Archive for category: business

When it comes to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your home, skirting boards play a crucial role. Not only do they cover the joint between the wall and the floor, but they also protect your walls from scuffs and damage. With a variety of skirting board types available in the market, installing the right one requires both knowledge and precision. At Period Mouldings, we understand the importance of quality and design, and in this guide, we’ll walk you through how to install different types of skirting boards efficiently.

What Are the Common Skirting Board Types?

Before diving into installation, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the common skirting board types:

1. MDF Skirting Boards – Made from medium-density fiberboard, these are cost-effective, smooth, and easy to paint.
2. Wooden Skirting Boards – Natural wood options like oak, pine, or mahogany offer durability and classic charm.
3. PVC Skirting Boards – Lightweight and water-resistant, ideal for areas prone to moisture.
4. Polystyrene Skirting Boards – Lightweight and easy to cut, commonly used for decorative purposes.
5. Decorative Wall Mouldings – These are ornate options that add character and elegance to any room.

Each type requires specific tools and techniques for proper installation, and choosing the right skirting board type depends on both the room’s style and functionality.

How Do You Prepare Your Walls and Floors?

Proper preparation is crucial for a successful skirting board installation. Follow these steps:

1. Measure the Room – Use a tape measure to calculate the perimeter accurately. Ensure you account for doors, corners, and any irregularities.
2. Clean the Surfaces – Remove any dust, dirt, or old adhesives from walls and floors. This ensures a strong bond and prevents uneven surfaces.
3. Check for Level Walls – Uneven walls require filling gaps with plaster or caulk before installing the skirting boards.
4. Gather Tools and Materials – Essential tools include a saw, adhesive, nails, hammer, measuring tape, and a spirit level. For wooden or MDF boards, sanding tools and paint might also be required.

Preparation makes installation smoother and ensures your skirting boards sit flush against walls for a polished look.

How Do You Install MDF Skirting Boards?

MDF is a popular choice due to its affordability and ease of use. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Cut to Size – Measure and cut each piece to fit the walls. Use a mitre saw for corners.
2. Apply Adhesive – Use strong construction adhesive along the back of the board.
3. Fix the Board – Press the board firmly against the wall and secure with finishing nails if necessary.
4. Fill Gaps – Use wood filler or caulk to fill any gaps between the wall and the board.
5. Sand and Paint – Once the filler dries, sand the surface smooth and apply a primer followed by paint.

MDF boards are easy to shape, making them ideal for beginners. At Period Mouldings, we recommend high-quality MDF boards for a sleek, modern finish.

How Do You Install Wooden Skirting Boards?

Wooden skirting boards are sturdy and visually appealing but require more care during installation:

1. Acclimatize the Wood – Let the boards sit in the room for 48 hours to adjust to temperature and humidity.
2. Cut and Measure – Accurate cutting is crucial, especially for corners. Use a mitre box for angled joints.
3. Fix the Boards – Apply adhesive and use nails or screws to secure the boards.
4. Fill Holes and Sand – Cover nail holes with wood filler and sand the edges for a smooth finish.
5. Stain or Paint – Apply a wood stain or paint to match your room décor. Sealing wooden boards enhances durability.

Wooden skirting boards add warmth and style to any room, making them a timeless choice for interior design.

How Do You Install PVC and Polystyrene Skirting Boards?

PVC and polystyrene are lightweight and moisture-resistant, making them perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements:

1. Measure and Cut – Both materials are easy to cut with a fine-toothed saw.
2. Apply Adhesive – Use a suitable adhesive for PVC or polystyrene. Avoid nails, as these materials can crack.
3. Press and Hold – Position the board and hold it in place until the adhesive sets.
4. Fill Gaps – Use flexible caulk to fill any small gaps for a seamless look.
5. Paint if Needed – Most polystyrene boards can be painted to match your wall color, while PVC usually comes pre-finished.

These materials are durable and ideal for functional spaces without compromising style.

How Do You Handle Corners and Joints?

Corners can be tricky, but proper technique ensures a professional finish:

1. Inside Corners – Cut at a 45-degree angle for a tight, clean joint.
2. Outside Corners – Use a mitre cut or flexible skirting boards to wrap around the corner.
3. Joining Boards – For longer walls, join boards end-to-end using a scarf joint to maintain a smooth line.

Precise cuts and careful measuring are key to achieving seamless transitions in any room.

How Do Wall Mouldings Enhance Your Skirting Boards?

Incorporating wall mouldings along with skirting boards can dramatically elevate a room’s design:

1. Visual Interest – Wall mouldings add depth and dimension to plain walls.
2. Cohesive Design – Match skirting boards with crown mouldings and architraves for a unified aesthetic.
3. Protective Function – Like skirting boards, mouldings prevent wall damage and cover imperfections.

