Question 1

What length do skirting boards come in?

Accepted Answer

Standard UK skirting board lengths are 2.4m (8ft), 3.0m (10ft) and 4.2m (14ft). 2.4m is the most common and widely available at B&Q, Screwfix, Wickes and timber merchants. MDF skirting suppliers (such as Skirting World and Howdens) typically stock 3.0m and 4.2m as standard, with 2.4m on request. Longer lengths reduce joints but are harder to transport. This skirting board quantity calculator works with all standard lengths, plus a custom length option.

Question 2

How do I fit skirting boards to the wall?

Accepted Answer

Modern skirting is most commonly fixed with grab adhesive (such as Sticks Like or No More Nails) applied in a zigzag pattern to the back of the board, then pressed firmly against the wall. For extra security, use lost-head nails or a brad nailer every 400-600mm. On uneven walls, pin and adhesive together give the best result. Fit skirting after your floor covering is down.

Question 3

When should I fit skirting boards?

Accepted Answer

Skirting boards should be fitted after your floor covering is installed. For laminate and vinyl flooring, skirting covers the expansion gap — see our Laminate Flooring Calculator or Vinyl Flooring Calculator. For carpet, skirting is fitted before the carpet so the carpet tucks under — work out carpet, underlay and gripper quantities with our carpet calculator. For tiles, fit skirting after tiling — see our Floor Tile Calculator.

Question 4

What is the difference between internal and external corners?

Accepted Answer

Internal corners are where two walls meet going inwards (like the corners of a standard rectangular room — 4 internal corners). External corners are where walls meet going outwards (like a chimney breast or a wall that protrudes into the room). Internal corners are scribed (coped) for a tight fit — the general wastage allowance covers this offcut. External corners are mitred at 45 degrees, which wastes a triangular offcut from the board end, so this calculator adds roughly 0.3m of extra board length per external corner you enter.

Question 5

Does this calculator work for an L-shaped room?

Accepted Answer

Yes, exactly. Enter the room's overall length and overall width as if it were a full rectangle, or switch the input method to enter the perimeter directly. Cutting a notch out of a corner does not change the perimeter: the two walls of the notch simply take the place of the wall sections they replace, so an L-shaped room needs exactly the same run of skirting as its bounding rectangle. Do update the corner counts though: a plain L-shaped room has 5 internal corners and 1 external corner (the corner that points into the room), so the extra mitre waste is allowed for. A chimney breast is different: it adds run rather than removing it. Add the depth of the breast to your room length measurement (the calculator doubles the length, which covers both return sides), then count 2 extra internal and 2 extra external corners for it. Doorways are handled by the separate doorway field, so do not subtract them from your measurements.

Question 6

Should I use MDF or solid timber skirting?

Accepted Answer

MDF skirting board is cheaper, comes pre-primed, and is consistent and easy to work with. It is the most popular choice for modern UK homes. Solid timber (softwood pine) skirting is more traditional, can be stained, and is harder-wearing. For painting, MDF is excellent. For staining or a natural finish, use solid timber. MDF should not be used in damp areas. For decking timber outdoors, see our Decking Calculator.

Skirting Board Calculator — Boards, Corners & Fixings

How We Calculate This

The formula

Fixings calculation

Standard UK board lengths

Frequently Asked Questions

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