Oak Skirting – Three Emerging Trends for the Contemporary Homeowner
It is imperative to get your oak skirting right in these contemporary times to achieve the best value for your home. It is also vital that the furnishings and décor go with the skirting in color and style. Oak skirting boards will give you a high quality finish, especially if you’re looking for a fancy, luxurious look. Here is our take on three emerging trends in oak skirting:
- New profiles. The depth of oak skirting boards can now vary anywhere from three to twelve inches. The deeper versions can be hard to cut as standard saws can support cutting depths only till eight inches. Also, if your interiors have low ceilings then it may not be a good idea to fasten oak skirting boards that are too deep, since it will make the room appear smaller.
- Staining. Many contemporary homeowners are opting to stain their hardwood skirting boards in either light or dark colors. Keep in mind that if you stain your skirting boards a dark color you won’t be able to change it later on – you’ll have to replace the boards altogether. On the other hand, you will be able to move from a light to a dark stain. Another option is to paint the boards so that they really match your décor.
- Style. You need to decide if you want your boards to be squared off or if you want them decoratively beveled. It may make it easier if you browse a few publications to establish which style will work best for you and which type of board lends itself to your design aesthetic. You may even think about bringing in a qualified interior designer to assist with your decision.
Note that you should install skirting before installing carpet, but if you’re installing a timber or laminate floor do the opposite: install the wood flooring first and then the skirting.