How To Install Skirt Boards on a Staircase Like a Pro | Drop-In Style | Step-by-Step Guide

Category - Staircase and Handrails

Skill Level - 2

A skirt board is a trim piece installed along the side of a staircase where the treads and risers meet the wall, running from the base of the staircase to the top. Typically made from wood or MDF, skirt boards can be decorative or plain, depending on the style of the home. They serve several important purposes in a staircase's design and functionality.

Primarily, skirt boards enhance the visual appeal of a staircase by providing a clean, finished look. They cover the joints and gaps between the stairs and the wall, contributing to a seamless appearance. Additionally, skirt boards protect the wall from scuffs, scratches, and damage that can occur from foot traffic on the stairs. Acting as a barrier, they prevent dirt and marks from marring the wall surface. Furthermore, skirt boards conceal construction details, such as the joints between the stair components and the wall, ensuring a polished and professional finish.

While the benefits of installing skirt boards are significant, there are also some drawbacks to consider. One potential drawback is the additional cost and labor involved in installing skirt boards, which can increase the overall expense of staircase construction. Moreover, in homes with intricate or custom staircases, fitting and installing skirt boards can be complex and time-consuming, requiring skilled craftsmanship to achieve a perfect fit. Despite these challenges, the aesthetic and protective advantages often make skirt boards a worthwhile addition to new homes.

Tools Needed

• Framing square

• Circular saw

• Jigsaw

• Miter saw

• 18g nailer

• 15g nailer

• Hose

• Air compressor

• Saw horses

• Orbital sander

Supplies

• Nails

• Shims

Materials

• 1x12 skirt board material

Quality Check Criteria

• Tight to wall

• Top of baseboard flushes out with top of skirt at top of stairs

• Skirt point sits at or above top of baseboard at bottom of stairs

• Consistent reveals and spacings

Process for Installing Skirt Boards on

Type A - Drop In

Note: These instructions are for skirt boards in new construction where space was allowed to drop the skirts between the stairs and the wall.

Step 1 - Identify Measurements and Mark the Skirt Board Location

Identify Rise and Run:

• Begin by measuring multiple rises (the vertical part of the steps) and runs (the horizontal part of the steps) of the staircase.

• Calculate the average rise and run to ensure consistent measurements for cutting the skirt board. For example, an average rise of 7 ½ inches and a run of 10 inches.
  

Mark the Skirt Board Location:

• Use a pencil to draw lines on the wall where the skirt board will be installed.

• For inside wall skirts, refer to images A1 and A2 to guide your markings. Ensure the lines are straight and accurately positioned to match the staircase's profile.

Sketch and Measure:

• After marking the location on the wall, measure any unknown dimensions such as the 1 ½-inch notch overlay at the top of the stairs and the 6 ½-inch termination rise at the bottom of the stairs.

• Make note of all these measurements, ensuring they are accurate and precise.

• Sketch the outline of the skirt board on a piece of scrap material. This sketch will serve as a reference for your cuts and help you visualize the final product.

Ensure Consistency:

• Double-check all measurements and markings to ensure they are consistent and accurate.

• Confirm that the rise and run measurements are uniform along the entire length of the staircase to avoid any misalignment during installation.

Step 2 - Mark and Cut the Skirt Board, Dry Fit for Adjustments

Mark the Skirt Board:

• Using the sketch you created on the scrap piece of material, transfer the measurements and cut lines onto the actual skirt board material.

• Mark the top and bottom of the skirt board longer than your cut lines. This extra length will allow you to use a level to mark the true plumb lines during the dry fit.

Cut the Skirt Board:

• Begin by making rough cuts along the marked lines using a circular saw. Ensure that the cuts are straight and precise.

• Use a jigsaw for detailed cuts and to clean up the edges, especially where the skirt board will be visible. This will help achieve a professional finish.

Dry Fit the Skirt Board:

• Place the rough-cut skirt board into position on the wall, aligning it with the pencil lines you drew earlier.

• Use shims to hold the board securely in place between the stairs and the wall for inside wall skirt boards. Refer to Figure A1 for proper placement of the shims.

