The thought of tackling a home improvement project yourself is both exciting and a little daunting. The key to a successful DIY project, especially for something that requires precision like installing skirting boards, is meticulous preparation. Getting the measurements right is the most critical step. Get it wrong, and you risk running out of material halfway through the job or ending up with an excess that goes to waste. The good news is that measuring for your new bull nose moulding doesn’t have to be intimidating. It’s a simple, step-by-step process. A trusted partner like MDF Skirting World makes the entire process a DIYer’s dream by providing a wide range of customizable products and a simple, intuitive ordering system.

Step 1: The Tools You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following essential tools. Having them ready will make the job much quicker and more accurate:

• A Reliable Tape Measure: A long, sturdy tape measure is a must.
• A Notebook and Pencil: For jotting down your measurements as you go.
• A Calculator: To help with the final calculations.
• A Friend (Optional but Recommended): A second pair of hands can make measuring long walls much easier.

Step 2: Measuring Each Wall

It may be tempting to simply measure the perimeter of your room and order one long, continuous length. However, this is the most common mistake and will almost certainly lead to problems. The correct approach is to measure each wall individually, even if they seem to be the same length.

1. Go Wall by Wall: Start in one corner of the room and measure the length of the first wall.
2. Be Precise: Write down the measurement in centimeters (cm) or millimeters (mm). This level of precision is important for cutting your boards later.
3. Note Obstacles: If a wall is interrupted by a doorway, a chimney breast, or a radiator, measure each section of the wall separately.
4. Round Up: When placing your order, it’s wise to order in convenient lengths that are slightly longer than your wall section, as this gives you flexibility during cutting. For example, if a wall is 2.2m, you would order a 2.4m length. MDF Skirting World allows you to order in a variety of standard lengths, making this step easy.

Step 3: Accounting for Corners and Waste

This is the pro-tip that separates a professional job from an amateur one. When installing skirting boards, you will need to cut mitered corners (45-degree angles) to get a perfect fit. This process inevitably leads to a small amount of waste. There is also the possibility of a miscut or an unexpected obstacle.

• The Golden Rule: A good rule of thumb is to add an extra 10-15% to your total calculated length. This buffer will save you from the frustration and delays of having to place a second order for a small amount of material.
• Calculating the Total: Add up all your individual wall measurements. For example, if you have two walls of 4m and two walls of 3m, your total is 14m. A 10% buffer would mean you should order at least 15.4m.

Step 4: The Ordering Process

Once you have your measurements and have calculated your waste, it’s time to place your order with MDF Skirting World. Their website makes this process incredibly simple and transparent.

1. Choose Your Profile: Browse their extensive selection of profiles, from classic Victorian to modern Square Edge, and select the style that best suits your home.
2. Specify Dimensions: Use the custom options to specify the exact height and thickness you require. This is where your precise measuring comes into play. You can also order matching architraves and plinth blocks to ensure a cohesive look.
3. Enter Your Lengths: Based on your wall measurements, enter the number of lengths and their sizes. MDF Skirting World gives you the flexibility to order in various lengths, which helps minimize waste.
4. Confirm Your Order: Once you are happy with your selections, proceed to checkout. Their transparent pricing and fast, nationwide delivery service will ensure your materials arrive on time.

Why Choosing MDF Skirting World is the Smartest Step

Ordering from a company that understands the DIY process is just as important as measuring correctly. MDF Skirting World provides a comprehensive solution for renovators. Their products are made from high-quality, moisture-resistant MDF, which is dimensionally stable and won’t warp or crack. Many of their MDF skirting boards come pre-primed, saving you a huge amount of time and effort during the painting stage. Their precision cutting ensures that every board is perfect, giving you the best possible chance of achieving a flawless finish.

By following this simple guide and partnering with a reliable supplier like MDF Skirting World, you can take the stress out of measuring and ordering your skirting boards. The result will be a beautifully finished room that you can be proud of, knowing you did it yourself.