So many choices - The world of skirting

Skirting (also known as trim) is necessary for completing the interior or exterior of any building. Protecting walls from dirt, staining, molding, skirting also sets the stage for design preferences. It accents and adds to the aesthetic, pulling the theme together while covering up gaps and hiding exposed wires. Whether skirting your interior or exterior, it’s essential to consider several factors before jumping into a new project. 

Skirting options

Skirting choices include a wide variety of options. It can be constructed from wood, MDF, metal, and masonry. The most popular of these four are MDF and natural wood due to the speed they can be installed and affordability. In addition, online vendors such as Skirting World offer a wide variety of skirting that can be delivered right to your door.

Let’s talk about the specifics. Each type of skirting has its pros and cons.

MDF skirting

Even though MDF has been looked down on in past decades, technology has improved its durability and versatility. This superior material is heavy, dense, and comes in various styles and designs. The weight of this trim provides an excellent, serious barrier between your wall and the elements. On the other hand, MDF is more prone to scratches and chipping over time. However, installation of this material is relatively easy. After sanding down any rough spots and priming, simply glue and screw in the skirting along the bottom of the wall, providing enough space for any flooring. Another great thing about MDF is it’s very cost-effective. Being more affordable than complex or softwoods, MDF skirting is the more popular choice.

Wood skirting 

Hard or softwood skirting is just when going for that more natural room or exterior design. Wood is a much lighter material, making transportation and installation somewhat easier. However, fewer design options can be painted or stained when you go with natural wood depending on your style preference. Even though natural wood is a more expensive option, it has charm and rusticity.

The wood’s grains can add a natural accent to any space. It especially accentuates wood panel walls and hardwood flooring. Unfortunately, wood trim has less longevity than MDF. It warps within the warm and moist confines of a building. It is also more accessible to scratch scuff and is not waterproof. Therefore, it must be replaced more frequently than MDF trim.

In contrast with MDF skirting, solid wood takes a little bit more work from start to finish. It usually requires much more sanding and multiple layers of stain or paint. Once the wood trim is ready to install, it can be installed the same way as MDF trim with screws or adhesive. 

What’s next?

After deciding what you want, the next step is to obtain materials. Skirting can be picked up at your local hardware store or ordered online at a specialized business that will ship straight to your door (or property if you haven’t installed one yet). Typically companies based online provide a more extensive selection of options. They also have doors and other items that can pull a new build or renovation together.

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