Do skirting boards need to fit flush to concrete floor?

Question

I’m installing new skirting boards tomorrow and just wondering if I should leave a gap below or sit then flush to concrete floor. We are having carpet down after.

Jamie · Answer

Hi Holly,

Personally, I would place the new skirting boards on the concrete floor if you’re laying carpet. As others have said, this will give the carpet fitters a clean edge to work to.

Depending on the house, and age (to an extent), you may find the floors are slightly uneven, don’t worry too much about that either; if you start scribing the boards to shape them to fit the floor, you may also find you’re chasing a problem around the room with levelling the boards where the meet up at the end.

Hope that helps.

Jake · Answer

Straight down to concrete floor in my opinion as carpet will go up to skirting

Tom · Answer

When installing skirting boards before carpet is laid, you should sit them flush to the concrete floor—do not leave a gap. Here’s why:
	•	Carpet fitters tuck the carpet up to and slightly under the skirting for a clean, finished look.
	•	If you leave a gap, it can create an unsightly shadow line and make it harder for the carpet fitter to achieve a tight edge.

Pro tip: If you’re concerned about expansion or movement (particularly with timber floors), a very minimal gap of 1–2mm is acceptable, but not necessary on concrete. Silicone or caulk can always be used to tidy up any inconsistencies at the base if needed.

Jamie · Answer

It depends if the concrete id the finish floor. If your having anything going down floor wise in top of the concrete I'd advise putting a 3-5mm packer underneath the skirting to hold it off the floor just a bit

Do skirting boards need to fit flush to concrete floor?

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