Do You Have to Remove Skirting Boards for New Flooring? Scotia vs New Skirting Explained

Quick answer: No, you don't have to remove skirting boards. Most floating floors are laid with the skirting left in place, and the small gap at the edge is covered with a neat moulding called scotia (or beading). Taking the skirting off and refitting it on top of the new floor gives a slightly cleaner, more built-in look — but it takes longer and usually means patching and painting.

Why there's a gap at the edges

Floating floors like hybrid and laminate aren't glued down. They move very slightly as the temperature changes through the year, so they need a small expansion gap around the walls. Something has to cover that gap neatly — that's where scotia or skirting comes in.

Option 1: Leave the skirting on, add scotia

What it is: scotia is a small, rounded strip that sits along the bottom of the skirting board and covers the gap. It's also called beading or quad.

• Good: Quicker and simpler

• Good: No risk of damaging walls or skirting

• Good: Can be colour-matched to your floor, or painted to match the skirting

• Watch out: Adds a small line at the bottom of the skirting — most people stop noticing it within a week

Best for: most homes, rentals, and anyone who wants the job done quickly and neatly.

Option 2: Remove the skirting, then refit it

What it is: the old skirting comes off, the floor goes down, and the skirting goes back on sitting on top of the new floor, hiding the gap.

• Good: The cleanest, most "built-in" look

• Good: Great time to replace tired or chipped skirting with new boards

• Watch out: Takes longer

• Watch out: Old skirting can crack when it's removed, especially if it's been painted many times

• Watch out: Walls usually need some patching and the skirting needs painting afterwards

Best for: full renovations where you're painting anyway, or when you want brand-new skirting.

Can I reuse my old skirting boards?

Often, yes — if they come off in one piece. Timber skirting that's been nailed on can usually be reused. MDF skirting that's glued on, or skirting with many layers of paint, is more likely to break. If you're renovating, new skirting is often worth it.

Which looks better?

Both look good when done well. Here's a simple way to decide:

• Want it quick and tidy — Best choice: Scotia

• Painting the whole house anyway — Best choice: Remove and refit, or new skirting

• Skirting is old and damaged — Best choice: New skirting

• Rental property — Best choice: Scotia

• Very modern, minimal look — Best choice: New skirting

Colour-matching scotia

We sell scotia colour-matched to your floor, so it blends in. Some people prefer to paint scotia the same colour as the skirting so it disappears into the wall. Both work — it's personal taste.

Other trims you might need

• T-moulding — where your new floor meets another floor at the same height.

• Reducer — where it meets a lower floor, like carpet.

• End cap — against sliding doors, tiles or fixed edges.

• Stair nosing — for the front edge of each step.

Trims are colour-matched to the floor you choose.

Frequently asked questions

Is scotia old-fashioned?

Not at all. It's still the most common finish for floating floors in Australian homes. A slim, colour-matched scotia looks neat and modern.

Can I silicone the gap instead?

No. The gap needs to stay free so the floor can move. Silicone locks the floor in place.

Does removing skirting cost more?

It takes more time, and there's usually patching and painting to do afterwards, so it usually costs more than scotia. We'll show both options in your quote if you'd like.

Plan your finish

Browse our hybrid flooring and laminate flooring, or book a free measure and quote and we'll talk you through the trims for your home.