What Are Skirting Board Covers? A Practical Guide for Homeowners

If your existing skirting boards are outdated, damaged or simply no longer match your interior style, you might assume the only solution is to rip them out and start again. But there’s a faster, cleaner and far easier alternative: skirting board covers.

Skirting board covers are mouldings designed to fit over existing skirting, providing a quick and mess-free way to update tired or damaged trim. Ideal for renovations, they create a fresh, modern finish without removing old boards. Easy to install and paint, they’re a smart solution for any interior refresh.

Also known as skirting overlays, skirting board covers are a smart way to refresh your space without the mess of removing old trim. Whether you're renovating a rental property, updating a tired room, or just want a cleaner finish without plaster damage, this guide will walk you through what skirting board covers are, when to use them, and how they work, with expert insight from the team at MR Mouldings, trusted suppliers of high-quality UK mouldings.

What Are Skirting Board Covers?

Skirting board covers are specially designed mouldings that fit directly over your existing skirting boards. Instead of removing the old boards, which can be time-consuming and messy, these covers are installed on top, instantly creating a clean, modern finish.

They’re manufactured with a rebated back, allowing them to slide neatly over the original boards while sitting flush against the wall. Most are made from high-density MDF and arrive pre-primed, ready to be painted to match your interior.

At first glance, they look just like standard skirting boards. But their slightly deeper profile allows them to conceal older or thinner skirting beneath, saving you the hassle of removing what’s already there.

When Should You Use Skirting Board Covers?

Skirting board covers are a brilliant option for a range of renovation scenarios. You might want to consider them if:

• Your current skirting is worn, damaged or uneven
  
  

• You want to avoid removing and re-plastering walls
  
  

• You're looking for a faster, tidier solution
  
  

• You need to update skirting in a rental property or flip project
  
  

• You want a modern profile but your old skirting is hard to remove
  
  

• You’re working around fitted flooring, built-in furniture or delicate wall finishes
  
  

Benefits of Skirting Board Covers

Skirting board covers are not just a shortcut; they offer real functional and aesthetic advantages.

Practical Benefits

• No wall damage – skip the mess and risk of removing skirting fixed with nails or strong adhesive
  
  

• Fast installation – covers can be fitted directly over the old boards in less time
  
  

• No need to repaint or redecorate entire rooms after fitting
  
  

• Ideal for DIYers or professionals working on tight turnarounds
  
  

Aesthetic Benefits

• Instantly transform the look of a room with modern or traditional profiles
  
  

• Choose taller profiles to create a luxury, high-ceiling effect
  
  

• Crisp, clean lines, no patching, no filler
  
  

• Easily paint to match walls, trim, or doors
  
  

Cost-Efficiency

• Save on labour and materials, fewer tools, less wall repair
  
  

• Ideal for budget-friendly refurbs where time and finish matter
  
  

• Helps preserve flooring and wall finishes that you don’t want to disturb
  
  

How to Choose the Right Skirting Board Cover

Before buying, it’s important to check that the cover you choose will fully conceal your existing skirting. You’ll need to consider:

1. Height & Thickness

• Measure the height of your current skirting, the cover should be at least 20–30mm taller
  
  

• Covers are also thicker to create the necessary rebate at the back
  
  

2. Profile Style

• Match your interior with Square Edge, Chamfered, Ogee, Torus or Victorian styles
  
  

• MR Mouldings offers both contemporary and period profiles, primed and ready for paint
  
  

3. Material & Durability

• Most covers are made from MDF, stable, smooth and easy to paint
  
  

• Choose moisture-resistant MDF if installing in kitchens, bathrooms or laundry rooms
  
  

Need help choosing? MR Mouldings offers free samples and expert advice to help you get the right fit for your existing trim and wall space.

How to Fit Skirting Board Covers

Installing skirting board covers is a relatively simple process. Here’s a quick step-by-step overview:

1. Clean your existing skirting boards, remove dust and debris
   
   

2. Measure and mark the new covers to the correct length
   
   

3. Cut using a mitre saw if you need angled corners
   
   

4. Dry fit to check sizing and overlap
   
   

5. Apply grab adhesive along the back rebate
   
   

6. Press into place over the existing skirting
   
   

7. Caulk joints and gaps for a flawless finish
   
   

8. Once dry, paint or decorate as required
   
   

Want more guidance? Look out for our full installation guide coming soon.

Why Choose MR Mouldings?

At MR Mouldings, we specialise in providing high-quality mouldings that make home renovation easy, efficient, and beautiful.

Here’s why customers across the UK choose us for their skirting board covers:

• Wide range of MDF skirting board covers in multiple heights and profiles
  
  

• Moisture-resistant options for bathrooms and kitchens
  
  

• Fast UK-wide delivery and custom sizing available
  
  

• Expert support for DIYers, decorators, landlords and trade professionals
  
  

• Free samples to make choosing the right profile easy
  
  

• Trusted supplier with decades of experience in interior mouldings
  
  

Whether you're covering old skirting or upgrading an entire room, our range is designed to give you professional results without the hassle.

Final Thoughts

Skirting board covers offer a fast, clean and effective way to refresh your interiors. Whether you're hiding dated trim, saving time on a renovation, or simply looking for a smarter solution, these mouldings deliver impressive results with minimal disruption.

With the right profile and expert support from MR Mouldings, you can achieve a crisp, clean finish and bring a new lease of life to any room.

Explore our skirting board covers today, or get in touch for tailored advice and free samples to help you get started.