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How to install skirting boards

A clean, finished white skirting board neatly installed above a wooden floor.

Overview

Installing skirting boards is a great way to add a polished finish to any room. Follow these steps for a professional-looking result.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

  1. 1

    Measure the room

    Start by measuring the length of each wall where the skirting boards installation will be done. Be sure to measure twice for accuracy. If the wall is longer than a single skirting board, you’ll need to create a headed mitre joint. This joint helps make the connection between boards seamless, especially when painted. Secure the boards using a nail gun.

    A person with tattooed arms is measuring the length of a wall where the skirting boards installation will be done.
  2. 2

    Mark and cut the skirting boards

    Transfer your wall measurements to the skirting boards, marking where you need to cut. If you're working with square skirting, you can butt the ends together in internal corners, so no mitre cuts are needed. For other skirting profiles, consider mitring or scribing the corners for a better fit.

    A person with tattooed arms is marking the measurements on a skirting board to indicate where it needs to be cut.
  3. 3

    Cut mitre to size

    Carefully cut the skirting boards using a mitre saw along the marked lines. Make sure to always keep your hands clear of the saw blade. If you need to mitre skirting for standard 90-degree corners, cut the ends at a 45-degree angle.
    A Bunnings Team Member is cutting a skirting board using a Ryobi mitre saw.
  4. 4

    Create a straight cut

    With square skirting, simply butt the ends together without an angled cut, ensuring the edges meet seamlessly for a neat finish.

    Before attaching the skirting boards, check how they fit along the wall. Place each piece against the wall to ensure they line up correctly. Make any necessary adjustments to achieve a snug fit, especially in the corners or if the walls are uneven.

    A Bunnings Team Member is creating a cut in skirting board using Ryobi mitre saw. ]
  5. 5

    Attach the skirting boards

    Apply a strong construction adhesive to the back of the skirting boards, ensuring even coverage along the length of the board. Pay extra attention to applying adhesive near the edges and along any mitred cuts to secure a tight bond at the joints. Use a suitable adhesive that is compatible with your wall surface, whether it’s plaster, brick, or concrete. If needed, apply additional adhesive to fill any slight gaps between the wall and the skirting board for a flush fit.

    Once the adhesive is applied, press the skirting board firmly against the wall, holding it in place for a few moments to allow the adhesive to grip securely.

    A person is applying strong construction adhesive to the back of the skirting board while holding it steady.
  6. 6

    Secure using a nail gun

    Position the boards against the wall and secure them using a nail gun.

    Tip: Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs so you can attach the top of the skirting boards securely.

    Start at one corner and work your way around the room. You don’t need to use a spirit level, as skirting boards typically follow the contour of the floor.

    When you reach internal corners, keep in mind that the floor may not be perfectly level. Adjust your mitre cuts or other joins as needed to ensure a proper fit.

    A person is using a nail gun to attach a skirting board to the wall.
  7. 7

    Leave a gap

    If you plan to install carpet, leave a 10mm gap between the bottom of the skirting boards and the floor to allow for the carpet's thickness.
    A person is using a measuring tape to measure the gap between the skirting board and the floor to ensure it fits the carpet's thickness.
  8. 8

    Fill gaps and sand

    Once the skirting boards are in place, fill any gaps, nail holes, or imperfections with gap filler. Allow the filler to dry completely, then sand it down to create a smooth surface.
    A person is using a scraper to apply gap filler paste to a gap in the skirting board, with a tub of Selleys Spakfilla Rapid nearby.
  9. 9

    Apply paint

    After the gap filler dries, paint the skirting boards to match your room's décor. Use a small paintbrush for more precision, and make sure to protect your floors with a drop cloth or painter's tape
    A person is painting a skirting board white with a small paint brush, while using painter's tape to protect the floor.
  10. 10

    Apply silicone

    To finish, apply a bead of silicone along the bottom edge of the skirting boards. This helps seal the gap and provides a polished, professional appearance to finish off the installation of your modern skirting boards.
    A person is applying a bead of silicone along the bottom edge of the skirting board using a caulking gun.
  11. 11

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Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.