Cutting skirtings to length

[MikeT]

Is there any trick to doing this accurately. I'm about to embark on adding skirtings to a rather convoluted house and so have lots of mitering to do. Can't quite see how I can creep up on the length as when it's too long it won't fit at all.

cheers.

[Sturdee]

I was going to say measure twice and cut once and if still in doubt measure again. But no doubt you know that.

Actually there shouldn't be that many mitre joints and that would only apply to external corners.

For internal corners you have one piece square as normal and the other piece scribed and cut to fit the shape. I use one of those gadgets that have many pins that you push into the shape to scribe the shape of the skirting and then use that to mark out the scribe on your skirting.


Peter.

[MikeT]

My skirtings are simple square (no bevel or anything). Would the non mitred look still look OK - and why do you need them mitred on the obtuse corners if not on the acute - oh, just thought - because of end grain? If MDF can be said to have such a thing.

And another quick Q. Joining to lengths of skirting - I've got a room longer than 5.4m.

[MikeT]

Oh - and the measure twice and cut once - I do already know that one. Measure. Cut it. Find it doesn't fit and measure it again to see why I got it wrong.

[silentC]

If they are square, then you can just butt them in the internal corners. Presumably you will paint them anyway. External corners should still be mitred. I usually do a scarf joint on long runs.

As for cutting to length, if you are within a mm it will be fine. Not something I've ever had trouble with, I think you'll find it easier than you think.

[Sturdee]

All my skirting boards are timber with rounded edges and that would make a difference of course.

But the main reason is that in practice no room is square and all corners are always out a few degrees. This method takes that into account and give a neat finish.

As to the external corners most skirting boards have a cut out shape along the back running about halfway along its lenght. Don't know why but they have this but even the MDF ones have. Mitering them will avoid seeing that gap.


There have been previous posts on this by better experts than me, so a search may throw up more for you to study.


Peter.

[dazzler]

Hi

I kind a remember being told that the correct way to do skirts is to cut one side to length and cut square and then the other is cut its full length as well and then shaped to fit over the profile of the other skirt that is nailed down.

Kinda like this Attachment 45241

Or maybe that was part of the dream I had, the one with madonna with her hard hat, boots and sally sheep

[silentC]

Yes, that is what is known as 'scribing'. But if your skirting is square, then scribing is as simple as cutting it at 90 degrees and butting it.

[Gumby]

As to the external corners most skirting boards have a cut out shape along the back running about halfway along its lenght. Don't know why but they have this but even the MDF ones have. Mitering them will avoid seeing that gap.

That groove is for the edge of the plaster to sit in if it's slightly proud of the wall.

[Sturdee]

That groove is for the edge of the plaster to sit in if it's slightly proud of the wall.

Thanks, I've always wondered about that but was always afraid to ask, at last I know.


Peter.

[Gumby]

Thanks, I've always wondered about that but was always afraid to ask, at last I know.


Peter.

I put my fear behind me and asked Brian at the Triton club meeting when he was showing us how to make your own.

[SteveMcM]

Is there any trick to doing this accurately. I'm about to embark on adding skirtings to a rather convoluted house and so have lots of mitering to do. Can't quite see how I can creep up on the length as when it's too long it won't fit at all.

cheers.

I had a nasty experience where I had a toilet resheeted and went to put in the skirtings myself. I cut them all beautifully and checked them in place and saw that they fit perfectly. BUT, when I started to put them in, there was distance between the sheet and the noggins/studs. Nailing the pieces in place pushed the sheeting out and made the walls "longer" creating large gaps between my accurate ends. So you might want to check for this problem.

Steve

[MikeT]

Thanks all for you replies.
...
Re the skarf - is a 45 angle enough. I've got to do some mitres - that was my justification for buying a nice new hand mitre.
...
I've already painted the skirtings but was planning on filling holes etc after installing and just painting those bits - I didn't want to risk getting paint on my newly completed floors
...
I always thought the cutout was for a bead to have somewhere to sit.
...
Dazzler - I'm not the religious type but I think I know the one - your in a stable - sally the sheep is there - probably a little put out because there's no longer food in the manger and the madonnas in the way ... wearing a hard hat and boots - must be doing renos? Are you one of the wise men?

[silentC]

is a 45 angle enough

That's all I've ever done. I fix the first length to the wall, with the 45 facing out, then the next length goes on over the top to lock it in.

[MikeT]

Thanks Steve - that's a good one to check for and I wouldn't thought until I made a similar mistake.


Do people bog up the corners?