Making and fitting skirting boards in a 160 year old house

Making and fitting the skirting boards on the first floor of the Victorian house renovation.
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[@christophersmith108]

Breathtaking result. I really liked the fact that there was no muzak playing, either in the video, or in the background on site-nothing to distract from the absolute, zen-like focus on the task at hand. But I am curious (my apologies if you have covered this elsewhere), why do you mitre your joins at external corners, but at internal corners you butt one board to the wall, then carve the profile to fit the continuation? Wouldn't it be easier to use mitres everywhere (and easier to apply filler at the end)? Thanks

[@NewYorkshireWorkshop]

It coincides with the reason for starting furthest from the door, this way you shouldnt see any joints in the corners when entering the room, they should all be sideways on from your view( ie, you see the face of the piece that was butted in, and are looking down the length of the piece that is scribed) , then the joints are not visible even if they open up from shrinkage

[@christophersmith108]

​@@NewYorkshireWorkshop Thanks. Yes, that makes sense

[@DrWeird]

@@NewYorkshireWorkshop that makes sense, never thought of it that way. I always wondered why you cope an inside corner but never bothered to look into more. I learned that at young age from my master carpenter grandfather and just accepted it as that is the way it's done cause that man had experience equal to 3 of my lifetimes at that point.

[@r1273m]

There is also the problem that if you put mitres on an internal corner and at some time in the future need to remove the skirting it can be very difficult. This is especially true on short runs such as the alcoves each side of the chimney breast. A board with scribed corners can be removed without disturbing the adjacent boards. I thought rebating the bottom edge to make it easier planing was a brilliant idea.

[@stun9771]

Obviously the question is asked by someone who has never tried to mitre internal corners on walls in an old house, plastered newly or not, that generally consist of multiple angles, and that you never seem to be able to cut exactly… the method used in the video is by far superior for a good profile match and little if any gaps at all…

[@chriswild2458]

I have fixed literally thousands of metres of skirting in my career and these Victorian houses coupled with the plasterers finishing short is tricky , this film shows exactly how to do it , hats off to you

[@allesklarklaus147]

Is there any reason why they don't plaster down to the floor? this just looks very wrong. Or is it a british way of doing things

[@ep1981]

@@allesklarklaus147 Sometimes it's for air flow reasons (for the floor below is a suspended wood floor).

[@Tawmii91]

I’m lazy AF, stacking plywood or plastic shims etc is such a hassle in my book. I make one or two holes per fixation point, take a long screw with big flat head and adjust the depth by how much I screw it in then let the trim rest on the head of the screw. Saves a ton of time though I will admit this is a less rugged solution giving the trim less area to rest on, but has worked well so far.

[@67spoon]

@@allesklarklaus147 As he’s working you can see the gaps in the render coat, these are where wooden propeller wedges would have been knocked into the brick joints, the wedges were then cut flush with the finish plaster and the skirt nailed to the wedges with cut nails. No plaster was needed below that point.

[@edwardpinto7018]

Or you could just finish the plaster… it’s not hard at all.

[@winky32174]

In my mind, this home will be worth more than any palace in my eyes. Such craftsmanship, such attention to detail!

[@badlarry172]

his front garden gate is worth more than my house imo

[@asvarien]

You don't think palace craftsmen pay attention to detail? Those Italian marble floors don't fit themselves.

[@catabaticanabatic3800]

Definitely the best demo of how to fit skirting boards that I have ever seen.

[@davidcrossley7145]

Really enjoyed watching you fix the skirting,especially how you scribed them so they fit perfectly to the floor,great job 👍👍

[@MrRayCK]

It's a pleasure to see soneone working so neat and having an eye for detail. Good work!

[@Wu2u22]

Not just a master woodworker, but also a master carpenter. I've watched every video you have available, and you've never failed to amaze me with your skill level. Another fine addition to the catalog. :)

[@ianoliver3879]

And a master of dialogue. I've never heard him utter one word with which I disagree. Thank you, sir.

