Skirting Board Calculator
Metres and lengths from perimeter and doorways, with waste.
Inputs
Result
Formula
| Net length | L = perimeter − doorways × width |
| With waste | L = net × (1 + waste) |
| Pieces | n = ceil(L ÷ piece length) |
| Offcut | n × piece length − L |
An 18 m perimeter with two 0.9 m doorways, 2.4 m pieces at 5% waste: 16.2 m net, 17.01 m with waste, so 8 pieces totalling 19.2 m and 2.19 m spare.
FAQ
What height should skirting be?
80-120 mm is common domestically, 100-150 mm commercially, and 40-60 mm for minimal interiors. Match the door architrave: skirting usually equals or slightly under its width. Too low and it fails to protect the wall base from mopping; too high and it visually lowers the ceiling, especially in small rooms.
How are corners handled?
Internal corners are usually butt-jointed; external corners need 45° mitres that close tightly. Tile skirting uses corner trims or 45° chamfers. Every cut should be filled with filler or colour-matched compound, or it collects dirt and darkens. Corners are where the standard of work shows.
Flooring or skirting first?
Flooring first, then skirting, so the skirting covers the expansion gap between floor and wall. Skirting first leaves the flooring unable to reach the wall, with an ugly exposed edge and restricted movement that causes buckling. Leave an 8-10 mm gap for the skirting to hide.
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Results are estimating aids only and are not a design basis. Construction and final accounts must follow the drawings, the applicable standards and an approved method statement. Anything affecting structural safety, shoring or falsework must be checked by a suitably qualified engineer.