Installing new skirting boards (baseboards) is one of the most effective ways to refresh a room's aesthetic. However, running out of material mid-project or over-ordering can be both frustrating and expensive. Use our professional skirting calculator to determine exactly how much material you need.
How to Use the Skirting Calculator
To get the most accurate results from our skirting calculator, follow these simple steps:
- Measure your room: Use a steel tape measure to find the maximum length and width of the floor space.
- Account for openings: Count the number of doors or openings where skirting will not be installed. Standard UK doors are typically 0.76m wide.
- Choose your wastage: If your room has many corners or alcoves, choose a higher wastage percentage (15-20%) to account for mitre cut errors.
- Board Length: Skirting is usually sold in lengths of 2.4m, 3.0m, or 4.2m. Check your supplier before calculating.
The Importance of Wastage
When calculating skirting boards, the "wastage" factor is crucial. Unlike floor tiles or paint, skirting requires mitre cuts at every corner. A 45-degree cut means you lose a small portion of the board's length. Furthermore, if you make a mistake on a cut, you might lose an entire section of a board. We recommend a standard 10% wastage for most DIY projects.
Types of Skirting Boards
The material you choose will affect both the cost and the installation process:
MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard)
MDF is the most popular choice for modern homes. It is resistant to warping and swelling, and it usually comes pre-primed, making it very easy to paint. It is also the most cost-effective option.
Softwood (Pine)
If you prefer a natural wood grain or want to stain your skirting, pine is a great middle-ground. It is more expensive than MDF and requires treatment to prevent knots from bleeding through paint.
Hardwood (Oak/Walnut)
For high-end finishes, hardwoods offer unparalleled durability and beauty. These are significantly more expensive and harder to cut, requiring professional-grade power tools.
Pro Installation Tip: The "Coping" Joint
While many DIYers attempt to mitre internal corners (two 45-degree angles), professional carpenters often use a "coped" joint. This involves cutting one board square against the wall and scribing the profile of the second board to fit over it. This prevents gaps from forming if the walls are not perfectly 90 degrees (which they rarely are!).