Skirting boards, often called baseboards, are more than just a decorative trim where your walls meet the floor. They serve a crucial purpose in protecting walls from scuffs, hiding uneven floor edges, and concealing wiring. In the past, purchasing these essential items meant a trip to a large hardware store with limited selection. Today, however, a vast world of options has opened up, allowing you to find the perfect style, material, and size without leaving your home. Buying skirtings online offers unparalleled convenience, variety, and often better value.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about purchasing skirting boards from online suppliers. We will cover the benefits of this modern approach, explore the different materials available, and offer practical advice on measuring and installing your new trim. Furthermore, we’ll explain how to choose a style that complements your home’s aesthetic and provide tips for a seamless ordering process. By the end, you will feel confident and prepared to transform your space with the perfect skirting boards.
Beyond the Big Box: Unlocking the Advantages of Online Shopping
Choosing to purchase your skirting boards online presents several distinct advantages over traditional brick-and-mortar shopping. The most significant benefit is the sheer breadth of choice. Physical stores are limited by shelf space, meaning they typically stock only the most common profiles and materials. Online retailers, in contrast, can showcase an extensive catalog of designs, from sleek modern lines to ornate Victorian profiles, giving you the freedom to find a style that truly matches your vision.
Moreover, convenience is a major factor. You can browse, compare, and order from the comfort of your sofa at any time of day. This process eliminates the hassle of traveling to a store, navigating crowded aisles, and arranging for the transport of long, awkward lengths of wood. Most online suppliers deliver directly to your door, streamlining the entire renovation process. Consequently, this not-to-be-underestimated convenience saves you valuable time and energy that you can better invest in the project itself. This accessibility makes it easier than ever to source high-quality materials for your home improvement projects.
Material Matters: Choosing the Right Foundation for Your Trim
When you start your search, you’ll quickly notice that skirting boards come in several different materials, each with its own set of characteristics. The most popular options are MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard), softwood, and hardwood. Understanding the differences between them is key to making an informed decision that suits both your budget and your home’s needs.
MDF is an engineered wood product known for its smooth, knot-free surface, which makes it an ideal canvas for painting. It is highly resistant to warping and swelling in response to changes in temperature and humidity, making it a durable choice for any room in the house. Because it is manufactured, it is often more affordable than natural wood options. Many homeowners and tradespeople favor MDF for its consistency and ease of use. If you are looking for a versatile and cost-effective solution, you can find a huge variety of skirtings online made from high-quality, moisture-resistant MDF.
On the other hand, natural wood options like softwood (such as pine) and hardwood (like oak) offer a classic appeal. Softwood is generally less expensive than hardwood and provides a traditional look with visible grain and knots. It can be stained, varnished, or painted, although its softer nature makes it more susceptible to dents and scratches. Hardwood, being the premium choice, is exceptionally durable and boasts a beautiful, rich grain. While it is the most expensive option, its longevity and timeless elegance can be a worthwhile investment, especially in period properties or high-traffic areas.
The Measure of Success: Getting Your Dimensions Right
Before you can place an order, you must accurately measure the rooms where you plan to install the skirting. This step is critical to ensure you purchase the correct amount of material, avoiding both wasteful overspending and frustrating shortages. Start by using a tape measure to determine the length of each wall in the room. Record these measurements carefully, adding them all together to get the total perimeter.
Once you have the total length, it is wise to add an extra 10-15% to your final number. This additional material accounts for cuts, miters, and any potential mistakes during the installation process. It is always better to have a little extra than to run out mid-project. In addition to length, you also need to decide on the height and thickness of your skirting boards. The height is largely a matter of aesthetic preference, with taller skirting often used to create a more dramatic, grand effect in rooms with high ceilings. Thickness is also important; ensure the board is thick enough to cover any gap between the flooring and the wall.
A Style for Every Story: Matching Skirting to Your Interior Design
Skirting boards play a surprisingly significant role in defining the character of a room. The profile you choose can either blend seamlessly into the background or become a standout feature. When selecting a style, consider the overall architectural design of your home and your existing decor. A minimalist, contemporary home, for instance, would be complemented by a simple, clean-lined profile like a square or chamfered edge.
Conversely, for a period property, such as a Victorian or Georgian house, a more decorative and ornate profile would be more appropriate. Styles like Torus, Ogee, or Lambs Tongue feature intricate curves and details that echo the historical elegance of these homes. Don’t be afraid to order samples from online suppliers. Holding a physical piece of the profile in your space allows you to see how it interacts with the light, your wall colors, and your flooring, ensuring you make a choice you will love for years to come.
From Click to Curb: Navigating the Online Ordering Process
Ordering skirting boards online is typically a straightforward process. Once you have selected your preferred material, style, and dimensions, you simply add the required lengths to your digital shopping cart. Most websites will also allow you to specify finishing options. For example, you can often order MDF skirting boards unprimed, primed, or even fully finished in a specific color, saving you significant time and effort during installation.
Before finalizing your purchase, double-check your measurements and quantities. Pay close attention to the delivery details, including lead times and shipping costs. Reputable suppliers will provide clear information about how the skirting will be packaged and delivered to protect it from damage during transit. By following these simple steps, you can confidently navigate the world of online skirting suppliers and have the perfect materials delivered directly to you, ready for the final, transformative step of installation.
