Skirting Board behind pipes

[Bkaragoz]

Hi ,

Im fitting skirting boards around my bathroom i have come to this problem with pipes that skirting board wont fit behind it , whats the best solution in this situation?

[Someone-Else]

1) Move the pipe.

2) Leave a gap in the skirting board.

3) Abandon the skirting board idea.

4) Paint a fake skirting board instead.

[wine~o]

mitre saw the skirts at 45 degees, fix to wall then fill any voids.

[big-all]

place the skirting in situ behind the pipes draw a pencil line parallel each side to the pipe this should come up about 3mm wider than the pipe
60/100/120 grit sandpaper[what ever you have]round an offcut off 15mm copper
sand in stages until tight behind the pipes then adjust position and angle to centre the recess at the angle and position for the pipe and allow a 1.5-2mm gap all round

because the radiator is fitted you will need that length to be in 2 or 3 sections to get it in

[dewaltdisney]

I was thinking that you need a 15mm groove an inch or so from the floor edge to clear the pipe. I would transcribe the pipes' positions as BA suggests, clamp a piece of wood to the skirt in the area, and drill a hole at the required angle so that when separated the groove will be neat and accurate. (it worked in my head)

DWD

[Bkaragoz]

Thank you so much for your replies, I'll try to give a shot

[big-all]

remember joints should be at 45% to tie in and prevent cracks
iff you are painting the skirts you can fill any gaps to the pipes with caulk and when painted it will look like the skirts are whole
you could also cut a full length flat "V" groove to accommodate the pipe and fill with caulk
and remember flaws behind and below a radiator on skirting are well below eye level so more forgiving off mistakes

[premierdecorators]

Hi Bkaragoz,

It sounds like you're dealing with a common challenge when fitting skirting boards around pipes! Here are a few options based on the responses so far:

Cutting a Groove: As mentioned by others, you can cut a groove into the back of the skirting board to fit around the pipe. This can be done using a saw or a router. Ensure the groove is about 3mm wider than the pipe for a snug fit, and use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.

Mitre Cuts: If you’re comfortable with a mitre saw, you can cut the ends of the skirting board at 45 degrees to create neat joints. This will help the skirting boards fit better around any obstacles.

Leave a Gap: Another option is to simply leave a small gap in the skirting board where the pipes are. This might be the easiest solution, especially if the pipes are not too obtrusive.

Fill with Caulk: After fitting the skirting board, you can use caulk to fill any gaps around the pipes. Once painted, this can create a seamless look that disguises the irregularities.

Consideration for Multiple Sections: If the pipe is in a tight spot, you might need to cut the skirting board into two or three sections to allow for installation around the pipe without forcing it.

Fake Skirting Board: If the pipes are particularly challenging, consider painting a "fake" skirting board on the wall instead. This is a creative solution that might save time and effort.

Each method has its merits, so choose the one that best fits your skills and the look you're aiming for. Good luck with your project!