In any home, the skirting board should be a priority for purchase. It is often an overlooked part of a room and a key component in keeping your home looking fresh and clean. However, with so many products on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one is best for your needs.
That is why we’ve put together this buying guide to help make the process easier! Read on to find out more about our picks of the seven most popular types of torus skirting boards in order from cheapest to most expensive:
1. Polyurethane Skirting Boards –
- These are typically made from polystyrene or polyurethane and come pre-painted.
- The polyurethane variety is much sturdier, but both are equally effective as paint maintenance goes.
- In addition, they are easy to cut, quick to fit, and very cost-effective.
- If you’re looking for a modern finish, then polyurethane is the better option.
- However, polystyrene is cheaper and has more of a traditional look.
2. Hardwood Skirting Boards –
Hardwood skirting boards are typically made from oak, beech, or walnut wood and have the added benefit of being durable and resistant to damage when compared with other materials on the market. They give your home a richer look and are easier to maintain over time.
If you’re looking for a classic look, then hardwood skirting boards are definitely the better option. However, sometimes though, oak-paneled doors are more expensive. As with all wood products, expect to pay more for oak and walnut wood skirting boards than you will for plastic or polyurethane varieties.
3. Natural Wood Skirting Boards –
The natural wood variety is a natural material that requires some maintenance to keep the look fresh and new over time. The polyurethane is hidden behind the natural wood textures, giving you both a modern and traditional finish. This type of skirting board is ideal if you’re looking for a mix of convenience and style.
4. Melamine Skirting Boards –
- Melamine boards are made from plastic that uses veneer to give it a realistic wood texture or pattern.
- They’re often used in kitchens, so they’re resistant to moisture and heat, making them a good choice if you’re looking for an anti-slip surface.
5. Solid Wood Skirting Boards –
Solid wood skirting boards are made from solid hardwood and are a good choice if you’re looking for a natural look but don’t want to pay the price of oak or walnut. These typically have a real wood grain finish and have a more uniform look than natural wood skirting boards.
6. PVC Skirting Boards –
If you’re looking for something that will last, then PVC is the material that can give you that look. PVC skirting boards are textured and look like natural wood. They are extremely durable, waterproof, stain resistant, and easy to maintain. This is the ideal choice if you’re looking for a cheap alternative that doesn’t look fake.
7. Chrome Skirting Boards –
- The final option on our list is the chrome skirting board.
- This metal material has a shiny, polished look to it and is often made with T-slots making it easy to adjust.
- The price of chrome skirting boards varies depending on the thickness you choose, but they remain among the most cost-effective alternatives on the market.
Points to consider while buying skirting boards
1. Get help to ensure it’s the right size –
When you’re buying torus skirting boards, it is important to get the right measurements and know in advance how deep you need your skirting boards to be. This will help prevent any problems with installation and save you money if they get damaged while being fitted.
2. Notice the depth of the wall where the skirting board is going –
Some cheaper types are easy to install as they don’t fit against walls as tightly and are thinner than other types on the market. They have an overlap that allows for a better finish with no gaps between tile or floorboards.
3. Consider the style of the skirting board –
It is important to know what style you are looking for before you begin shopping around. This will ensure that you can find the right type using a few simple searches and not waste time on a product that won’t look good in your home.
4. Look at the color of your walls and curtains –
It is important to buy skirting boards that match the color of your walls. Choosing a different color skirting board can make your whole room look mismatched and ruin the overall interior design scheme chosen by your interior decorator. Make sure you look at all the options available on the market before opting for a different color.
5. Think about the price –
Working within a budget is important when you’re trying to create the right look and feel for your house. It can be tempting to go for something that looks cheap, but it is important to consider how long it will last before you do so. Your skirting boards should last at least five years before they need replacing, so spend a little bit extra if it means you will get a product that will last longer.
6. Consider the installation –
You can have torus skirting boards installed by professionals or use DIY kits and fix them yourself. You could save a little bit of money if you use a DIY skirting board fix, but it can also be dangerous, so make sure you do your research before trying to install it yourself.
7. Know the materials available –
Before shopping for skirting boards, you should decide which type is best for your home and what materials are available to buy from the market. Laminates are becoming more and more popular as they give off a richer look on the walls. If you want a modern skirting board, then look at stainless steel alternatives or ones with a gloss finish that grip onto floorboards well.