Among the various materials available for skirting boards, MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) has become a popular choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. It offers a balance of affordability, durability, and versatility that makes it ideal for any home renovation project.
If you’re considering MDF skirting for your renovation, this guide will walk you through how to choose the perfect style, size, and finish to ensure your skirting boards enhance your space. You can explore more about MDF skirting mouldings.
1. What Is MDF Skirting?
Before diving into the selection process, it’s essential to understand what MDF skirting is and why it’s such a popular choice.
MDF is an engineered wood product made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibres, which are then bonded with resin and pressed into panels. The result is a smooth, dense, and durable material that is less likely to warp, split, or crack compared to natural wood.
MDF skirting boards are often preferred for their consistency in size and texture, making them easy to work with. They are also available in a variety of styles and profiles, ensuring there’s an option for every design preference.
2. Consider the Style of Your Renovation
The first step in choosing the perfect MDF skirting for your renovation is to match the style of the skirting board to the overall aesthetic of your home.
2.1. Modern and Minimalist
For modern or minimalist homes, simple and sleek skirting boards are usually the best option. Look for skirting boards with clean, straight lines and minimal detailing. Square-edged or chamfered profiles work well in contemporary interiors where the aim is to create a seamless look.
MDF skirting boards with a pencil-round profile — which features a gently rounded top edge — can also be a good choice for those who want a softer yet still modern finish.
2.2. Traditional and Period Homes
If your home has more of a traditional or period style, you’ll want to choose skirting boards that complement the existing architecture. Ogee or Torus profiles are commonly used in Victorian or Georgian homes, adding a touch of elegance with their more intricate detailing.
Higher skirting boards (150mm or above) can enhance the grandeur of older properties, especially in rooms with high ceilings. MDF is often preferred in period homes as it can be moulded to replicate more traditional designs without the flaws of natural wood.
2.3. Rustic and Cottage Style
For a rustic or cottage-style renovation, consider skirting boards with a softer, more rounded profile, such as Bullnose. This style offers a slightly curved finish that blends well with the relaxed, cosy feel of rustic interiors.
2.4. Customised Profiles
Some suppliers, such as MR Mouldings, offer the option of creating bespoke profiles. This is ideal for anyone wanting to replicate a unique or hard-to-find skirting style, particularly in homes with distinctive architectural features.
3. Choosing the Right Height
The height of your skirting boards plays a significant role in the overall aesthetic of your room. Here are some tips to help you choose the right size:
3.1. Ceiling Height Matters
- In rooms with high ceilings, taller skirting boards (150mm or higher) tend to look best. They help balance the proportions of the room and add a sense of scale to the space.
- In rooms with lower ceilings, opt for shorter skirting boards (around 95mm to 125mm). Taller skirting in these rooms can make the space feel cramped, while lower skirting provides a more proportional look.
3.2. Consistency Throughout the Home
For a cohesive look, it’s generally a good idea to use the same height skirting boards throughout your home. However, you may want to choose slightly taller skirting for more prominent areas, like living rooms or hallways, while using lower skirting in bedrooms or smaller spaces.
4. Consider Moisture-Resistant MDF for Wet Areas
If you’re renovating a room with high moisture levels, such as a bathroom or kitchen, it’s essential to choose moisture-resistant MDF. Regular MDF can absorb moisture and swell over time, but moisture-resistant MDF is specially treated to withstand humid conditions.
Using moisture-resistant MDF in these areas ensures your skirting boards will last longer and maintain their shape and appearance. It also makes them easier to paint and finish, as the material won’t be as prone to damage during installation or use.
5. Finishing Options for MDF Skirting
One of the key benefits of MDF skirting boards is their smooth surface, which makes them easy to paint or prime to match your interior design. There are a variety of finishing options available:
5.1. Pre-Primed MDF Skirting
If you want to save time on painting, pre-primed MDF skirting is a convenient option. These boards come already primed with an undercoat, meaning you’ll only need to apply your final topcoat of paint. This can speed up the renovation process, especially if you’re working on a large project.
5.2. Unprimed MDF Skirting
If you prefer to choose your own primer and have more control over the finish, you can opt for unprimed MDF skirting. Unprimed boards will need a base coat of primer before applying your final paint colour. This option is ideal for anyone looking to match their skirting to custom colours or finishes.
5.3. Painting Your Skirting Boards
MDF skirting boards are easy to paint and can be finished with a variety of paints, including gloss, satin, or eggshell. If you’re looking for a more traditional finish, a high-gloss paint can give your skirting a polished, reflective look. For a more contemporary or subtle finish, satin or eggshell paints provide a smoother, less reflective surface.
Always use high-quality, low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint to ensure a durable finish that won’t emit harmful fumes into your home.
6. Installation Tips for MDF Skirting
6.1. Cutting MDF Skirting
MDF skirting boards are relatively easy to cut using standard wood-cutting tools. However, it’s important to use sharp blades to achieve clean, precise cuts, particularly if your skirting has intricate profiles or detailing.
6.2. Fixing to Walls
When installing MDF skirting boards, they can be fixed to the wall using screws, nails, or adhesive. Adhesive is often the preferred method for DIY projects, as it leaves no visible fixings, and MDF bonds well to walls with the right adhesive.
6.3. Filling Gaps
If your walls aren’t completely straight, you may find small gaps between the skirting boards and the wall. Use decorators’ caulk to fill any gaps before painting for a seamless finish.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect MDF skirting for your renovation project is a crucial step in achieving a polished and cohesive look for your home. From selecting the right style and height to considering moisture-resistant options for wet areas, MDF skirting boards offer a flexible and affordable solution for any design preference.
With options ranging from modern minimalist profiles to more ornate, traditional styles, MDF skirting can enhance the character of any space. Additionally, pre-primed options save time and effort, while easy-to-cut boards make installation straightforward for both professionals and DIY renovators.
For more inspiration and high-quality MDF skirting boards, visit MR Moulding, where you can explore a wide range of styles to suit your renovation needs. By selecting the right skirting board, you can add the perfect finishing touch to your home.
