Boards	Plastic-based, waterproof, lightweight	Moisture-resistant, low maintenance, durable	Limited premium aesthetic appeal	Bathrooms, kitchens, laundries
Chamfered Skirting	Angled top edge design	Stylish, modern look, easy to clean	Less traditional appearance	Contemporary interiors
Ogee Skirting Boards	Decorative curved profile	Classic and elegant design	Can collect dust in grooves	Traditional or classic interiors

How to Match Skirting Boards With New Flooring Style?

You can match skirting boards with new flooring style by focusing on color coordination, correct height and thickness selection, and choosing materials that complement your flooring type. These factors ensure a balanced and visually appealing interior design. Proper matching helps create a seamless transition between the wall and floor while enhancing the overall aesthetics of the room. It also ensures consistency across different spaces in your home.

1. Color Coordination Tips for Modern Interiors

Color coordination plays a key role in achieving a modern and stylish interior look. Matching skirting boards with flooring color creates a seamless and unified appearance, while contrasting colors can add visual interest. White skirting is commonly used with darker flooring for a clean and modern finish. For timber or hybrid floors, choosing a similar tone enhances natural aesthetics. Proper color selection improves overall room harmony and design appeal.

2. Height and Thickness Selection Guidelines

The height and thickness of skirting boards significantly affect the room’s visual balance. Taller skirting boards create a more elegant and premium appearance, especially in high-ceiling rooms. Thicker boards are often used in traditional or luxury interiors, while slim profiles suit modern minimalist designs. Selection should complement both wall height and flooring type. Proper sizing ensures proportional and well-balanced interior finishing.

3. Matching Skirting With Flooring Material

Matching skirting boards with flooring material ensures a cohesive and professional finish. For hybrid and vinyl flooring, moisture-resistant skirting like PVC works best. Timber or engineered wood floors pair well with natural wood skirting for a premium look. Carpeted areas often use MDF skirting for a clean edge finish. Choosing compatible materials enhances durability and visual consistency across the space.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Skirting Boards After New Flooring

Avoiding common mistakes during skirting board installation is essential to achieve a clean, professional, and long-lasting finish after new flooring. Many installation issues occur due to poor measurement, incorrect fixing methods, or lack of attention to finishing details. These errors can lead to gaps, uneven edges, or early damage. Proper planning and careful execution help ensure a smooth and durable result that complements your flooring.

1. Incorrect Measurement and Cutting Errors

Incorrect measurements are one of the most common mistakes during skirting board installation. Even small errors can lead to gaps, uneven joints, or wasted materials. Poor cutting techniques may result in rough edges or poor corner alignment. Accurate measurement and double-checking before cutting are essential for a precise fit. Using proper tools like a measuring tape and angle cutter ensures better accuracy and professional results.

2. Poor Adhesion or Fixing Techniques

Improper fixing methods can cause skirting boards to loosen or detach over time. Using insufficient adhesive or incorrect nails reduces long-term stability. Uneven wall surfaces can also affect proper adhesion if not addressed beforehand. It is important to apply the right fixing technique based on wall type and material. Strong and even fixing ensures durability and a clean finish.

3. Ignoring Expansion Gaps

Ignoring expansion gaps can lead to buckling or warping of skirting boards over time. Flooring materials naturally expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. Without proper spacing, pressure builds up between the floor and skirting. This can result in visible damage or distortion of the boards. Maintaining correct expansion gaps ensures long-term stability and flexibility.

4. Mismatched Paint or Finish

Using a mismatched paint or finish can affect the overall appearance of the room. Skirting boards should complement both the flooring and wall colors for a cohesive look. Poor color selection can make the finishing look uneven or unprofessional. It is important to choose consistent tones or matching finishes for better design harmony. Proper finishing enhances both aesthetics and interior style.

DIY vs Professional Installation of Skirting Boards

Installing skirting boards can be done either as a DIY project or by hiring professional installers, depending on your budget, skill level, and desired finish quality. While DIY installation may reduce upfront costs, professional installation ensures precision, durability, and a cleaner finish. Choosing between the two depends on how much time, experience, and quality assurance you require. 

Factor	DIY Installation	Professional Installation
Initial Cost	Low (saves labour cost)	Higher due to labour charges
Skill Requirement	High learning required	Handled by experienced installers
Tools & Equipment	Must be purchased or rented	Provided by professionals
Installation Quality	Risk of uneven finish or errors	Smooth, precise, and professional finish
Time Required	Slower, depends on experience	Faster and more efficient
Durability	May reduce lifespan if done poorly	Long-lasting and properly secured
Measurement Accuracy	Prone to mistakes	Accurate and properly aligned
Overall Value	Budget-friendly but risky	Better long-term investment

How Much Does It Cost to Install Skirting Boards After New Flooring?

The cost to install skirting boards after new flooring in Adelaide generally ranges from $20 to $60 per linear metre, depending on material type, labour charges, and finishing requirements. Total cost can vary based on whether you choose MDF, timber, or PVC skirting boards, as well as the complexity of installation. Additional factors like wall condition and room size can also influence the final price. Overall, professional installation ensures a clean finish and long-lasting results.

1. Material Costs Breakdown

Material costs for skirting boards vary depending on the type and quality selected. MDF skirting boards are the most affordable option, while timber offers a more premium finish. PVC skirting boards are slightly more expensive but provide better moisture resistance. On average, material costs range from budget-friendly to high-end depending on design and durability. Choosing the right material impacts both appearance and long-term performance.

2. Labour Charges in Adelaide

Labour charges in Adelaide typically depend on the installer’s experience and job complexity. Professional skirting board installation usually costs between $10 and $30 per linear metre for standard work. More complex installations, such as uneven walls or detailed finishing, may increase labour costs. Skilled installers ensure accurate fitting, proper alignment, and seamless finishing. Labour is a key component of the total installation cost.

