How to Fit MDF Skirting Boards Like a Pro | Skirting Supermarket

How to Fit MDF Skirting Boards Like a Pro | Skirting Supermarket

How to Fit MDF Skirting Boards Like a Pro

Skirting Boards

Thinking of updating your skirting boards? Fitting MDF skirting boards is one of the simplest and most effective ways to give any room a clean, professional finish. Whether you’re tackling a full renovation or just freshening up one wall, this guide will show you exactly how to do it — step by step — like a pro.

🔧 What You’ll Learn

By the end of this guide, you’ll know:

  • How to prepare your walls and boards before fitting

  • The tools and materials you’ll need

  • How to cut internal and external corners neatly

  • The best adhesives and fixings to use

  • How to get a perfect finish ready for painting

⚙️ Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before starting, make sure you’ve got everything ready:

Tools:

  • Mitre saw or mitre box and hand saw

  • Tape measure and pencil

  • Spirit level

  • Caulking gun

  • Sandpaper or sanding block

Materials:

  • MDF skirting boards (we recommend primed white MDF)

  • Grab adhesive or panel pins

  • Wood filler

  • Decorators caulk

  • Paint (if not pre-finished)

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🪚 Step-by-Step Guide to Fitting Skirting Boards

Step 1: Prepare the Walls

Remove any old skirting boards carefully using a chisel and hammer. Scrape away old adhesive and fill holes or uneven areas so your new skirting sits flat.

Step 2: Measure and Cut

Measure each wall length precisely. Cut your MDF boards to size, allowing a little extra if you’re mitre cutting corners. Always double-check before cutting — measure twice, cut once!

Step 3: Cut the Corners

For internal corners, you can either:

  • Mitre both ends at 45°, or

  • Cope one board to fit perfectly over the other for a tight join.

For external corners, mitre both pieces at 45° so they meet neatly at the edge.

Step 4: Fix the Boards

Apply a strong grab adhesive to the back of each board and press it firmly against the wall. For uneven walls, you can also use panel pins or nails for extra strength.
Use a spirit level to make sure everything sits perfectly straight.

Step 5: Fill and Finish

Once the adhesive has set, fill any small gaps, nail holes, or joins with wood filler. Run a neat line of decorator’s caulk along the top edge to seal the skirting to the wall.

Let it dry, lightly sand if needed, and then apply your chosen paint for a flawless finish.

🎨 Finishing Tips

  • Primed MDF is ready for painting straight away — saving you time and giving a smoother final look.

  • Always use a high-quality water-based satin or gloss for a professional result.

  • When painting, work in long strokes along the grain to avoid visible brush marks.

🏠 Ready to Upgrade Your Room?

Transform your space with perfectly fitted, primed white MDF skirting boards — cut to your size and delivered straight to your door.

👉 Shop MDF Skirting Boards
Fast UK delivery | Over 60 profiles | Available Primed and ready to paint


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