[@davidturner8689]

The first time I have watched a film from start to finish. It's uplifting to see someone who has a complete control of his trade. Quite brilliant.

[@bullpaxton2001]

probably the most meticulous and clean molding work ive ever seen!

[@cha-ka8671]

I finally know the tool I need for old uneven floors!!! That pencil trick is awesome

[@steved8038]

That was how a professional perfectionist does the job, Beautifully done !!

[@167curly]

You make that project look so easy, but I can imagine all the many hours those skirting boards took to manufacture, paint and install. With them and all the plaster coving and other mouldings now in place I imagine the skirting boards', plaster coves' police in your home are on the look-out for reckless tricyclists, vacuumers and mop/broom wielders! 😉

[@elliottlester74]

It's 2.28am and I can't sleep. Your video was the perfect watch. So peaceful it completely absorbed me. A great job there and some brilliant top tips.

[@frankryan2505]

I remember an old master carpenter friend of mine (good bloke for a lanc) who did some work on my place lamenting the fact that his trade was dying and he couldn't get apprentices who would take the time to do it old school, he'd be pleased as punch to see blokes like yourself keeping up the traditions.

[@paulosborne6517]

Superb internal angle mating shenanigans there, Russ..! Your videos are so relaxing to watch - please don't ever change your presentation.

[@dshey6802]

Such sophisticated paint and wallpaper choices!! Beautiful workmanship.

[@stewartmoore]

I really learnt one or two little tricks of the trade with that video. The floors look a million dollars and those skirting boards came up a treat. I've never thought about using baby wipes but that's a brilliant idea. Thank you for posting!

[@anadin0612]

Not sure why, but I always think of Iron Maiden when I see you on video. Thanks for more great content. From Sheffield myself. Yorkshire man born and bred.

[@Alchemetica]

I am blown away by your gamut of skills and knowledge in so many areas. The house is looking magnificent. I love the method you chose for the production of videos. The edit that uses only ambient sound with work noises, the sound of a pencil, the footfalls with the room reverb. No background music and a written narrative. For the first time I saw a car in the workshop that looks like a restoration project, don't tell me you have the ability to restore a car.

[@NewYorkshireWorkshop]

How about the ability to design and build a car from scratch? whether or not it will work is another question! :)

[@Alchemetica]

@@NewYorkshireWorkshop Why am I not surprised you will build a car from scratch.

[@johnkaimins9998]

An excellent result. One thing I learnt from the painters that used to work for me ~ paint all your gloss work before painting the walls. Wall paint is easy to wipe off a gloss surface, but oil based enamel is a pita to remove from wall paint. Keep up the good work.

[@trakside1]

Now that is a master class in how to fit skirting board! Cracking job and lovely house!

[@mick_0359]

Absolutely A grade finish done to a perfectionist standard...A quality tradesman that takes pride in his craft is so very hard to come by nowadays it’s all about the fast buck and taking short cuts ...as for you my friend a true master at his craft bravo.....

[@29lookingood]

Hear hear. I second this comment 👍🏾💙

[@andrewclarkehomeimprovement]

Really good trades aren't difficult to find, just difficult to book!

[@stonehengeman]

My eyes the craftsmanship and skill here is just astonishing. 👍

[@googalsalot]

Amazing talent and patience. I also love your design choices, great taste.

[@rexeady4325]

The attention to detail is just amazing. There can’t be many carpenters that could do this job this good. We’ll done indeed, a pleasure to watch!

[@scarlattibeet]

I've watched a lot of your KZbin videos, but ths one was the most exhilarating. Thanks for the tip about the bottom rebate on the skirting board. Beautiful workmanship.

[@judebaber5695]

I love the profile of the skirting board… excellent job 🙂

[@diverdave4056]

that is one SWEET scribe your using ! I never saw one like that during my 35 years as a trim carpenter

[@cherylowilley6007]

The bottom rebate is a fabulous idea.

