Skirting Over Skirting: Is It Possible and Should You Do It?

Renovating a room often means updating your skirting boards, but removing old skirting can be messy, time-consuming, and even risky for your walls. That’s why many people ask: can you fit skirting over skirting?

The short answer is yes, in many cases, it’s not only possible but surprisingly practical. With the right profile or a purpose-designed skirting board cover, you can refresh your interior without removing old boards. Just ensure accurate measurements and a clean finish for the best results.

In this guide, we’ll break down when it works, what you need to consider, and how skirting board covers can make the process even easier. As a trusted UK supplier, MR Mouldings shares expert advice to help you choose the right option for your project.

Can You Fit Skirting Over Skirting?

Yes, you can fit new skirting boards over existing ones, provided a few key conditions are met:

• The existing skirting is securely fixed to the wall
  
  

• The old boards aren’t overly thick or decorative
  
  

• The new skirting profile is deep or tall enough to fully cover what’s underneath
  
  

• You’re happy to add a few extra millimetres of projection to your wall edges
  
  

In many modern homes, older skirting boards are basic and flat, making them perfect candidates for an overlay. If you’re dealing with ornate or chunky mouldings, you may need to consider removal or a profile with a larger rebate.

If this sounds like the route you’re planning to take, there’s a product designed specifically for this task: skirting board covers.

What Are Skirting Board Covers?

Skirting board covers, sometimes called skirting overlays, are specially designed mouldings that fit directly over your existing skirting boards.

At MR Mouldings, we offer a range of high-quality MDF skirting covers that feature a deep rebate on the back. This recessed section is engineered to slide over the top of your current skirting, giving you the appearance of brand-new boards without removing a thing.

They’re available in popular profiles like Torus, Chamfered, Ogee, and Square Edge, and come in a range of heights to suit different rooms. These covers are ideal for:

• Homeowners want a clean new look with minimal mess
  
  

• Landlords or developers updating interiors between tenancies
  
  

• Tradespeople working to tight deadlines
  
  

• Renovators keen to avoid damaging fragile plasterwork
  
  

MR Mouldings Tip: Not sure if your old skirting will work with a cover? Measure the depth of the existing board. Our team can recommend a suitable profile or create a custom solution to match.

Pros and Cons of Skirting Over Skirting

Like any home improvement shortcut, skirting over skirting has its benefits, and a few potential drawbacks.

Pros:

• No wall damage: Avoids chipping plaster or damaging paintwork
  
  

• Faster installation: No prying off old boards or tidying up after
  
  

• Cleaner finish: Perfect for homes with existing décor or finished flooring
  
  

• Cost-effective: Saves time and labour costs
  
  

• Ideal with skirting board covers: Purpose-built for seamless overlays
  
  

Cons:

• Extra projection: Adds a few mm to wall edges, which could affect furniture placement
  
  

• Alignment issues: Door frames, radiators, or sockets may need trimming or adjusting
  
  

• Potential bulkiness: If not measured correctly, the result could look oversized
  
  

• Not suitable for every home: Very decorative or thick skirting may still need to be removed

How to Fit Skirting Over Existing Boards

You’ve decided to go ahead, so how do you do it properly? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Inspect the Existing Boards

Make sure they’re level, securely fixed, and free of damp or rot. If they’re damaged or bowing away from the wall, replacement may be a better option.

2. Measure Carefully

Measure the height and projection of your existing skirting. You’ll need a new profile that fully conceals both.

3. Choose Your New Skirting or Skirting Cover

Select a taller or deeper profile, or choose a skirting board cover with a built-in rebate.

4. Cut and Prepare

Mitre corners as needed and dry-fit lengths to ensure a clean run. Use a fine-tooth saw for MDF boards to avoid chipping.

5. Fix in Place

You can use grab adhesive, screws, or a combination of both depending on the wall type and finish. Adhesive tends to work best for a flush, clean fit over existing skirting.

6. Seal and Finish

Fill any small gaps with decorators’ caulk. Once dry, paint or prime as needed.

Pro tip: Always check door architraves and trims, you may need to adjust them slightly to accommodate the increased depth.

Best Skirting Profiles for Going Over Existing Boards

When overlaying skirting, you’ll want a profile that’s tall enough and deep enough to fully conceal what’s underneath.

Excellent profile choices include:

• Torus – a classic style with a rounded top and deep profile
  
  

• Chamfered – clean, angled lines that suit modern interiors
  
  

• Square Edge – ideal for contemporary or minimalist homes
  
  

• Ogee – a traditional style with a decorative curve
  
  

MDF is the most popular material due to its smooth finish, resistance to warping, and ease of painting. At MR Mouldings, we also offer custom depth and height options, ideal for overboarding projects.

When to Avoid Skirting Over Skirting

While skirting over skirting is a great option for many, it’s not always the right choice. You may want to remove and replace the old boards if:

• They’re damaged, bowed, or coming away from the wall
  
  

• You want to reduce the depth or projection of your skirting
  
  

• You’re having electrical work or rewiring done behind the boards
  
  

• The existing skirting is too bulky to cover without compromising aesthetics

Why Choose MR Mouldings?

At MR Mouldings, we specialise in high-quality skirting and moulding solutions, including skirting board covers made right here in the UK.

With a wide choice of profiles, custom sizing, and a friendly, knowledgeable team, we’re here to make your renovation as smooth as possible, whether you’re a seasoned tradesperson or tackling your first DIY project.

• Extensive selection of rebated skirting covers
  
  

• Made-to-measure solutions to suit your needs
  
  

• Fast UK delivery and free samples are available
  
  

• Trusted by professionals and homeowners alike
  
  

Not sure what you need? Send us a photo of your dimensions; we’ll help you find the perfect fit.

Final Thoughts

So, can you fit skirting over skirting? Yes, absolutely. And with products like skirting board covers, it’s easier and tidier than ever.

Just be sure to measure carefully, plan around existing features, and choose a profile that complements your space. Whether you go for a standard overlay or a purpose-made cover, MR Mouldings is here to help you get the finish just right.

Explore our full range of skirting board covers and traditional profiles today, or get in touch with our expert team for personalised advice.