27 February 2023

Beading or Skirting boards?

From the moment you decide to look for a new flooring, one of the first things to establish is, whether your skirting boards are on or off? The answer to this can help to chose the right flooring. There are essentially two types of flooring. Some floors require an expansion gap around the perimeter of the room. Some flooring doesn’t. If the flooring you chose requires an expansion gap, you will need to consider how to cover it. You can either opt for beading (scotia) or you can chose to remove and refit your skirting boards. But which should you chose? Beading or skirting boards? Firstly let’s explain the difference…

 

 

What is beading?

Beading, also known as Scotia, is a decorative profile that is installed over the gap between the flooring and the skirting board or wall. If your skirting boards have just been freshly painted, the idea of removing and refitting them, will be less that appealing! Installing beading is a great alternative. It is available in white and as a colour match, from most flooring manufacturers.

Although it is manufactured in different material’s (wood, vinyl), typically beading is made from MDF and wrapped in paper. It can therefore start to look tired very quickly. White beading is paintable. Painting them the same colour as your skirting boards, will help them to look new for longer and protect them from everyday wear and tear.

It is installed by using small tacks into the skirting board. Sometimes, beading can become loose over time. As frustrating as this is, it is reasonably easy to resolve.

Skirting Boards

Your skirting boards provide a decorative covering for the plaster at the bottom of your walls. They come in all different shapes, sizes and materials. If you don’t like the idea of using beading, the alternative would be to remove and refit your skirting boards. However it is worth noting that not all skirting boards survive intact. If your property is older there is a good chance you may need new skirting boards once they have removed. In this instance, the plaster on the walls can also be effected.

If you don’t like the idea of using beading or removing your skirting boards, then it might worth considering a type of flooring that doesn’t require an expansion gap.