Some of your home's decor might change over the years. You may change the colour of the walls, add shelving, or replace curtains. But your skirting is one thing that will likely stay the same throughout the years.
Skirting is an often overlooked design feature, even though it can complete a room's look. The humble skirting board has a lot of responsibility resting on it, so it’s essential for you to choose a wood that will complement your rooms for a very long time and withstand the rigours of daily life.
At E O Burton, one of the options for skirting boards is American Oak. Here’s why this strong and stylish wood is one of the best types of wood for skirting boards.
Is American Oak The Best Wood For Skirting Boards?
Could American Oak be the best wood for skirting boards to be made from?
While it’s not the only great choice, it is a strong contender. This popular wood type comes with a huge range of advantages, but there are two benefits that make it stand out for skirting boards.
Aesthetics
American Oak is widely known for being beautiful. Its warm golden tone ranges from a light tan colour to a richer, deeper brown. A natural lustre and fine grain give it a high-quality, luxurious appearance, making it ideal for living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and anywhere else you want to add a touch of class.
By staining or painting American oak skirting, you can retain the natural look or get a customised finish. Many opt for a clear but highly protective polyurethane coating.
Durability
The other standout feature of this wood is its undeniable durability. Because it's a dense hardwood it can stand up to knocks, scuffing from shoes and scratches from pets. This makes it the perfect option for skirting in high-traffic areas. Softer woods might start showing signs of ageing and use much sooner, but American Oak can stay looking new for years.
And since this wood is naturally resistant to rot and decay, it’s ideal for low-maintenance skirting that will last.
Thought About Skirting Board Profiles?
American Oak may be the best wood for skirting boards, but you also need stylistic freedom of choice. Skirting board profiles are one way to express your interior design preferences, giving your room a perfect finishing touch with a unique board pattern.
At E.O. Burton, our American Oak skirting boards come in the following board profiles…
- Torus: This is a classic design for traditional looks. It has a distinctive, rounded top edge.
- Ogee: This is an elegant, curved board profile, providing a touch of sophistication to your walls.
- Chamfered: This is a simple look with a bevelled edge, perfect for letting a more contemporary room stand out.
- Chamfered and rounded: Get the best of both worlds with the combined clean lines of chamfering with a softer rounded edge.
- Ovolo: This smooth, rounded profile can do it all, creating harmony in both traditional and modern spaces.
Now, these profiles might all sound amazing, but how do you choose which is right for you?
The profile of your skirting is a subtle way to create a visual effect, so it deserves some serious consideration.
When picking your skirting made with American Oak, the best wood for skirting boards, think about these factors first...
- Style: The overall style of your home is arguably the most crucial point to consider. If you have a traditional style, profiles like Torus and Ogee will be the perfect fit, while Rounded and Chamfered profiles are much better suited to a modern interior.
- Room height: How tall is your room? In a room with high ceilings, taller skirting boards will make a statement. In a smaller room, choose simpler, lower profiles so as not to draw the eye down or risk overwhelming the space.
- Colour: Do you want to make a feature of your skirting boards or keep them in the background? Skirting boards that are painted to compliment your decor can blend in more easily or stand out with coloured paints or a natural wood look.
Alternative Woods For Skirting Boards
So is American Oak the best wood for skirting boards?
That depends on your project, your preferences and your budget. While it is a great choice, there are plenty of other great wood types for skirting boards, such as Amercian Ash, Maple, Beech and Tulipwood, all available at E O Burton too.
Our Bespoke machining service means we can work with your choice of wood and pattern. So if there’s a wood that catches your eye, we can skillfully create your custom skirting boards.
These woods are considered good alternatives to American Oak…
- European Oak: Similar in appearance and strength to American Oak, but it can have slightly different and less fine grain pattern, which could be better suited to your decor.
- Ash: Ash is a popularly versatile option known for its light, pale colouring and strength.
- Walnut: Looking for a touch of luxury? This rich, dark wood is both durable and beautiful, making it a premium choice.
- Meranti: This tropical hardwood offers impressive durability if you have high traffic areas where your skirting needs to be strong. It ranges in colour, from a pale pink to a dark reddish-brown.
E O Burton’s Tips For Installing Skirting Boards
As timber professionals, we know the important work doesn’t end when you receive your skirting made from the best wood for skirting boards. Proper installation means your skirting boards will perform for decades and look beautiful even as the years go by.
If you’re wondering about the installation process, here’s a quick overview:
- Measuring: Accurate measurements are taken of your space, getting the length of each wall and accounting for irregularities and corners.
- Cutting: A quality saw is used to cut boards to the required lengths. A mitre saw is used for angled corners and precise cuts.
- Fixing: Skirting boards are fixed securely, commonly with screws or adhesives for extra secure support. The boards will be flush against the wall, and decorator caulk can be used to finish off any gaps and edges.
Tips For DIYers and Professionals…
- Use the Right Tools: Invest in quality tools, such as a hand saw, mitre saw, nail gun, and spirit level.
- Proper Spacing: Leave a small gap between the floor and the skirting board to account for the expansion and contraction of wood. Sealant can neatly cover this gap.
- Fill and Sand: Be sure to fill any nail or screw holes with wood filler, and then sand the surface for a pristine finish.
Quality, Stunning Skirting Boards For Your Project
The best wood for skirting boards is durable and strong, and it will last as long as the walls it's attached to!
American Oak does all of that, but if you have something else in mind, we can help with our bespoke machining service.
Ready to choose your skirting boards? Get in touch for our bespoke machining options.