How to Install Skirting Boards UK — Complete Step by Step Guide
Fitting new skirting boards is one of the simplest ways to transform a room — covering the expansion gap between wall and floor, protecting walls from scuffs and giving your space a clean, professional finish. Whether you are renovating a single room or your whole home, getting the installation right makes all the difference.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about installing skirting boards in the UK — from measuring and cutting to fitting PVC and flexible skirting boards with adhesive, plus common mistakes to avoid.
What You Need Before You Start
Before fitting your skirting boards, gather the following tools and materials:
- Tape measure
- Pencil or marker
- Mitre saw or fine tooth saw
- Mitre box (for accurate corner cuts)
- Suitable skirting adhesive
- Cleaning cloth and cleaning spray
- Caulk or filler (for finishing gaps)
- Safety gloves
- Spirit level
For Flexible Skirting Boards:
- Scissors or utility knife
- Double sided adhesive tape (if not pre-fitted)
How to Measure for Skirting Boards
Step 1 — Measure Each Wall
Using a tape measure, measure the length of each wall at floor level where the skirting board will be fitted. Note each measurement individually — do not simply measure the total room perimeter, as corners require separate cuts.
Step 2 — Add Extra for Cutting
Always add an extra 50-100mm to each measurement to allow for cutting mitred corners accurately. It is much easier to trim excess than to extend a board that is too short.
Step 3 — Calculate Total Length Needed
Add up all wall measurements (including the extra allowance) to calculate the total length of skirting board required. Skirting boards are typically supplied in 2200mm, 2500mm or 10 metre lengths depending on the type — plan your order to minimise joins.
How to Cut Skirting Boards for Corners
Getting corner cuts right is the most important skill for a professional skirting board installation.
Internal Corners (Most Common)
For internal corners — where two walls meet at an inside angle:
- Cut both pieces of skirting board at a 45 degree angle, with the cut angled so the front face of the board is longer than the back
- Position both pieces together to check the join forms a neat 90 degree corner
- Trim slightly if needed for a tight fit
External Corners
For external corners — where a wall projects outward:
- Cut both pieces at a 45 degree angle in the opposite direction to internal corners
- The front face of each piece should be shorter than the back at the cut
- Test fit before final positioning
Using a Mitre Box
A mitre box holds your skirting board at the correct angle while cutting, ensuring accurate, repeatable 45 degree cuts every time. This is particularly useful for PVC skirting boards which can be cut with a fine tooth saw and mitre box combination.
Pro Tip: Always cut corner pieces slightly longer than needed, then trim gradually until the joint sits perfectly — it is much easier to remove material than add it back.
How to Install PVC Skirting Boards
PVC skirting boards are lightweight, moisture resistant and straightforward to fit using adhesive.
Step 1 — Prepare the Wall Surface
Clean the wall surface thoroughly where the skirting board will be fitted. Remove dust, grease, old adhesive, wallpaper or loose paint. The wall must be clean, dry and dust-free for maximum adhesion.
Step 2 — Measure and Cut
Measure your wall run and cut the PVC skirting board to length using a fine tooth saw or mitre saw. For corners, cut both pieces at 45 degrees using a mitre box for accuracy.
Step 3 — Dry Fit First
Before applying adhesive, position all cut pieces along the wall to confirm fit and check corner joins sit correctly. Make any adjustments needed before committing to adhesive.
Step 4 — Apply Adhesive
Apply a suitable mounting adhesive in continuous beads to the back of the skirting board — typically in a zig-zag or wavy pattern across the full length for maximum contact.
Step 5 — Position and Press
Press the skirting board firmly into position against the wall, aligning the top edge carefully along your level line. Installation is possible at a right angle or from different angles as needed to suit your wall layout.
Step 6 — Hold and Cure
Hold the skirting board in place — masking tape can help support boards while the adhesive cures. Remove any excess adhesive immediately with a clean cloth and allow to cure fully as per the adhesive manufacturer's instructions.