[@HansSiemons]

Someone else might spend an entire day in a museum admiring the art, I can probably spend all day on the floor in that house admiring the skirting boards.

[@jimmeh213]

Love the rebate trick for scribing the floor boards 👏🏼

[@woody1320]

You never cease to amaze me on your talents and craftsmanship! So glad that your restoring this beautiful home and taking us along!! Greetings from a Yank.

[@vivlloyd2977]

Simply brilliant. Learnt so much from a real craftsman.

[@davidcrossley7145]

I’ve fitted a few skirtings in my time. But they’ve never looked as good as what you fitted, watching the video I now know where I’ve been going wrong thanks bud good to watch a crafts at his job 👍

[@greco37]

The rebate on the bottom for scribing, excellent!

[@tim_biller]

Beautiful workmanship. I still think your spindle moulder fence is a work of art in itself.

[@jimmurphy6095]

Agree 100% I had to rewind that and watch it again...

[@krismay1313]

I can watch his work without end.. He's master!!!

[@statesidechippie]

Lived in a house that had very similar floor, near perfect condition. The front room had beautiful open fire and tiled surround. Sold the house in early 2000s. The kids went to the same school, we spoke to them some months later about the floor and others things. “Our mum n dad didn’t like the floor - they tore it out.” My brother and I died a little that day… great work mate. The place is going to look amazing when you’re finished. Keep it up!

[@negotiableaffections]

Thanks for watching? I couldn't look away. How many hats does that job alone take? The 'Patience' hat must fit over them all! Thanks for the little overbrushes of wall-paint to keep you merely human. . . reassuring. Incredible work though.

[@christopherbedford9897]

Fantastic result of great workmanship. It is we who should be thanking you for sharing your techniques and attention to detail. Well done.

[@guentherkoffler9408]

I am impressed, this house transforms into a jewel. Master of your craft 👍

[@jamesconner8275]

In the USA we don't scribe and trim the bottom of the skirt (baseboard to us). We take a very thin piece of 'quarter round' or 'shoe molding' and add it where the skirt meets the floor. It is flexible enough to follow the contour of the floor and conceal all the gaps. It also adds additional architectural dimension to the skirt. Excellent job!!!

[@thedieiscast9729]

having fitted miles of skirting boards in my time it must say yours are a top job. It's nice to be fitting period-appropriate boards as well. Those horrible narrow bull nose boards that developers use on cheap jobs never cut the mustard. Thanks for sharing your work.

[@mark5019]

I love your work I'm a disabled veteran I can't get enough of your videos

[@mr.critic]

8:12 painting the freshly shaved parts should prevent swelling caused by mopping.

[@sparkmeister4706]

A true artform. Everything you do is exceptional.

[@janvanos5849]

Wow, what a craftsman you are! Congratulations!

[@telkilaci612]

It is really an "Versailes" tipe/quality work. Thank You for posting these videos! 👍⚜️

[@GEOsustainable]

I caught those 'money strokes'. They look amazing.

[@TradeWorks_Construction]

Thanks so much for sharing the tips and tricks of your trade. Many others would skim over those parts like adding the rebate into the bottom of the skirting (Fantastic Time Saver and well worth the effort of adding early on!) For most any delicate mounding that need to be pulled in tight (either to the wall or an adjoining piece) I prefer a Micro Pin Nailer. They can shoot such small gauge pins from 1/2” up to 1-3/8” long which usually makes touch up non-existent. Probably already are aware so this comment was primarily for all those who hadn’t discovered the wonders of those little nailers. Absolutely stunning results, decor may not be my taste but the execution of the details and the finish I can appreciate as a craftsman myself.

[@Mc674bo]

If you ever decided to sell, I hope who ever bought it would realise the standard of work they have inherited . This is stately home quality work

[@randommusings48]

So professional looking! I see a lot of people skipping the scribing part by attaching a quarter round. Well done for not doing that!

