Do I need skirting boards?

rob_taylor1986

Hi All,

Please may I get your help!

Basically, me and my gf have brought a cottage and have been renovating. We are laying laminate flooring next week. The fitter has recommended that we have skirting all around the room. Is this necessary? We would prefer not to have skirting as it will ruin the look of the room. I have been recommended by a family member to put cork strips around instead and then the beading on top. I have scoured the internet to no avail on this. There is a lot of moisture in the room (we have a moisture problem which we are now sorting), so i understand the need for an expansion gap. Anyone got any ideas on what I should have?

Thanks in advance

Rob

wealdroam

Moisture or not, you need an expansion gap.

It's up to you, but are you expecting the floor layer to finish each cut edge neat enough for show?

Even if he manages that, it will almost certainly not all expand at the same rate, so the cut edges will not remain nice and straight for very long.

In my opinion you either need skirting or beading to cover the cut edges/ends of boards.

ThePubLandlord

It's a floating floor and you're not planning to cover the edges?

Mind you I wouldn't put laminate in a cottage.

rob_taylor1986

Thanks Wealdroam you have answered my question as i want beading not skirting boards to cover the edges

ceredigion

rob_taylor1986 wrote: »

Thanks Wealdroam you have answered my question as i want beading not skirting boards to cover the edges

No, use shadow beads. Though you may already be to late, as they go in before the plastering is done. Both the plasterer and the floor layer will curse as it is a pain in the !!!! but looks good when done.

leveller2911

ceredigion wrote: »

No, use shadow beads. Though you may already be to late, as they go in before the plastering is done. Both the plasterer and the floor layer will curse as it is a pain in the !!!! but looks good when done.

Not my cup of tea TBH, its crying out for skirting boards.

Are "shadow beads" a dust trap ? and If you hoover/sweep up to the wall surely its easy to mark,damage the plaster/paintwork?.

Furts

leveller2911 wrote: »

Not my cup of tea TBH, its crying out for skirting boards.

Are "shadow beads" a dust trap ?..

I go along with this. To me a cottage is a traditional property and traditional properties have skirting.

OP does not say what standard of plastering exists, but one function of skirting is to cover the often crumbly and poor cottage wall at floor level.

Another purpose is to protect the wall from damage. ceredigion shows "contemporary details" - what will these look like after twenty years wear and tear, to say nothing of the hundred plus year life of typical cottages.

On balance I think our good friend ceredigion is just winding us all up!

PlymouthMaid

I don't like that look at all so skirting boards for me I think.

ceredigion

leveller2911 wrote: »

Not my cup of tea TBH, its crying out for skirting boards.

Are "shadow beads" a dust trap ? and If you hoover/sweep up to the wall surely its easy to mark,damage the plaster/paintwork?.

I did it in my dinning room (which is open plan to the kitchen) and had no problems. That said I am a plasterer so theoretically knew, what i was getting in to. The kids have grown up so not kicking !!!! out of the place. As for dust trap it is no worse than the top of a skirting board .

ceredigion

Furts wrote: »

I go along with this. To me a cottage is a traditional property and traditional properties have skirting.

OP does not say what standard of plastering exists, but one function of skirting is to cover the often crumbly and poor cottage wall at floor level.

Another purpose is to protect the wall from damage. ceredigion shows "contemporary details" - what will these look like after twenty years wear and tear, to say nothing of the hundred plus year life of typical cottages.

On balance I think our good friend ceredigion is just winding us all up!

No but maybe generating some work for a fellow spread.

Gloomendoom

Furts wrote: »

I go along with this. To me a cottage is a traditional property and traditional properties have skirting.

My 300+ year old cottage is quite traditional and skirting boards are conspicuous by their absence.

No laminate either.