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Professional Guide

Best Skirting Board Covers for Easy Renovation: 2025 Expert Review

DJ

DR Joinery

Expert Joiner & Bespoke Fittings Specialist

Published 16 December 2025

Replacing skirting boards in older properties can be a nightmare. In York's Victorian terraces, pulling off old timber often brings half the plaster with it, turning a simple cosmetic update into a full re-plastering job.

This is where skirting board covers (or 'over-skirting') come into their own. They are designed to slot over your existing boards, hiding scuffs, old paint layers, and even surface wiring, without disturbing the fabric of the wall.

However, not all covers are equal. Some look cheap and plastic, whilst others offer a seamless finish. In this review, I've categorised three options that solve different problems: a sample for testing rigid covers, a flexible vinyl for uneven floors, and a quadrant trim for covering expansion gaps.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Self-Adhesive Backing"

The Theory

"Simply peel off the strip and stick it to the wall or existing skirting for an instant bond."

The Reality

In older UK homes, walls are rarely dust-free or perfectly flat. Self-adhesive strips often fail after a few months due to humidity fluctuations. Ideally, you should use a high-grab construction adhesive (like Gripfill) for a permanent fix.

The Spec: "Covers Any Skirting"

The Theory

"Designed to fit over standard skirting boards regardless of shape."

The Reality

You must check the 'projection' (depth) of your existing skirting. Many old York properties have thick torus or ogee profiles that protrude significantly. If the old skirting is thicker than the cover's internal rebate, it simply won't fit.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

Skirting Board Cover Ogee Sample - Ambassador Skirting 100/150mm Tall

Budget Pick
Skirting Board Cover Ogee Sample - Ambassador Skirting 100/150mm Tall

Generic/Ambassador

Before committing hundreds of pounds to full lengths of cover-over skirting, testing the fit is essential. This sample allows you to verify if the rebate is deep enough to hide your existing skirting and pipes.

Price£3.15 (at time of writing)
MaterialMDF/Composite
ProfileOgee
The Good
  • Allows you to test fit over existing pipework before bulk buying
  • Pre-finished surface saves painting time
  • Classic Ogee profile suits traditional homes
The Bad
  • This listing is for a sample piece only, not a full length
  • Rigid material requires flat walls; difficult to fit on bowed surfaces

Installer Tip:

Use this sample to check the 'nose' of your current skirting. If your existing boards are warped or stick out too far, you might need to plane them down slightly before fitting the final covers.

Priced at £3.15 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Flexible Skirting Board Vinyl 6M 50x20 mm Self Adhesive

Quality Option
Flexible Skirting Board Vinyl 6M 50x20 mm Self Adhesive

VCANIVR

Whilst I usually favour timber, this flexible vinyl solution is excellent for utility rooms, bathrooms, or rental properties where floors are uneven. Its flexibility allows it to follow the contours of the floor where rigid timber would leave unsightly gaps.

Price£14.99 (at time of writing)
Length6 Metres
Size50x20mm
The Good
  • Completely waterproof – ideal for bathrooms or kitchens
  • Flexible nature handles uneven floors better than wood
  • Extra wide base (20mm) covers large expansion gaps
The Bad
  • Aesthetic is more 'functional' than high-end joinery
  • Adhesive may struggle on powdery old plaster without primer

Installer Tip:

Before fitting, potential drafts and dust can compromise adhesion. Clean the area thoroughly with sugar soap and let it dry. If the roll is stiff from the cold, warm it gently with a hair dryer to make it pliable around corners.

Priced at £14.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

sokey Quadrant Trim, 6m White 12 x 9mm TPE Skirting Board Covers

Problem-solving
sokey Quadrant Trim, 6m White 12 x 9mm TPE Skirting Board Covers

sokey

This isn't a full skirting cover, but a quadrant trim designed to solve the common issue of gaps between laminate flooring and skirting. It's a fantastic problem-solver if you've laid new flooring but don't want to remove the existing skirting boards.

Price£9.85 (at time of writing)
MaterialTPE (flexible)
Dimensions12 x 9mm x 6m
The Good
  • TPE material is more durable and flexible than standard PVC
  • Perfect for covering expansion gaps after laying laminate
  • Can be cut easily with scissors or a knife
The Bad
  • Small profile only covers the base gap, not the vertical skirting face
  • Self-adhesive strip is convenient but less secure than pinning

Installer Tip:

When using this to trim laminate flooring, ensure the floor is completely dust-free. I recommend adding a very thin bead of clear silicone along the back edge for extra security, especially in high-traffic hallways.

Priced at £9.85 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put skirting covers over rotten wood?
Absolutely not. If your existing skirting is showing signs of wet or dry rot, covering it will only accelerate the decay by trapping moisture. In York's damp terraces, you must address the source of the damp and replace the rotten timber before fitting any new finishes.
Do I need to nail skirting covers on?
Most covers are designed to be adhered. For rigid covers (like MDF), I recommend using a high-grab adhesive rather than nails, as nailing can be difficult if the old skirting behind is hardwood or seasoned brittle pine. For flexible vinyl covers, the self-adhesive backing is usually sufficient if the surface is prepped correctly.
How do I cut the corners on plastic skirting covers?
For rigid covers, use a fine-tooth saw and a mitre block, just as you would with timber. For flexible vinyl or TPE rolls, you can often cut them with sharp scissors or a utility knife. If doing internal corners with flexible tape, it's often neater to butt-joint them rather than attempting a mitre.
Is it better to replace or cover skirting boards?
Replacement is always the superior option for longevity and finish, especially if you want to inspect likely damp spots behind the boards. However, covering is a valid, cost-effective solution if you want to avoid re-plastering or disturbing brittle lathe and plaster walls common in older properties.

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