How To Fit Skirting Boards Around A Bay Window

Fitting skirting boards around a bay window might seem like a daunting task, but it can add an elegant touch to your space! With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a professional finish that enhances the beauty of your bay window. Did you know that bay windows can create an illusion of more space and light in your room? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step by step, making it easy to master this DIY project. Let’s get started on transforming your bay window area into a stunning focal point!

1. Understanding the Basics of Skirting Boards

Before diving into the installation process, it’s important to understand what skirting boards are and their purpose. Skirting boards, also known as baseboards, are designed to cover the joint between the floor and the wall, protecting the wall from scuffs and adding a decorative touch to the room. They come in various heights, thicknesses, and styles, making it easy to find the perfect match for your bay window and overall décor.

Different Types of Skirting Boards

There are many types of skirting boards, ranging from simple designs like bullnose or pencil round skirting to more intricate styles like Victorian or Georgian skirting. When fitting skirting around a bay window, the style you choose should complement both your window’s design and the rest of the room. Some skirting boards are more suitable for modern interiors, while others are perfect for period properties.

Choosing the Right Style for Your Bay Window

Since bay windows are often a focal point in a room, the skirting board around them should be in harmony with the room’s overall style. For a clean, minimalist look, a simple skirting board profile is ideal. If you're aiming for something more decorative, ornate skirting can add a touch of sophistication around the curves and angles of your bay window.

2. Tools and Materials Needed

To begin your skirting board installation project, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials at hand. Having the right tools not only makes the job easier but also ensures a more precise and professional finish.

Essential Tools for Fitting Skirting Boards:

• Miter saw or hand saw with miter box for making angled cuts.
• Measuring tape for precise measurements.
• Pencil for marking cut points.
• Spirit level to ensure the boards are level when fitted.
• Wood adhesive to attach skirting boards securely to the wall.
• Hammer and nails or screws for additional securing.
• Caulking gun for applying filler.
• Sanding block or electric sander to smooth the surface before painting or staining.

Recommended Materials for Skirting Boards:

• The actual skirting boards, ideally made of MDF, softwood, or hardwood, depending on your preference and budget.
• Wood filler to cover any gaps or nail holes.
• Paint or stain to match the skirting boards with your room’s décor.

Preparing Your Workspace

Before starting, clear the area around the bay window and ensure the floor and walls are clean and free from debris. Having a clutter-free space will allow you to measure and cut more accurately. If necessary, remove old skirting boards carefully using a crowbar, taking care not to damage the walls.

3. Measuring Your Bay Window Area

Accurate measurements are crucial when fitting skirting boards, especially around a bay window, where you may need to cut multiple angles. One of the challenges with bay windows is that they often feature irregular angles, making precise measurements even more important.

How to Measure the Length and Angles

Start by measuring the full length of the wall around the bay window, making a note of any angles that need to be cut. Use a protractor or angle finder to measure the angles where the walls meet. For accurate fitting, measure from one end of the bay to the other and record the lengths and angles individually.

Tips for Taking Precise Measurements

• Measure twice to ensure accuracy, especially around corners and angles.
• When marking the skirting boards for cutting, use a pencil to lightly mark the angles.
• Keep in mind that no wall is perfectly straight, so it’s a good idea to account for slight irregularities.

Accounting for Irregularities

In older homes or rooms with non-uniform walls, you might encounter irregularities that make it harder to fit skirting boards perfectly. Use a scribe tool to mark the contours of the wall on the skirting board, then sand or plane it down to ensure a snug fit.

4. Bending Skirting Boards for Bay Windows

When it comes to bay windows, bending the skirting boards to follow the curvature of the walls can be one of the trickiest parts of the process. However, with the right method, you can achieve a smooth bend that fits perfectly along the bay.

Heat Bending Method

If you’re working with MDF skirting boards, one effective way to bend them is through a heat bending process. MDF is particularly suitable for this method because it becomes more pliable when heated, allowing you to shape it to follow the curve of your bay window.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Apply heat to the back of the skirting board using a heat gun. Focus on the area that needs to bend, moving the heat gun evenly to avoid overheating any one spot.
2. Gradually bend the skirting board while applying heat. Take your time and don’t force the board into position, as this could cause it to snap.
3. Hold the board in place as it cools, using clamps or temporary fixings. Once it cools down, the board will retain its new shape.

Kerfing Method

For larger or thicker skirting boards that are harder to bend, you can use the kerfing method. This involves making small cuts along the back of the skirting board, allowing it to bend more easily without compromising the integrity of the front surface.

Steps for kerfing:

1. Mark the curve on the back of the skirting board where the bends are needed.
2. Make small, evenly spaced cuts (kerfs) along the marked curve using a saw. The cuts should be deep enough to allow bending but not so deep that they weaken the board.
3. Bend the skirting slowly around the bay window, securing it in place as you go. The kerfs will help the board bend naturally around the curve.
4. Once fitted, fill the kerfs with wood filler to maintain the smooth appearance on the front side, and then sand it down for a professional finish.

5. Cutting Skirting Boards to Size

Once you have your measurements and have bent the skirting boards to follow the curve of your bay window, it’s time to start cutting your skirting boards. Since bay windows involve angles, getting these cuts right is essential to achieving a seamless look.

Techniques for Cutting Skirting Boards Accurately

Using a miter saw or hand saw with a miter box, carefully cut the skirting boards at the angles you’ve measured. For bay windows, you’ll likely need to make miter cuts, which are angled cuts that allow two pieces to join smoothly around corners.

Importance of Using a Miter Saw for Angled Cuts

A miter saw allows you to make precise angled cuts quickly and accurately, which is important when fitting skirting around the complex angles of a bay window. If using a hand saw, make sure to secure the skirting in a miter box for stability and ensure accurate cuts.

Tips for Creating Seamless Joints

To ensure a perfect fit at each joint, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges after cutting. Dry fit each piece of skirting before securing it to the wall, so you can make adjustments as needed. Using wood adhesive can also help create a tight, gap-free join.

6. Fitting the Skirting Boards

With your skirting boards cut to size and curved to match your bay window, it’s time to start fitting them. Follow these steps for a secure and professional finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Attaching Skirting Boards

1. Apply wood adhesive to the back of the skirting board where it will meet the wall.
2. Press the board firmly against the wall, ensuring it’s level using a spirit level.
3. Secure the board with nails or screws, spacing them evenly along the length of the board. Make sure to countersink the nails or screws so that the heads don’t protrude.
4. Repeat for each section, ensuring that each joint aligns smoothly, especially around the corners and angles of the bay window.

How to Handle Corners and Miters

When fitting skirting around the angled corners of a bay window, miters are your best friend. For internal corners, you can also use a coping saw to create neat joints. Ensure each piece fits snugly against the next for a seamless finish.

7. Finishing Touches

After fitting the skirting boards, it’s time to add the finishing touches that will elevate your project from DIY to professional-grade.

Filling Gaps and Nail Holes

Use a wood filler to fill in any gaps between the skirting boards and the wall, as well as to cover nail holes. Once the filler is dry, sand it down to ensure a smooth finish.

Sanding and Painting or Staining

For a flawless finish, sand the skirting boards lightly to remove any rough patches. Next, paint or stain the skirting to match your room’s décor. If using paint, apply a primer first to ensure the topcoat adheres well.

Fitting skirting boards around a bay window doesn’t have to be complicated! By following this step-by-step guide and using techniques like heat bending or kerfing, you can create a smooth, professional finish that enhances your home’s aesthetic. Remember to take your time with measurements, bends, and cuts for the best results. Ready to get started on your project? Grab your tools, and let’s make your bay window shine!