When installed correctly, wall mouldings complement skirting boards, creating a polished and professional look.

What Finishing Touches Should You Apply?

After installing skirting boards, finishing touches make a big difference:

1. Caulking – Fill any gaps between the skirting board and wall for a seamless appearance.
2. Sanding – Smooth rough edges to prepare for painting or staining.
3. Painting or Staining – Use a high-quality finish to protect the boards and enhance their look.
4. Final Inspection – Check for alignment, gaps, or uneven surfaces and make adjustments as necessary.

Attention to detail ensures your skirting boards not only look great but also last for years.

Why Choose Period Mouldings for Your Skirting Board Needs?

Choosing the right provider can simplify the installation process. Period Mouldings offers:

• A wide range of skirting board types to suit every home style.
• Expert advice on installation techniques and materials.
• High-quality wall mouldings that match modern and traditional interiors.

With professional guidance and premium products, your skirting board installation becomes hassle-free and aesthetically pleasing.

Skirting boards are more than just functional; they are a vital design element that transforms any space. By understanding different skirting board types, preparing your surfaces, and following the correct installation steps, you can achieve a flawless finish. Whether you prefer MDF, wood, PVC, or polystyrene, adding wall mouldings further enhances your interior, creating a polished and sophisticated look. Trust Period Mouldings for quality products and expert advice to make your home truly stand out.

Kayaking has long been admired as one of the most rewarding ways to explore nature. Whether you’re gliding across a calm lake at sunrise, navigating a winding river, or challenging yourself in coastal waters, kayaking provides both excitement and serenity. Among the different types of kayaks, the single kayak stands out for its independence, agility, and ease of use. Touring with a single kayak isn’t just about exercise or transportation—it’s about freedom, discovery, and connecting deeply with the water.

The Freedom of Going Solo

One of the greatest joys of single kayak touring is the independence it offers. Unlike tandem kayaks, which require teamwork and shared pace, a single kayak allows you to move at your own rhythm. You can pause to take in the view of a distant mountain, linger near a cluster of reeds where wildlife hides, or paddle hard against the current simply because you feel like it. This level of autonomy makes each journey deeply personal.

For those just starting out, the variety of options makes it easy to find the right fit. Many outdoor enthusiasts search for a single kayak for sale online or at speciality shops, where models range from lightweight recreational designs to more robust touring options. Each is crafted to match different paddling goals, ensuring that your solo adventures align with your preferred style of exploration.

Connecting with Nature

Touring in a single kayak offers a perspective of nature that few other activities can. Being just inches from the water creates an intimacy with the environment—whether that’s watching fish dart beneath the surface or hearing the soft splash of your paddle echo across a quiet bay. The small size of the kayak allows access to places larger boats cannot reach: narrow streams, hidden coves, or tucked-away beaches.

These secluded spots often provide some of the most memorable moments. Imagine stopping for a picnic on an isolated shore or encountering a heron lifting off from the reeds. These experiences highlight why so many paddlers are drawn to the solitude and simplicity of single kayak touring.

Essential Gear and Accessories

Of course, to fully enjoy your kayaking adventures, the right equipment is key. Aside from the kayak itself, buying good kayak accessories can make you safer and more comfortable. Essentials like a well-fitted life jacket, a lightweight paddle, and dry bags for your belongings are a must. For longer tours, a comfortable seat cushion and a hydration system make a big difference in endurance.

Other accessories, such as waterproof phone cases, paddle leashes, and portable first aid kits, add layers of security and convenience. For those who enjoy fishing, rod holders and storage compartments can transform a recreational kayak into a versatile adventure vessel.

Making Transport Simple

A common concern for new paddlers is how to get their kayak to the water. Unlike inflatable models, solid single kayaks often require a thoughtful transportation solution. This is where a roof rack for kayak becomes invaluable. A strong rack system lets you safely attach your kayak to the roof of your car, which makes getting to and from fishing spots a lot easier. With proper straps and padding, you can transport your kayak safely without worrying about damage to either your vehicle or your gear.

Transporting your kayak efficiently opens up countless opportunities. Instead of being limited to one familiar lake, you can venture out to explore coastal inlets, rivers, and reservoirs—turning each weekend into a new adventure.

The Joy of the Journey

Ultimately, single kayak touring is about more than paddling from point A to point B. It’s about immersing yourself in the journey, embracing independence, and savouring the small details of the natural world. With the right kayak, dependable accessories, and practical transport solutions, every outing becomes an opportunity to reconnect with nature and discover hidden wonders.

Adventure truly awaits on the water, and a single kayak is your ticket to unlock it.