How to Install Flexible Skirting Boards
Flexible skirting boards are ideal for curved walls, bay windows and irregular layouts — and are typically supplied in long 10 metre lengths.
Step 1 — Acclimatise
Allow the flexible skirting board to acclimatise at room temperature (approximately 20°C) before fitting — this improves flexibility and adhesion.
Step 2 — Clean and Degrease
Clean and degrease both the wall and floor surfaces thoroughly along the full length of the run.
Step 3 — Cut to Length
Cut the flexible skirting board to your required length using scissors or a utility knife — no specialist tools required.
Step 4 — Apply Adhesive Tape or Glue
Apply double sided adhesive tape or a suitable assembly glue to the back of the profile — if not already pre-fitted with adhesive backing.
Step 5 — Press and Shape
Press the skirting board firmly along the wall-floor line, shaping it around curves, bay windows or corners as you go. The flexible construction adapts to follow the wall contour smoothly.
Step 6 — Bond Fully
Hold or tape in place while the adhesive bonds — particularly important on curved sections where the material wants to spring back to its original shape.
Finishing Touches
Filling Gaps
Once your skirting boards are fitted and the adhesive has cured, use a flexible decorator's caulk to fill any small gaps between the skirting board and the wall, and at mitred corner joins, for a seamless finish.
Painting (MDF/Wood Skirting Only)
If using paintable skirting board materials, allow caulk to dry fully before painting. PVC and polystyrene skirting boards are typically supplied pre-finished and do not require painting.
Cleaning Up
Remove any masking tape and wipe down the skirting boards with a clean, damp cloth to remove dust or adhesive residue, leaving a clean, professional finish ready to enjoy.
Common Skirting Board Installation Mistakes to Avoid
1. Not cleaning the wall surface properly
Dust, grease or old adhesive significantly reduces bond strength — always clean thoroughly before fitting.
2. Incorrect mitre angles at corners
Getting the 45 degree angle direction wrong for internal vs external corners results in poor fitting joints with visible gaps.
3. Not allowing flexible skirting to acclimatise
Fitting flexible skirting straight from cold storage can result in poor adhesion and the material springing back from curves.
4. Using the wrong adhesive
Solvent-based adhesives can damage polystyrene and some PVC skirting boards — always check adhesive compatibility with your skirting board material.
5. Not measuring every wall individually
Wall lengths can vary slightly — always measure each wall separately rather than relying on a single room perimeter measurement.
6. Skipping the dry fit
Always dry fit pieces before applying adhesive — adjustments are much easier before the boards are bonded in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cut skirting board corners?
For internal corners, cut both pieces at a 45 degree angle with the front face longer than the back. For external corners, cut in the opposite direction with the front face shorter than the back. A mitre box ensures accurate, repeatable cuts.
What adhesive should I use for PVC skirting boards?
Use a suitable mounting or construction adhesive compatible with PVC. Apply in continuous beads to the back of the profile and press firmly into position. Avoid solvent-based adhesives which can damage some materials.
Can I install skirting boards myself?
Yes — both PVC and flexible skirting boards are designed for straightforward DIY installation using adhesive fitting. A mitre saw or mitre box helps achieve neat corner cuts.
How do I fit skirting boards on curved walls?
Flexible skirting boards are specifically designed for curved walls and bay windows. Allow the material to acclimatise at room temperature, then shape and press into position along the curve while the adhesive bonds.
How much skirting board do I need?
Measure each wall individually, add 50-100mm extra per wall for cutting allowance, then total all measurements. PVC skirting is typically supplied in 2200mm or 2500mm lengths, flexible skirting in 10 metre lengths.
Do I need to fill gaps after fitting skirting boards?
Yes — use a flexible decorator's caulk to fill any small gaps between the skirting board and wall, and at corner joins, for a seamless professional finish.
Shop Skirting Boards at Stair Nosing Company
Ready to install your skirting boards? Browse our complete range of PVC and flexible skirting boards — multiple sizes, finishes and colours available with fast UK delivery on all orders.
For more home renovation guides, read our complete:
"How to Install Stair Nosing UK"