What length do skirting boards come in?

Standard UK skirting board lengths are 2.4m (8ft), 3.0m (10ft), 3.6m (12ft) and 4.2m (14ft). 2.4m is the most common and widely available at B&Q, Screwfix, Wickes and timber merchants. MDF skirting typically comes in 2.4m and 3.0m lengths. Longer lengths reduce joints but are harder to transport. This skirting board quantity calculator works with all standard lengths.

How do I fit skirting boards to the wall?

Modern skirting is most commonly fixed with grab adhesive (such as Sticks Like or No More Nails) applied in a zigzag pattern to the back of the board, then pressed firmly against the wall. For extra security, use lost-head nails or a brad nailer every 400-600mm. On uneven walls, pin and adhesive together give the best result. Fit skirting after your floor covering is down.

When should I fit skirting boards?

Skirting boards should be fitted after your floor covering is installed. For laminate and vinyl flooring, skirting covers the expansion gap — see our Laminate Flooring Calculator (/flooring/laminate-flooring-calculator) or Vinyl Flooring Calculator (/flooring/vinyl-flooring-calculator). For carpet, skirting is fitted before the carpet so the carpet tucks under. For tiles, fit skirting after tiling — see our Floor Tile Calculator (/flooring/floor-tile-calculator).

What is the difference between internal and external corners?

Internal corners are where two walls meet going inwards (like the corners of a standard rectangular room — 4 internal corners). External corners are where walls meet going outwards (like a chimney breast or a wall that protrudes into the room). Internal corners are scribed (coped) for a tight fit. External corners are mitred at 45 degrees. This skirting calculator accounts for both corner types.

Should I use MDF or solid timber skirting?

MDF skirting board is cheaper, comes pre-primed, and is consistent and easy to work with. It is the most popular choice for modern UK homes. Solid timber (softwood pine) skirting is more traditional, can be stained, and is harder-wearing. For painting, MDF is excellent. For staining or a natural finish, use solid timber. MDF should not be used in damp areas. For decking timber outdoors, see our Decking Calculator (/landscaping/decking-calculator).

Skirting Board Calculator — Boards, Corners & Fixings UK

Skirting Board Calculator — Boards, Corners & Fixings

Calculate skirting board lengths, corners, adhesive and fixings for any room. Uses standard UK board lengths.

Input Method

Room Length

Room Width

Number of Doorways

Standard doorway = 0.8m wide

Board Length

Internal Corners

Standard room = 4 internal corners

External Corners

e.g. chimney breast, bay window

Include wastage allowance

Adds 10% extra for mitre cuts and joins

Wastage Percentage

10% recommended for most rooms

Price Per Board (optional)

Enter your board price for a cost estimate

How We Calculate This

Our skirting board calculator works by calculating the effective perimeter of your room (total perimeter minus doorway openings), then dividing by the board length to determine how many boards you need. We also calculate adhesive, caulk and fixings.

The formula

Effective perimeter = Total perimeter - (Number of doorways × 0.8m)

Boards needed = (Effective perimeter × (1 + Wastage %)) ÷ Board length

For example, a 4m × 5m room (18m perimeter) with 2 doorways: 18 - (2 × 0.8) = 16.4m. With 10% wastage: 18.04m ÷ 2.4m = 8 boards (rounded up).

Fixings calculation

Adhesive: 1 tube (310ml grab adhesive) per ~6m of skirting
Caulk: 1 tube per ~12m (for sealing the top edge to the wall)
Pins/nails: Approximately 5 per metre (every 200mm)

Standard UK board lengths

2.4m: Most common, easy to transport
3.0m: Good for longer walls, fewer joints
3.6m: Less common, from timber merchants
4.2m: Longest standard length, minimises joints

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.

Skirting Board Calculator — Boards, Corners & Fixings

How We Calculate This

The formula

Fixings calculation

Standard UK board lengths

Frequently Asked Questions

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