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Match My Skirting: A DIY Guide

Posted on Wednesday 12 March 2025 at 11:19

A Brief Introduction to: Match My Skirting: A DIY Guide

Replacing or adding skirting boards might seem like a small detail in home renovation, but getting the perfect match makes a significant difference to the overall finish of your room. This guide walks you through the process of matching skirting boards for a seamless home upgrade, helping you understand the weight considerations along the way.

Why Matching Matters

Skirting boards serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. They protect walls from knocks and bumps while creating a smooth transition between walls and floors. When replacing damaged sections or adding new skirting to match existing boards, getting the right profile, material, and finish becomes essential for a cohesive look.

Identifying Your Skirting Profile

The first step in matching skirting boards is identifying the profile - the shape and design of your existing skirting.

Common profiles include:

• Torus - featuring a prominent semi-circular curve

• Ogee - with an S-shaped curve for a more ornate look

• Bullnose - showing a simple rounded edge

• Chamfered - displaying a bevelled edge for a modern appearance

• Victorian - presenting more elaborate, decorative patterns

Take measurements of your existing skirting height and depth. For accurate matching, photograph your current skirting and take a small sample if possible when visiting suppliers.

Selecting the Right Wood

Different wood types affect both the appearance and weight of your skirting boards. This is where understanding wood density becomes valuable.

Popular skirting board materials include:

• Pine - lightweight, affordable, takes paint well

• Oak - heavier, durable, beautiful grain for staining

• MDF - consistent, economical, ideal for painted finishes

• Hardwoods (maple, walnut) - premium options with distinctive grains

When calculating how much material to purchase, our wood weight calculator can help determine transportation requirements and installation considerations. Heavier woods may require stronger fixings and additional handling care.

Matching the Finish

The finish of your skirting boards greatly impacts the final appearance:

For painted skirting:

• Take a sample to your local paint shop for colour matching

• Consider using a paint with eggshell or satin finish for durability

• Apply primer before painting for better adhesion

For stained or varnished skirting:

• Test stains on offcuts to match existing colour

• Apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat

• Consider the wood grain when matching - some woods accept stain differently

Installation Tips for Perfect Matching

Even with perfectly matched materials, proper installation ensures seamless results:

• Acclimatise your new skirting boards in the room for 48 hours before installation

• Use a mitre box for precise angle cuts at corners

• Pre-drill holes to prevent splitting

• Fill gaps with wood filler that matches your finish

• Sand transitions between old and new skirting for an invisible join

Weight Considerations

The weight of skirting boards affects handling, transportation and fixing methods. Heavier hardwood skirting requires stronger fixings and may need two people for installation. Using our wood weight calculator before purchasing helps you prepare appropriately for your specific material choice.

Final Thoughts

Matching skirting boards successfully combines attention to detail with proper preparation. By carefully identifying profiles, selecting appropriate materials, and understanding the weight implications of different wood types, you can achieve a professional-looking result that seamlessly integrates with your existing décor. Remember that taking time with preparation and selection pays dividends in the final appearance of your home improvement project.

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