Home renovations are a fantastic way to make living spaces feel brand new and while quick fixes like painting will certainly make a difference, sometimes updating features can be a good idea. Almost all homes will have wooden mouldings such as door frames and skirting boards, and these can deal with some significant wear and tear. Installing new skirting boards doesn’t have to be a huge job, and this smart renovators guide has everything you need to know about selecting MDF options for both quality and affordability.
Why do homes have skirting boards?
Skirting boards are actually balanced in function between practicality and aesthetics. They are both used to mask joints and junctions, as well as act as a protective piece between walls and flooring. They have really become an integral part of interior design in the last few years, moving away from the traditional, plain white border into a colourful and eye-catching feature.
Are MDF skirting boards a good selection?
MDF, otherwise known as medium density fibreboard, is a man-made material that combines both hard and soft wood fibers with wax and resin binders. MDF is extremely strong and highly durable, with a fantastic finish that won’t sport any natural defects that are common with real wood options. In many cases, this is why it is chosen over alternatives for wooden mouldings within homes.
The top benefits of using MDF skirting board include:
- Cost effectiveness
- A wide array of options, including styles, shapes, and sizes
- Easy maintenance with no concerns for water damage (MDF doesn’t expand and contract like its solid wood counterparts)
- Peace of mind when decorating as there will be no color variations, wood grain patterns, or differing textures, making skirting easier to paint
It will be so simple to stop by a local DIY store or shop online and find exactly what you are looking for. This, combined with the above benefits, makes MDF skirting boards a popular solution worldwide.
MDF skirting board installation tips
Now that you know exactly what MDF skirting board is and how it can function within your home, let’s take a look at some top tips for DIY installation. One of the first things to do is ensure that your skirting boards are installed with the correct considerations in mind for heat and water exposure.
- When your purchase first arrives, experts advise that skirting boards should be unwrapped and stacked in the correct room for around 48 hours before installation to acclimatize materials and simplify the application process.
- Skirting board can be easily cut or shaped. To ensure a smooth finish, use a fine toothed saw or the correct power tool.
- Always sand any rough edges, prime areas that have been cut/shaped to help keep moisture out, and fill any nail or staple holes with putty once installed.
- Prioritize safe installation practices and ensure that workspaces are well ventilated and keep areas clean; especially when sawing, sanding, and painting.
- When it comes to painting, MDF can be bought in both primed and non-primed states, so you will need to add your own in the latter case.
Installation won’t require much more than basic joinery techniques and can be fitted using staples, nails, or screws. Many experts suggest using a building-grade adhesive alongside mechanical fixings to ensure a secure fit and holding strength. To avoid damage to the MDF during installation, it can be a worthwhile idea to drill pilot holes if using screws or add a protective tip if a nail gun is chosen instead.
Best practices when painting MDF skirting boards
To ensure you really get the finish you want, be sure to prep your skirting board, plan how you are going to work around the room, move furniture away from walls, and protect your flooring. The great news is that there is no longer a limit for creativity, and you can now buy eggshell and satin paint finishes for MDF skirting boards, as well as gloss in an array of colors. It may be worthwhile to keep in mind that if you’re going for darker colors, you will want to select a primer in a similar color to tone the MDF and ensure a smoother paint finish with fewer coats.
Get started with your home renovation project with MDF skirting boards
With all of the above benefits in mind and the simplistic approach to installation, there’s really no need to wait to get to your home renovation project started. When fixed and painted properly, these solutions are durable and will last for years.