3. Total Installation Cost Estimates

The total installation cost includes both material and labour charges combined. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $20 and $60 per linear metre fully installed. Smaller rooms with simple layouts are usually more affordable, while larger or more complex spaces cost more. Premium materials and detailed finishing work also increase the final price. Proper planning helps control overall installation expenses.

How to Maintain Skirting Boards After Installation?

You can maintain skirting boards after installation by regularly cleaning them, protecting them from scratches and moisture, and following simple long-term care practices. Proper maintenance helps preserve their appearance, durability, and overall finish for years. Skirting boards are often exposed to dust, furniture movement, and cleaning equipment, so regular care is essential. Consistent maintenance ensures they continue to enhance the look of your flooring and interior space.

1. Cleaning and Dust Removal Tips

Regular cleaning is essential to keep skirting boards looking fresh and well-maintained. Dust tends to accumulate along the edges, so wiping them with a soft cloth or microfiber duster helps maintain cleanliness. For deeper cleaning, a mild soap solution can be used without damaging the surface finish. Avoid harsh chemicals that may affect paint or coating. Frequent light cleaning prevents dirt buildup and keeps skirting boards looking new.

2. Preventing Scratches and Moisture Damage

Preventing scratches and moisture damage helps extend the lifespan of skirting boards. Avoid dragging heavy furniture along walls, as it can cause surface scratches. Using protective pads on furniture reduces impact damage. In moisture-prone areas, ensure skirting boards are properly sealed or made from water-resistant materials like PVC. Quick cleanup of spills near walls also prevents swelling or warping.

3. Long-Term Maintenance Practices

Long-term maintenance ensures skirting boards remain durable and visually appealing over time. Periodic inspections help identify cracks, chips, or loose fittings early. Repainting or touch-ups may be needed for painted skirting boards to maintain their finish. Keeping humidity levels stable indoors also prevents material expansion or damage. Consistent care ensures skirting boards stay in excellent condition for years.

Why Proper Skirting Installation Improves Flooring Finish?

Proper skirting installation improves flooring finish by creating a clean, seamless transition between the floor and walls while enhancing both durability and visual appeal. It ensures that the flooring looks professionally completed and well-aligned throughout the room. Well-installed skirting also hides expansion gaps and uneven edges, giving the space a polished look. Overall, it plays a key role in both design aesthetics and long-term protection of interiors.

1. Enhances Visual Appeal and Interior Design

Proper skirting installation significantly enhances the overall visual appeal of a room. It creates a smooth and attractive transition between flooring and walls, making the interior look complete and well-designed. Skirting boards also add a decorative element that can complement modern or traditional interior styles. Matching skirting with flooring improves design harmony and consistency. Well-finished skirting installation elevates the overall look of any space.

2. Protects Walls and Flooring Edges

Skirting boards act as a protective barrier for both walls and flooring edges. They prevent damage caused by furniture movement, vacuum cleaners, and daily cleaning activities. Without skirting, walls are more prone to scuffs, scratches, and chipping near the floor. Proper installation ensures that these vulnerable areas remain protected. This helps maintain the condition of both flooring and walls for a longer period.

3. Increases Property Value and Durability

Proper skirting installation adds long-term value and durability to a property. A well-finished interior creates a positive impression for potential buyers or tenants. Skirting also helps protect structural edges, reducing long-term repair and maintenance costs. High-quality installation ensures better longevity of both flooring and wall finishes. This makes the property more appealing and structurally well-maintained over time.

Who Provides Professional Skirting Board Installation Services?

Gorkha Flooring provides professional skirting board installation services with high-quality workmanship and precise finishing. Their team ensures accurate fitting, clean alignment, and durable installation that perfectly complements new flooring. They specialize in MDF, timber, and PVC skirting solutions suitable for different interior styles and flooring types. With expert installation and attention to detail, they deliver a smooth and professional finish for residential and commercial spaces. 

Conclusion

Installing skirting boards after new flooring is an essential finishing step that enhances both the appearance and protection of your interior space. It creates a clean transition between the floor and walls while covering gaps and preventing damage from daily use. When done correctly, skirting installation significantly improves the overall look, durability, and value of your flooring project. Choosing the right materials and following proper installation techniques ensures long-lasting and professional results.

Whether you choose DIY or professional installation, proper planning and attention to detail are key to achieving the best outcome. Professional services can save time and reduce errors, while also delivering a more polished finish. Investing in quality skirting board installation ensures your flooring looks complete, stylish, and well-protected for years to come.

FAQS

Can you install skirting boards after new flooring?

Yes, skirting boards are usually installed after new flooring to ensure a clean finish, proper alignment, and a seamless transition between floor and wall.

What is the best way to install skirting boards after flooring?

The best method includes measuring accurately, cutting boards to size, fixing them with adhesive or nails, sealing gaps, and finishing with paint or polish.

Should skirting boards match the flooring or walls?

Skirting boards can match either flooring or walls depending on design preference, but matching flooring creates a seamless look while wall-matching offers contrast.

How long does it take to install skirting boards?

Installation time depends on room size, but most standard rooms can be completed within a few hours to one day by a professional installer.

What materials are best for skirting boards?

MDF is popular for affordability, timber for premium finishes, and PVC for moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Do skirting boards cover flooring gaps?

Yes, skirting boards are designed to cover expansion gaps between flooring and walls, ensuring a neat and professional appearance.

Can I install skirting boards myself?

Yes, DIY installation is possible with the right tools and skills, but professional installation is recommended for the best finish and durability.

How much does skirting board installation cost?

In Adelaide, skirting board installation typically costs between $20 and $60 per linear metre, depending on material and labour charges.