skirting board dilemma

charlie197197

5 years ago

Currently renovating a Georgian house. Do I go for wood or MDF skirting and what do you thinks the best height and depth for a traditional look? Also where in your experience is the best place to source ?

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PRO

Skirting 4 U LTD

5 years ago

Hi,

The key points about using MDF over wood is that it's less likely to warp or crack. Real woods tend to react to the conditions and cause it to expand and contract depending on the environment.

As MDF is a smooth finish (no knots in the wood) it also has the benefit of being easier to paint and showing off a better finish.

For more information on this read our blog 3 great reasons to choose mdf skirting boards

In regards to the height and the depth. Height is usually down to how high the ceilings are, the bigger the height the taller the skirting board. However, this is all down to personal preference.

In regards to sourcing (being a tad biased), we have our own Georgian profile which you can customise height and depth here... https://www.skirting4u.co.uk/all-skirting-boards/837-georgian-mdf-skirting-board

Any questions get in touch.

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Comments (7)

Daisy England
5 years ago
Completely agree with Skirting 4U. If you opt for timber you can have a mould to match any existing ones. A joiner will just need to ensure he has the relevant cutters and he will be able to machine this for you.
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PRO
ENZO ASSOCIATES
5 years ago
Is the property listed? If not then MDF is the way to go and I would use the existing skirtings as the template. The Georgian style usually was for taller skirtings than we have today @150 - 210mm and chamfered? It all depends if you are keeping with the traditional design or if you are designing / renovating with a contemporary feel too.
Sonia
5 years ago
Nice thing about MDF skirting is it often comes ready primed, so less painting. I’ve used MDF in my 1930’s house and you would never know it wasn’t wood.
CWD
5 years ago
we had similar dilemma after finding woodworm throughout ground floor of Edwardian house. we ended up going with MDF due to it being a better end product than the potentially warping wood, and it required less work for the builder making it cheaper. can't tell the difference once it's painted, but I still prefer the imperfect original skirting upstairs which you can tell is old. if you want to look at proper wooden ones, check out Dresser Mouldings in Lancashire. https://moregeous.com/2017/07/19/how-to-reproducing-original-skirting-boards-architraves/
E D
5 years ago
I suppose MDF is fine but can look a little too perfect.

Whichever you choose, make sure you it's a nice high one with a profile which is 'right' for the period, since you want to go for a traditional look.
Chris Goodchild
5 years ago
I am not a fan of MDF, it's unpleasant to machine, the dust is very fine and requires a proper mask with filters, some is bonded with chemicals containing formaldehyde although less and less now, the alternatives are usually bonded with a relative of superglue which is far less harmful. Even the green coloured water resistant MDF is only that resistant not waterproof so to be avoided anywhere that prolonged exposure to water is a problem.

MDF has a high carbon footprint, is relatively short lived compared to wood and is not recyclable. On the plus side it's easier to work for manufacturers and usually cheaper than wood, requires less effort to paint and as mentioned has a very smooth surface.

Georgian skirting can go up to about 9" (22cm), Here is a page with Georgian skirting patterns:

https://atkeyandco.com/shop-3/?filter_categories=181

skirting board dilemma

Skirting 4 U LTD

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Daisy England

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