Check and Adjust:

• Inspect the dry fit to ensure the skirt board aligns correctly with the staircase profile.

• Verify that the top and bottom edges of the skirt board are accurately positioned. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure a snug fit.

• If the skirt board needs additional trimming or adjustments, mark the areas that require changes and remove the skirt board from the wall.

Re-cut and Re-fit:

• Take the skirt board back to your cutting station and make the necessary adjustments using the circular saw and jigsaw.

• Sand the cut edges with an orbital sander to smooth them out, especially if using MDF. For wood veneer skirts, use the proper edge tape for a clean finish.

• Dry fit the skirt board again to verify that all adjustments are correct and the board fits perfectly against the wall and stairs.

Step 3 - Final Fit, Marking, and Preparing for Installation

Final Fit and Adjustments:

• After the initial dry fit and adjustments, place the skirt board back into its position on the wall to ensure a precise fit.

• Check that the skirt board aligns perfectly with the rise and run measurements, and that it sits tightly against the wall and stairs.

• Ensure the top of the skirt board is flush with the top of the baseboard at the top of the stairs, and that the skirt point is at or above the top of the baseboard at the bottom of the stairs.

Mark Final Cut Lines:

• While the skirt board is dry fit in place, use a short level to draw the final cut lines.

• Mark the top (a) and bottom (c) of the skirt board to match the exact profile of the staircase.

• Use a small piece of the baseboard to draw a line for the top of the skirt, ensuring it will flush out with the baseboard once installed.

Final Cuts and Preparation:

• Remove the skirt board and take it to your cutting station (saw horses).

• Make the final cuts along the marked lines using a circular saw for straight cuts and a jigsaw for detailed cuts.

• Sand all visible cut edges with an orbital sander to smooth them out, especially if the skirt board is made of MDF.

• For wood veneer skirt boards, apply the proper edge tape to finalize the preparation of the edges, ensuring a clean and professional finish.

Inspect and Prepare for Installation:

• Conduct a thorough inspection of the skirt board to ensure all cuts are precise and the edges are smooth.

• Double-check the fit by placing the skirt board back into its position on the wall and stairs.

• Ensure that all adjustments have been made and that the skirt board is ready for final installation.

Step 4 - Install the Skirt Board

Position the Skirt Board:

• Place the prepared skirt board into its final position on the wall, aligning it with the pencil lines and ensuring it fits snugly against the staircase.

• Confirm that the top of the skirt board flushes out with the top of the baseboard at the top of the stairs, and that the skirt point is at or above the top of the baseboard at the bottom of the stairs.

Secure the Skirt Board:

• Use a 15g nailer to attach the skirt board to the wall. Aim to hit studs wherever possible for a secure attachment.

• If no studs or backing are present behind the skirt board, apply a bead of construction adhesive to the wall before positioning the skirt board. This will provide additional holding strength.

• Use shims to hold the skirt board firmly against the wall while the adhesive sets up. Ensure that the board is pressed tightly against the wall and stairs without any gaps.

Nailing Technique:

• Start by nailing at the top and bottom of the skirt board, then work your way along the length of the board.

• Space the nails evenly, approximately 12 to 16 inches apart, to ensure a secure and stable installation.

• Be careful not to overdrive the nails, as this can damage the surface of the skirt board.

Final Inspection:

• After securing the skirt board, conduct a final inspection to ensure it is tight to the wall and properly aligned with the staircase.

• Check for any gaps or unevenness, and make any necessary adjustments.

• Ensure that the skirt board maintains consistent reveals and spacings along its length.

Finishing Touches:

• If the skirt board is made of MDF, lightly sand the nail holes and any rough edges to prepare for painting.

• For wood veneer skirt boards, touch up any exposed edges with matching edge tape or wood filler as needed.

• Once all adjustments and touch-ups are complete, the skirt board is ready for painting or finishing to match the rest of the trim and baseboards.

By following these steps, you ensure a secure and professional installation of the skirt board, enhancing the appearance and functionality of the staircase.

Image References

• Figure A1: Inside wall skirt board placement

• Figure A2: Inside wall skirt board measurement and cutting