[@cooperised]

Agreed, the quarter round looks awful!

[@jasonvandergriff7809]

Man, I can't wait to see a finished video tour of your home! I've enjoyed following the journey so far. The stair case, the railing, the custom hand made front door, the windows, the glass ceiling, the layered plywood vanities, everything has been truly amazing to watch! A true Craftsman's home! Well done! I've milled a number of my own mouldings. In fact, I custom mill most of my own mouldings and trim work for all of the furniture projects I've built. It's very satisfying!

[@philipshane768]

Wow I never realized how much of a mouse highway was behind these skirting boards. Beautiful work. Great fence on your shaper.

[@jamiesmith9041]

Many thanks for all your vids, really interesting. You are not a jack of all trades but a king, and master of all.👍

[@tc7518]

Just a quick note...when closing up your cans of paint take a piece of saran wrap ( sorry don't know what you call light plastic wrap for sealing goods in the refrigerator where you live) and put it over the paint in the can ....making sure to tuck it into the paint...then lay it up the sides to get a good seal...then when you open the paint up again...say 6 months later it will be as good as new..

[@idontthinkso666]

And a ridiculous mess to deal with, too. I think I'd rather skim off the pudding' top.

[@geoffreyraleigh1674]

Second time back, you are so relaxing to watch. Cheers!

[@MrPDawes]

There's a lot to be learned from your videos. Much appreciated. Even the rebate trick to make it easier to adjust the bottom edge is inspiring, although I would prefer to protect this edge from liquids as MDF balloons like a sponge if wet and if drinks are spilled on the floor, that's where it will wick up.

[@iwayini]

Job well done. Very professional and excellent attention to detail. I wish there were more craftsmen like you.

[@rebeccagrimke4818]

The result is breathtaking. You did a great job and it's paying off

[@theor.9219]

Thanks for explaining WHY you need to mitre the butt joints. Now it makes sense.

[@marka.schlueter9918]

The most relaxing video I've watched in weeks. It's just awesome to see him patiently move forward. No huge hurry. Precision more important than getting it done quickly. A master craftsman. I caulked today and my baseboards don't look half this good. But...I'm happy as I learn and move forward. Thanks for sharing.

[@Al-cd2bk]

Wow absolutely easquisite! The contrast of the clean lines against the floor and painted walls . You are exceptionally talented with your trade. Love your vlogs .

[@DrWeird]

These videos are just something else. the intense attention to detail with nothing but subtitles and tool noises without annoying music in the background is quite soothing. If I have trouble falling asleep I will often fire up one of your videos I have already seen a few times on my phone and it helps me relax to sleep. I always pick an old one cause then I'm not fighting to stay awake to see what happens next :D (the last couple times it has been then stair restoration video)

[@Thepourdeuxchanson]

You will probably like Dashner's videos on fixing and refinishing furniture - quiet, no noise except a gentle voice describing some process, and in the background birdsong and the occasional bicycle cruising past the front driveway.

[@maritrnning5357]

oneandahalf hour since I shoulhave gone to sleep now, but cannot stop watching this man. Skills on a higher level!

[@1_MartinFlanagan]

Thank you for taking the time to share this with us. It's great to how jobs like this are done.

[@davereece3498]

Top job mate. Great vids. You are an inspiration to many of us poor souls!! Cheers!

[@Joannesyoga]

Really lovely. Like the vertical radiators. Chilled out, relaxing learning for us viewers. :)

[@ianvicedomini2648]

Wow it looks stunning russ. I like how you made the skirting deeper and perfectly flush along the floor. Great video mate👍🏻👍🏻

[@darkmyble2006]

Methodical and professional.. awesome video. Lots of tips and tricks . What's not to like? Awesome 👍

[@elliotazus6258]

Perfection master craftsman you are Russ! God bless and take care

[@elliotazus6258]

Thank you Russ and thank you for sharing . it takes hours for editing videos. Thank you for your time.

