skirting boards - why bother ?

[Thunderchild]

Well having stripped the wall paper and carpets out I realize that really the skirting boards are crap too. easily removed - should I even bother to put them back in ? what purpose do skirting boards serve ?

(as you probably guessed I'm getting exasperated with this "project" I'd like to live in the house asap instead of camp)

[MickyMacgraw]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseboard

I'd put it back as well as covering the hole where the floor meets the wall it also protects the wall from hoovering.

[scotman]

They protect the bottom of the wall from damage by furniture, cleaners etc. Also if you need to lift floorboards you don't damage the wall(quite as much).

[ChuckFickens]

You'll probably find you have a very rough, uneven gap/edge between the floor and the wall with the skirting board removed.

[snags]

http://www.ehow.com/f...-skirting-boards.html

[NazNomad]

Mitre the externals, scribe the internals ... ezpz

[joggerjayne]

It's like the bit that goes all the way around the top of the walls.

I think it's called "coving" or something ?

It tidies up the join.

[Thunderchild]

wow so many answers so fast, must be cold out there ;) (2-3C here)

ok looks like I best replace it, anything wrong with putting it over the carpet/lino ? or best have it right down to the floor ?

[joggerjayne]

Putting it on top of the carpet might look a bit odd.

Also, it would be awkward to ever replace the carpet.

[MickyMacgraw]

Thunderbird are you saying that your carpet goes up your walls?

[joggerjayne]

Only Indian restaurants have carpeted walls.

[Thunderchild]

no, I was thinking of getting the carpet fitted and then put in the skirting boards

[MickyMacgraw]

That doesn't sound too hygienic Joggerjayne, so they hoover the walls?

[Thunderchild]

oh no jogger, only last night a friend was telling me about when she was house hunting and saw a house with carpeted walls

[joggerjayne]

I've never thought to ask, MM

Maybe they beat them, so the dust falls onto the floor.

[joggerjayne]

Well, I suppose it would keep the room warm, TC.

[MickyMacgraw]

Thunderchild that doesn't sound like a good idea as then you may have the skirting board above the carpet leaving a small gap which could lead to a draught or allow spiders, cockroaches etc.. to congregate. I'd put the skirting down first and then do the carpet to it instead of under it if that makes any sense.

[MickyMacgraw]

It wouldn't be good Joggerjayne as instead of just having carpet/dust mites on one surface you'd now have it on 5 or more, it's be a nightmare for anyone with bad Asthma too.

[joggerjayne]

So a bit of a thumbs down to carpeted walls, then !

[MickyMacgraw]

Definitely, imagine if your really drunk and the rooms spinning the carpeted walls would further throw you off balance you wouldn't know up from down.