How to Join MDF Strips? A Step-by-Step Guide

How to prepare before installing MDF skirting boards?

Good preparation is essential if you want to install MDF skirting boards quickly. Start by gathering all the necessary tools and accessories. You will need the following to complete this task:

• Tape measure and pencil – for measuring the walls and marking the cut points on the skirting boards.
• Spirit level – to check that the skirting board is installed evenly along its entire length.
• Drill or drill driver – if you want to install the MDF skirting board using wall plugs and screws.
• Wall plugs and screws – suitable for the type of wall.
• Construction adhesive – if you plan to glue the MDF skirting boards to the wall.
• Skirting board clips – used with systems where the skirting board is fitted onto or snapped into previously installed elements.
• Wood saw or mitre saw – a hand saw is sufficient for straight cuts, while a mitre saw makes it easier to cut the skirting boards precisely.
• Miter box – useful when using a hand saw to make even angled cuts.
• Sandpaper – for smoothing the cut edges of the skirting boards.
• Filler or acrylic sealant – for filling small gaps and imperfections at joints and corners.

Cleaning the surfaces before installation

To ensure a durable installation of the skirting board, first thoroughly clean the wall and floor in the installation area. Remove dust, drilling dust, and other small debris using a vacuum cleaner or a dry cloth. Next, wipe the surface with a slightly damp cloth, and in the case of greasy stains, use a degreasing agent and wait until the surface is completely dry. 

If there are remnants of old adhesive or uneven plaster fragments on the wall, they must be removed and the surface properly leveled before starting the installation. MDF skirting boards require a perfectly clean, dry, and level surface, so that they can be precisely joined and fitted to the wall. 

Popular methods for installing MDF skirting boards

The choice of installation method for skirting boards depends on the type of surface, the design of the chosen MDF skirting board, the conditions in the room, and the possibility of later removing the skirting board. Installing with clips is a very convenient method. However, if you want the skirting board to fit tightly against the wall, you may want to consider gluing it in place. 

How to install MDF skirting boards using clips?

Start the installation by marking the mounting points on the wall. Skirting board clips are usually spaced 40–50 cm apart, while maintaining a gap of approximately 5–10 cm from corners and the ends of the profile. 

Drill small holes in the marked locations, select the wall plugs suitable for the type of surface, and screw the skirting board clips into place, ensuring they are aligned evenly. Next, cut the skirting boards to the appropriate length and make 45° cuts at the corners.

After installing all the elements, simply place the skirting board against the wall and press it firmly into the clips so that the skirting board catches snap properly into place.

Construction adhesive for MDF skirting boards 

Installing MDF skirting boards with construction adhesive is very quick because it does not require drilling holes or installing additional elements. This method works perfectly on even walls. See how to install an MDF skirting board with adhesive in a few simple steps.

1. Apply the adhesive to the back of the skirting board, preferably in parallel strips or dots, according to the adhesive manufacturer's instructions.
2. Place the skirting board against the wall in the correct position and press it firmly along its entire length so that the adhesive spreads evenly between the surfaces.
3. Remove any excess adhesive that squeezes out past the edge of the skirting board.
4. Leave the skirting board to dry according to the instructions on the packaging. During this time, do not move or put weight on the installed element.

You can order high-quality construction adhesive for MDF skirting boards in our store.

How to join MDF skirting board corners?

For many customers, the biggest challenge is joining skirting boards in corners, because walls are not always perfectly perpendicular, and even small cutting inaccuracies are immediately noticeable.

In such situations, instead of joining the profiles at an angle, you can use an MDF skirting board corner piece. This is a ready-made finishing strip that can be fitted to the cut profiles on both sides, while small gaps between them can be filled with acrylic or filler.

To protect the edges of the walls, you can use PVC angle trim, which protects corners from mechanical damage.

What mistakes should be avoided when joining MDF skirting boards?

Installing an MDF skirting board is very straightforward. However, small mistakes can make the job harder and require you to spend time on corrections. Installation problems are most often caused by:

• inaccurate measurements,
• not cleaning the walls properly,
• using too little adhesive or the wrong type of adhesive,
• cutting MDF skirting boards by eye,
• uneven walls that require proper leveling.

If you prepare properly for installing MDF skirting boards, you can avoid most common mistakes and achieve even, attractive joints. It is worth taking extra time to complete this task carefully, especially if the room is large or has many corners. This will ensure a durable and satisfactory result, and the MDF skirting board will serve you perfectly for years to come.