[@Blagger3000]

Another master class and pretty perfect result too. A pleasure to watch.

[@lrdisco2005]

Excellent work. It goes some way to curing my irrational hatred of MDF.

[@Gun5hip]

Woo the colours go well with the flooring very nice.

[@offspringer100]

Man it was really not needed to cover up those neatly placed screws! Now you have to lay on the floor the entire day to admire your perfect creation :)) You did everything in the way how I would do it my home, just I placed subscirting in my place so the plasterer has an endge to work to. Makes fitting the final baseboards much more easy!

[@matthewcalder4351]

Well done Russ you have been blessed with a very high skill set and we are blessed being able to watch! Cheers M

[@richardockenden8669]

Wow at last someone who cares about a propper job , that's a quality job Norm Abram would be proud of 😊. Well done the house looks amazing .

[@leftwichprojects]

The house looks amazing and another cracking video. Great work 👏🏼👏🏼👌

[@vedajanbaker8518]

Loved this! Haven't seen you for a while. Post more often!

[@TheDaf95xf]

What a fantastic skill to have 👍🏻 Well done Sir and I bet your wife loves it 🤩

[@167curly]

My first home (in Bermuda) was partly build in the 1860s too and later, and most rooms were not perfectly square, and there were different minor levels too, so renovations were a challenge. I admire how you handle the imperfections and irregularities in your walls when installing those skirting boards and with the little ins and outs of your room. Congratulations. Might I suggest getting some strap-on kneeling pads for such work which will be kind for your knees?

[@brianc75yt]

Once again, outstanding work! My compliments to you!

[@markmiwurdz202]

Outstandingly work as always Russ. A pleasure to watch to see the job done properly! Thank you. You and yours stay safe and well.

[@bobx2387]

I have used the "washer" trick before but have also used the small shaped Bahco scraper blades in a similar way, I did this on one site and chippy thought I was some kind of genius. I did my time in Aircraft Industry but later went into decorating/building /woodwork. Have never looked for customers. Could not live without Bahco scrapers.. Watch and admire all you do. Bob(Somerset)

[@beverlybowman813]

You are truly a master. Well done.

[@thatmikestout]

You do really amazing work. Bravo!

[@CihaPet]

Absolutely breathtaking!

[@lissataylor12345]

Wow that’s all I can say. It is such a work of art! Thanks for sharing.

[@mikejames663]

Oh, great job, all round perfection, Bravo.

[@bbqlips]

Great tricks to learn from this video on how to install baseboards properly!

[@TItuszell]

Excellent work and the videography is marvellous. Thanks for all your videos, I enjoy them all.

[@richardspees841]

Words fail me, but outstanding results and attention to detail.

[@johnbell4845]

An absolutely fabulous job, you should be proud of your work 👌

[@michaelchapman4269]

Great work, that property is looking absolutely stunning. Great attention to detail.

[@krenwregget7667]

it's always interesting to see how houses are built in other parts of the world. Here in Canada, most residential buildings are made from wood, at least here in the west. That means when installing base board, we shoot 18g pins into the studs and/or base plates, no need for drilling. We then calk (Dap) the corners and any pin holes much like you did near the end of the video.

[@pitsnipe5559]

Quite nice. I’ve never scribed baseboard to floors, always installed shoe mold.

[@arvidpaulius7816]

I have watched your work with great pleasure ! 😉 👍👏👏👏

[@mndlessdrwer]

It looks like you've got yourself quite the home, and it's going to be absolutely stunning when you're finally done with it. That tall skirting board is such a statement and it'll really set off those excellent new floors you've installed. and make that stairwell seem particularly grand.

[@YouT-DJ]

Things are shaping up. Nice work

[@Arfabiscuit]

Absolute class , top notch taste your Mrs has buddy . In decorating i mean .