Professional Guide

Best Ogee Skirting Boards for Traditional Homes: 2025 Expert Review

DJ

DR Joinery

Expert Joiner & Bespoke Fittings Specialist

Published 16 December 2025

The Ogee profile—with its distinctive 's' curve—is a staple of British joinery, particularly prevalent in the Victorian and Edwardian properties we see so often in York. However, maintaining intricate timber mouldings can be a challenge, especially in older houses battling rising damp or condensation.

Whilst my heart usually lies with traditional softwood or oak that can be painted or oiled, I rarely ignore practical advancements. Modern UPVC skirting boards have come a long way. They offer the classic Ogee look without the sanding, filling, and painting that traditional joinery demands.

In this review, I'm looking at three UPVC Ogee skirting solutions. These are particularly useful for bathrooms, utility rooms, or buy-to-let properties where low maintenance is key. I'll evaluate them on finish quality, ease of fitting on uneven walls, and overall value.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Zero Preparation / Easy Fit"

The Theory

"Manufacturers claim you can simply stick these boards to the wall with adhesive."

The Reality

In York's older properties, walls are rarely flat. Adhesive alone often leaves gaps. You usually need mechanical fixings or to batten out the wall first to get a true line.

The Spec: "Realistic Woodgrain Finish"

The Theory

"The finish is indistinguishable from painted timber."

The Reality

From a distance, it looks excellent. However, to a trained eye or upon touch, it lacks the warmth and minor imperfections that give real timber its character. It's a trade-off for durability.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

1 x White Satin Roomline Ogee/Torus Internal 90° Corner PVC skirting Board Joint

Budget Pick
1 x White Satin Roomline Ogee/Torus Internal 90° Corner PVC skirting Board Joint

Truly PVC Supplies

Whilst this is a component rather than a full board, it represents the budget-conscious approach to fitting Ogee skirting. This corner joint eliminates the need for complex mitre cuts, saving significant labour time and tool costs for DIY enthusiasts.

Price£3.85 (at time of writing)
MaterialRecycled PVC-u
FunctionInternal 90° Corner Joint
The Good
  • Eliminates the need for a chop saw or precise mitring
  • Ensures a clean joint even if the corner isn't perfectly square
  • Matches the 'Roomline' system for seamless integration
The Bad
  • The joint is visible (unlike a filled and painted timber scribed joint)
  • Only works with the specific Roomline matching profile

Installer Tip:

Traditional joiners scibe internal corners to simulate a mitre without the gap opening up. These joints do that work for you. If your walls are vastly out of square (common in York terraces), these clips accommodate the angle better than a standard forced mitre.

Priced at £3.85 at the time of writing

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5m x 150mm (6") White Torus/Ogee Plastic Skirting Board Easy-Fit Durable and Authentic

Quality Choice
5m x 150mm (6") White Torus/Ogee Plastic Skirting Board Easy-Fit Durable and Authentic

Eurocell

Eurocell is a recognised name in the trade for plastics, and this 150mm board is a substantial offering. The 6-inch height mimics the grandeur of Victorian timber skirting, making it an excellent choice for period renovation projects where you want the look without the rot risk.

Price£29.95 (at time of writing)
Length5 Metres
Height150mm (6 inches)
FeatureCable tidy gasket
The Good
  • Authentic Ogee profile suits older properties perfectly
  • 150mm height provides a premium, substantial look
  • Robust construction resists knocks and scratches better than softwood
The Bad
  • Long 5m lengths can be difficult to manoeuvre into upstairs rooms in terraced houses
  • Higher cost per metre than standard softwood

Installer Tip:

When fitting this in long hallways, stagger your joints carefully. Although it allows for cable management, ensure you don't trap any wires behind fixing points. Use a quality high-grab adhesive, but for bowed walls, add a hidden mechanical fixing behind the removable centre strip.

Priced at £29.95 at the time of writing

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VP Roomline Skirting Board 150mm x 5m - Plastic Ogee Skirting Board - White

Problem-Solving
VP Roomline Skirting Board 150mm x 5m - Plastic Ogee Skirting Board - White

Virtual Plastics

This board addresses two major headaches in renovation: fit and damp. The integrated rubber gasket acts as a seal against the floor, accommodating uneven floorboards without the need for intricate scribing. It's totally impervious to moisture, making it the best bet for ground-floor rooms with history of damp.

Price£29.95 (at time of writing)
Cost Per Metre£6.13
SystemRoomline
Flooring TypeWorks with carpet, tile, laminate
The Good
  • Rubber gasket seal solves draughts and uneven floor gaps
  • Absolutely impervious to water—ideal for mopping or damp walls
  • Consistent colour match with Roomline accessories
The Bad
  • The glossy finish can look a bit 'plastic' compared to satin-painted wood
  • Cutting PVC creates fine dust; always wear a mask

Installer Tip:

The rubber gasket on the bottom is brilliant for uneven floors, but don't compress it too much during installation. Let it sit naturally against the floor covering to maintain the seal. If you push it down too hard before fixing, it can twist the board off the wall.

Priced at £29.95 at the time of writing

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Ogee profile?
Ogee is a traditional moulding profile characterised by a double curve, shaped like an 'S'. It typically consists of a convex curve flowing into a concave curve. It's a classic style found in many Georgian and Victorian properties in York and is considered more decorative than a simple Bullnose or Chamfered profile.
Can I fit UPVC skirting boards to uneven walls?
Yes, but it requires care. Unlike timber, which we can plane and scribe to match the wall, UPVC is flexible but wants to spring back to straight. For very uneven walls (common in older Yorkshire homes), use a strong grip adhesive combined with mechanical fixings or stainless steel pins to hold it in place whilst the glue sets.
Is UPVC skirting better than timber?
It depends on the application. For a living room in a heritage property, I usually favour painted timber for its authentic look and feel. However, for bathrooms, utility rooms, or rentals where damp and maintenance are concerns, UPVC is superior. It won't rot, doesn't need painting, and handles moisture effortlessly.
How do I cut Ogee skirting boards?
If you are using timber, you need a mitre saw. For internal corners, a professional joiner will 'scribe' the joint (cutting the profile out of one board to fit over the other) for a gap-free finish. With the UPVC systems reviewed here, you can use a fine-toothed saw or a chop saw. Alternatively, the corner pieces (like the budget option reviewed) allow simple straight cuts.
Do I need to paint these skirting boards?
No, that is their main advantage. They come finished in white (usually satin or gloss) and require no sanding, priming, or painting. This saves days of labour, especially in a large room.

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