Where Floors Meet Walls – An Introduction to Skirtings and Accessories

Skirtings are an important part of any flooring installation, providing a finished transition between the floor and wall while also helping to protect the perimeter of the floor covering.

Different environments place different demands on this detail. Healthcare, education and other buildings subject to regular wet cleaning may require an impervious floor-to-wall junction, while offices, commercial spaces and other areas may call for a low-maintenance finish.

From PVC, rubber and pre-formed linoleum profiles to timber skirtings, there are a range of options to suit different floor coverings, environments and performance requirements. The following article introduces the the main skirting options and offers key considerations that should be taken into account when selecting and installing them on contract flooring projects.

PVC, rubber and pre-formed linoleum skirtings

• Sit-on skirting – a profile with a small radius toe design that conceals the join between the floor covering and the wall. Typically used with resilient floor coverings where an impervious seal is not required.
• Set-in skirting – a profile typically used with resilient floor coverings. The extended foot is welded to the floor covering to create an impervious seal. Ideal for areas subject to wet cleaning or where cleanliness is critical, such as schools, hospitals, treatment rooms or pharmaceutical production.
• Flat skirting – typically used with textile floor coverings to form a neat, low maintenance alternative to timber skirting.
• Cove formers and capping strips – used when a floor covering is continued up the wall to form a skirting. The cove former ensures a consistent cove is achieved and provides support for the floor covering at the floor-to-wall junction. A capping strip provides a neat finish along the wall where the floor covering stops. Equality Act (2010) guidelines may, in certain circumstances, recommend a different colour material for the floor and skirting detail to assist the visually impaired. UK manufacturers can provide assistance on this and any other specification or installation requirement on request.

Timber skirtings

Where textile or resilient floor coverings are specified, timber skirtings are usually installed as part of the carpentry and joinery package. Whenever possible the timber skirtings should be installed after the timber flooring has been completed as the skirting can be used to conceal the expansion gap at the floor perimeter. Similarly, skirtings may be used to conceal perimeter insulation around screeded subfloors, particularly where underfloor heating UFH systems are incorporated and potential for movement is raised.

Timber skirtings should only be fixed to the wall, so as not to restrict any expansion of the floor finish. They are available in a variety of profiles and different timbers, for painting or clear finish. Other materials used for skirtings, such as stainless steel and anodised aluminium, are also available from manufacturers.

For more advice about flooring accessories, visit the CFA Guide to Contract Flooring.