When it comes to home improvement, the smallest details often have the biggest impact. Skirting boards are one of those features that can transform the look of a room, tying walls and floors together while adding a polished finish. However, replacing old skirting can be messy, time-consuming, and expensive. That’s where skirting board covers come in, a quick, affordable, and stylish way to give your home a fresh new look without the hassle of full replacement.
In this guide, we’ll explore how skirting board covers work, why they’ve become so popular among homeowners, and how they can instantly modernise your interiors with minimal effort.
What Are Skirting Board Covers?
Skirting board covers, also known as skirting overlays, are specially designed boards that fit directly over your existing skirting. Instead of removing old boards, which can damage plaster, paint, and flooring, you simply place the covers on top, securing them with adhesive or screws for a clean, new finish.
They are typically made from MDF, a durable and cost-effective material that’s smooth, easy to paint, and resistant to warping. Skirting board covers come in a range of heights, profiles, and finishes, allowing you to match your home’s style, whether it’s traditional, modern, or somewhere in between.
Why Choose Skirting Board Covers Instead of Replacing Old Skirting?
Replacing skirting can be a bigger project than it seems. The old boards need to be prised away, usually taking bits of plaster and paint with them. Then comes sanding, re-plastering, and repainting before new skirting can even be installed.
Skirting board covers, by contrast, offer a far simpler solution. They allow you to achieve the same refreshed look in a fraction of the time, without the mess or disruption.
Quick and Easy Installation
One of the biggest advantages of skirting board covers is how easy they are to fit. With no need to remove existing skirting, you save hours of labour. Most covers are installed using strong adhesive or a few small fixings.
For DIY enthusiasts, it’s a straightforward task that can be completed with basic tools. Even if you hire a professional, the reduced fitting time makes it a more affordable option.
Cost-Effective and Low-Maintenance
Skirting board covers provide a budget-friendly alternative to full replacement. There are no costs for disposal, repairs, or wall preparation, and because MDF is smooth and pre-primed, it requires minimal finishing.
They’re also easy to maintain. A quick wipe-down removes dust or scuffs, and if you fancy a change of colour later, you can simply repaint them.
Great for Covering Damaged or Outdated Skirting
If your existing skirting boards are chipped, stained, or no longer match your décor, covers provide an easy fix. As long as the boards underneath are secure, you can hide years of wear and tear instantly.
This makes them perfect for older homes or rental properties where replacing skirting would be time-consuming and costly.
Wide Range of Designs to Suit Any Home
From sleek square-edged styles for modern interiors to decorative ogee or torus profiles for period properties, skirting board covers come in a wide range of designs. Matching them with your architraves and door frames creates a seamless, professional finish throughout your home.
You can also choose from various heights to suit your room proportions. Taller skirting board covers can add an elegant touch to high-ceilinged rooms, while slimmer profiles keep smaller spaces feeling open and balanced.
How to Install Skirting Board Covers
One of the main reasons homeowners choose skirting board covers is their simplicity. The installation process is fast, clean, and achievable without specialist skills.
- Measure your existing skirting – Ensure the covers will fit over your current boards, accounting for both height and depth.
- Cut to size – Use a mitre saw for clean corner joints and accurate cuts.
- Apply adhesive – A strong grab adhesive works best for securing the covers to the existing skirting.
- Fit the covers – Press the boards firmly into place and check they’re level.
- Seal the gaps – Use decorators’ caulk to fill any small gaps and create a seamless finish.
- Paint or finish – Most MDF covers are pre-primed, so you can paint them in your chosen colour once fitted.
In just a few hours, your room can be transformed, with smooth, modern skirting that looks brand new.
Matching Skirting Covers with Your Interior Design
To get the most out of your skirting board covers, it’s worth taking time to choose a design that complements your interior.
- For modern spaces, go for square edge or chamfered profiles in a bright white or soft neutral paint finish. These create a clean, crisp look that pairs well with minimalist décor.
- For traditional homes, opt for ogee or torus designs. These curved profiles add depth and character, echoing classic architectural detailing.
- For transitional interiors, stepped or bullnose profiles work beautifully, blending modern simplicity with subtle decorative lines.
Consistency is key. Matching your skirting board covers with door architraves or wall panelling gives a more cohesive and well-designed appearance across the entire home.
The Durability of MDF Skirting Board Covers
MDF (medium-density fibreboard) has become the preferred material for skirting board covers due to its strength, smooth surface, and affordability. Unlike solid wood, MDF doesn’t warp or split over time, even in humid environments such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Many high-quality MDF covers are also moisture-resistant, making them suitable for a variety of rooms and climates. When properly primed and painted, they can last for many years while maintaining a flawless finish.
Why Skirting Board Covers Are Ideal for Renovations
Whether you’re redecorating one room or renovating an entire property, skirting board covers are one of the easiest ways to refresh your interiors without major expense. They can hide gaps between old floors and walls, update mismatched décor, and instantly improve a room’s overall appearance.
For landlords or property developers, they’re an efficient choice for quick turnarounds. Instead of days spent replacing old trim, covers can be installed in hours, leaving a clean, professional finish ready for painting or sale.
They’re also perfect for homeowners looking to modernise without a full refurbishment — especially in older homes where removing original skirting might cause wall damage or reveal uneven plasterwork.
Are Skirting Board Covers Right for You?
Skirting board covers are an excellent option for most homes, but they’re not always the right choice. If your existing skirting is loose, rotten, or uneven, you may need to repair or replace it before fitting covers. However, for sound, solid skirting that just needs a visual upgrade, covers offer the perfect solution.
When choosing covers, always check that they’re thick enough to fit comfortably over your existing boards while maintaining a neat edge against the wall.
If you’re unsure which style or size will suit your home best, you can order samples to compare profiles and finishes before committing.
Conclusion
Refreshing your home doesn’t always require a full renovation. Skirting board covers are a simple, cost-effective way to modernise your interiors, hiding old or damaged skirting while creating a clean, updated look.
Easy to install, durable, and available in a wide range of designs, they offer a practical solution for homeowners seeking a quick transformation without compromising on quality. Whether you prefer a classic or contemporary style, skirting board covers provide the perfect finishing touch, giving your home a fresh, refined appearance in just a few simple steps.
