How to Fit Solid Oak Skirting Board
To fit solid oak skirting board, let the boards settle in the room, fit the architrave first, measure each wall run, cut scribed internal corners and mitred external corners, fix with adhesive and screws or nails, then fill and finish. This guide takes you through each step.
What do I need to fit oak skirting?
- A tape measure, pencil and spirit level
- A mitre saw or hand saw and mitre box, and a coping saw for scribing
- A drill with a masonry bit, wall plugs and countersunk screws (or a nailer and nails for stud walls)
- A pipe and cable detector, to check the wall before you fix anything
- Grip adhesive and a sealant gun
- A nail punch, wood filler, fine sandpaper and flexible decorator's caulk
How do I fit oak skirting board, step by step?
- Let the boards settle. Leave them in the room where they will be fitted before you start. See acclimatising oak.
- Fit the architrave first. Skirting butts up against the side of the architrave, so fitting the architrave first lets you measure the exact run of the wall and cut the skirting to fit flush against the outer edge of the door trim. See how to fit architrave.
- Check the wall. Scan for pipes and cables, and find the studs if it is a stud wall.
- Measure each wall. Measure along the bottom of the wall from the architrave or the corner. Our calculator works out how many metres to order, including an allowance for cuts.
- Start with a square-cut board. Cut and fit the first board of each internal corner square, then scribe the next board to it. See scribing and mitring corners.
- Cut external corners as mitres. Cut each board at 45 degrees and check the fit dry before you fix.
- Fix the board. Apply adhesive, then fix with screws into plugs on masonry, or nails into the studs on a stud wall. Oak is hard, so drill pilot holes for screws and nails to avoid splitting the board. See fixing to different walls.
- Leave a small gap at the floor. A few millimetres is enough, and it is covered by sealant or flooring detail.
- Finish. Punch and fill the fixing holes, caulk the top edge where it meets the wall, sand lightly and apply your finish. See finishing oak.
Should I finish oak before or after fitting?
Many fitters apply a first coat of oil, stain or lacquer to all sides before fitting, then touch up cut ends and filled holes after. It is quicker to coat a board lying flat than on the wall.
What lengths and heights are available?
Our oak skirting is sold by the metre and delivered in lengths of up to 3 metres, in 120mm or 170mm heights. Browse oak skirting board or order a free sample first. Delivery to the UK mainland usually takes 5 to 7 working days and is free over £500. Prices include VAT.
Need help?
Call us on 01335 342530. We make and cut this product and are happy to talk through your job.