Skirting/Architrave query-Help!

dsg

Don't want to use standard size. Would really like nice deep skirting, maybe 6 or 8 inches and architrave of around 5 inches or so. Not oak or anything expensive like that. All woodwork is going to be painted white anyway. Any suggestions where to go or what to get? It has been suggested to use fascia board for the skirting board. Any other suggestions?

dsg

Ok so i've been thinking. MDF windowboard and a routered edge for the skirting and use skirting for the architrave? Sound doable? Come on lads all suggestions considered!

Have you thought how odd it might looik to have 7 inches of skirting and architrave in a room?

I recommend just "doubling up" the current skirting, etc. but it sounds like something you really haven't thought too much about to be honest mate.

dsg

no doubling up will look terrible and i have thought about it. Actually i have it sorted now but i'm not going to let you in on the secret ;-)

jack of all

I've seen pine fascia board (torus/ single quirk bead) used as skirting and it looks fine, although a little "unrefined" for good work. If you have access to a router and table you could run off a 100 feet of moulding of your own choice using a 7x 1" PAO pine, but this is difficult enough to do, even with a 1/2" router set up (long lengths are unwieldy and several passes are required, making it a chore). MDF machines well and takes paint very well, but again it's a lot of work (lots of joints too as you'll be restricted to 8 ft lengths). Have a look around your local timber yards/ providers, they may have some more unusual moulding in stock that might suit. In the past where I've worked on jobs where old mouldings and trim were being replaced it, the matching trim was milled to order by a specialist machinist, so off standard profiles were not a problem. The only other option is to use plants and build up your profiles in this way, as was done in the past.

dsg

jack of all wrote: »

I've seen pine fascia board (torus/ single quirk bead) used as skirting and it looks fine, although a little "unrefined" for good work. If you have access to a router and table you could run off a 100 feet of moulding of your own choice using a 7x 1" PAO pine, but this is difficult enough to do, even with a 1/2" router set up (long lengths are unwieldy and several passes are required, making it a chore). MDF machines well and takes paint very well, but again it's a lot of work (lots of joints too as you'll be restricted to 8 ft lengths). Have a look around your local timber yards/ providers, they may have some more unusual moulding in stock that might suit. In the past where I've worked on jobs where old mouldings and trim were being replaced it, the matching trim was milled to order by a specialist machinist, so off standard profiles were not a problem. The only other option is to use plants and build up your profiles in this way, as was done in the past.

Thanks Jack, as it turns out the PAO pine is the way we're going I think, either that or the MDF. Going to run off a few lengths of each and see what looks best and will work best in our situation. I'm in no great hurry and more than happy to take my time in order to get it right. Have been on to a few timber yards already and they've been very helpful so far (the old credit crunch is making suppliers extra polite these days!)

jack of all

"....the old credit crunch is making suppliers extra polite these days!)

And that's a fact! For what it's worth I've run off small lots of skirting and other mouldings in PAO pine and MDF in the past and had great results; it just takes time (and a bit of trial and error with your machining set up to get the best results). Good luck with it.:)

kadman

If all the architrave and skirtings are to be painted, I would go with mdf everywhere, purely from the ease at which the material machines and finishes.

This would also allow some good variations on built up skirting and architraves. Maybe incorporating corner block and pediments for the doorways if you want to really push the boat out. But as pointed out in an earlier post, high skirtings need to be checked out against existing ceiling heights , so that they look ok in place before surging ahead on with machining loads of the stuff. Built up skirtings can have the joints staggered along the wall, as mdf lengths are shorter than standard skirting lengths.


kadman

jack of all

Kadman is on the ball there; if you have access to a biscuit jointer you can do great things with corners blocks etc. Prior to painting MDF I would recommend you seal the machined edges with a solution of diluted PVA glue, it helps to strengthen vulnerable edges/ arrises and stops it wicking up the primer and subsequent coats of oil paint.

karltimber

Not sure about the architrave but my local builders providers stocks 6" deal molded skirting as standard.

And it looks a lot nicer than 4"

K

kadman

You could also use mdf edge sealer , for the machined edges. Pre finish skirtings before fitting, and touch up after installation.

Kadman

bigstar

if you check out some mouldings you could build up a nice skirting, something like 4x1 pao and ogee architrave might work, but theres lots of variations and if its being painted you can fill any joints that may show up