Introduction
When it comes to interior design and home improvement, creative solutions can often lead to stunning results. One such innovative approach is installing skirting over skirting, a technique that not only protects your walls but also elevates the aesthetics of your living space. In this article, we will explore the concept of putting skirting over skirting, its benefits, and how it can transform your home.
Understanding Skirting Boards
Skirting boards, also known as baseboards or skirting trim, serve multiple purposes in a home. They protect the lower part of your walls from wear and tear, provide a neat transition between walls and floors, and offer an opportunity to enhance the visual appeal of your rooms.
The Concept of Putting Skirting Over Skirting
Putting skirting over existing skirting boards is an innovative solution that offers several advantages:
a. Aesthetic Enhancement: Overlaying new skirting over the old can create a fresh and modern look for your space. You have the opportunity to choose new skirting that matches your current design theme, whether it’s classic, contemporary, or somewhere in between.
b. Protection and Concealment: By adding an additional layer of skirting, you protect your existing skirting from further damage and wear. This is especially useful in high-traffic areas where baseboards are prone to scuffs and marks.
c. Concealing Imperfections: Older homes may have uneven or damaged skirting boards. Putting new skirting over the old can effectively hide these imperfections, resulting in a clean and flawless appearance.
d. Customization: You can select new skirting that aligns with your design preferences in terms of material, profile, finish, and color. This customization allows you to achieve a cohesive and coordinated look throughout your space.
The Installation Process
Installing skirting over skirting is a relatively straightforward process, but it does require careful planning and attention to detail:
a. Measurements: Begin by measuring the height, thickness, and width of your existing skirting boards. This information will help you select new skirting that complements the dimensions of your old skirting.
b. Selecting New Skirting: Choose the new skirting that matches your design vision. Consider factors such as material (e.g., MDF, wood, polyurethane, vinyl), profile (e.g., classic, modern, decorative), and finish (e.g., painted, stained, pre-primed).
c. Preparing the Wall: Before installation, ensure that the wall surface is clean and smooth. Remove any debris, old paint, or wallpaper. Sand down rough spots if necessary.
d. Cutting and Mitering: Measure and cut the new skirting boards to the required length. Use a miter saw to create angled cuts for corners, ensuring a precise fit. Apply adhesive to the back of the new skirting and press it onto the old skirting.
e. Securing and Finishing: Use screws or nails to secure the new skirting in place, making sure they are countersunk and the holes are filled. Finish the installation by caulking the gaps between the new skirting and the wall for a seamless appearance.
Professional Installation Considerations
While DIY installation is possible, some homeowners may prefer to enlist the help of a professional installer, especially if the project involves intricate cuts or extensive work. Professional installers can ensure a flawless finish and save you time and effort.
Conclusion Putting skirting over skirting is a creative and practical approach to enhancing your living space. It allows you to protect, conceal imperfections, and customize the appearance of your skirting boards. Whether you’re renovating a single room or giving your entire home a makeover, this technique offers a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing solution. Embrace the versatility of skirting over skirting, and watch as it transforms your space into a beautifully finished and protected environment.
