Skirting boards, also known as baseboards, not only add a polished look to a room but also provide a protective barrier for walls. While nail guns can make the installation process faster, you can achieve excellent results without one. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to install skirting boards without a nail gun using traditional hand tools.

Materials and Tools You’ll Need:

1. Skirting Boards: Measure and cut them to the required lengths, ensuring they fit snugly against the wall.

2. Finishing Nails: Use finishing nails that are long enough to secure the skirting but won’t penetrate through the other side.

3. Hammer: A claw hammer is the primary tool for securing skirting boards.

4. Nail Set: A nail set is used to countersink nail heads below the surface of the skirting.

5. Putty and Putty Knife: These are essential for filling nail holes and gaps.

Steps to Install Skirting Boards Without a Nail Gun:

1. Prepare Your Skirting Boards:
2. Measure and cut the skirting boards to the desired lengths, ensuring they fit tightly against the wall. Miter the corners if necessary.

3. Mark the Studs:
4. Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs where you’ll be attaching the skirting. Mark their positions with a pencil.

5. Position the Skirting:
6. Position the skirting against the wall, aligning it with the marked stud locations. Hold it in place to ensure it fits properly.

7. Start Nailing:
8. Using your hammer, drive a finishing nail through the skirting and into the wall stud. Aim for the center of the skirting and at a slight angle to help prevent splitting. Drive the nail until it’s flush with the skirting’s surface.

9. Counter Sink the Nails:
10. Use a nail set to gently tap the nail heads below the surface of the skirting. This step ensures that the nail heads won’t be visible when you finish the skirting.

11. Secure the Rest of the Skirting:
12. Continue the process, nailing and countersinking nails along the length of the skirting, especially near the studs.

13. Fill and Finish:
14. After all the nails are in place, use putty to fill the nail holes and any gaps in the skirting. Once the putty dries, sand it smooth and finish the skirting with paint or stain to your liking.

Tips for Success:

• Ensure your skirting pieces are cut accurately and fit tightly against the wall.
• Choose nails that are the right length – long enough to secure the skirting but not so long that they penetrate through the other side.
• Use a stud finder to locate and mark the wall studs. This is where your skirting should be secured for maximum strength.
• Be mindful of your hammering technique to avoid damaging the skirting or the wall.
• Take your time when filling nail holes and gaps with putty for a professional finish.

Installing skirting boards without a nail gun may require a bit more effort, but with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve the same polished look. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a first-time installer, these steps will help you complete the job neatly and securely.