ELI5: why are skirting boards a thing? do they have a purpose?

Submitted by Just-Okra6596 t3_11ecdeb in explainlikeimfive

Especially in the UK (i’m not too sure about other places), more or less every house you find yourself in has skirting boards around the edge of the rooms. Do they have a specific purpose? because as far as i know they just cause annoyance, they create an infuriating gap behind furniture because they stick out and also it’s another thing to have to dust constantly.

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Xcoblob t1_jad91xd wrote

The wall is plasterboard with a thin coat of plaster to make it look nice. Or a brick wall with a thicker coat of plaster to make it look nice.

If you didn't have the skirting then the joint between plaster and floor would have to be absolutely incredible to look nice. Probably double the time it takes to do the job.

Easier to cover the shabby looking work with a plank of wood. Same with coving.

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rasputin6543 t1_jadlfq1 wrote

I'll add that the seemingly imperfect cuts that the skirting board covers are often intentional, as a small space between the floorboards and the wall will allow for seasonal expansion and contraction.

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trinite0 t1_jaem286 wrote

I'll also add that the seam would be very easy to damage by shoving stuff like furniture up against it. Putting a board down to cover the corner makes the corner sturdier.

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-WhatCouldGoWrong t1_jaf28xm wrote

I'll also add plasterboard and the metal beading should never directly touch the floor as it enables rising damp if it does. It's intentionally left short

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cynar t1_jae5ede wrote

4 main uses jump to mind immediately.

  • Covers the rough joint between plaster and floor.

  • Covers the edge of the floor, hiding poor cuts, and allowing space for expansion or shifting without bowing (more important for wood floors).

  • Protects the bottom of the wall from impact damage. Shoes, furniture, vacuum cleaners or water from mopping all damage plaster. The skirting board acts as a kick shield. Wood holds up far better, and gloss paint is waterproof.

  • Appearance - when you don't have a skirting board, the walls can look particularly bland. It sounds trite, but it's definitely noticeable.

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druppolo t1_jae5yzw wrote

In Italy we call them “battiscopa” which means “broom guard” and that’s what it does. When you mop or broom the floor you need to work close to the wall most time because it’s where most of the dirt is.

Now, without “broom guards” you will stain and damage the wall during time. “Broom guards” can be replaced easily and at a way lower cost than a wall repair. Bonus point, you can repaint stained “broom guards” without having to repaint the entire wall for consistency.

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blipsman t1_jad5691 wrote

They cover up uneven cuts on partial flooring boards, tile, etc. along the edges of a room.

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tmahfan117 t1_jad88gh wrote

They hide the fact that they didn’t perfectly cut the floor boards or the drywall so there’s a gap in the corner. Making things look nicer.

But functionally yea those small boards are just for looks.

Not you CAN get skirting that is actually meant to protect the wall by creating a buffer space, like keeping a cart or something like that from scratching it, but that’s much larger.

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