The skirting application in PU has two distinct tracks: residential and commercial. The profile is similar, the density is different.
Residential skirting typically uses medium-density PU (150 to 200 kg/m³). The skirting is light, takes a finish well, and is priced competitively. The right answer for most homes, apartments, and condos.
Commercial skirting typically uses high-density PU (250+ kg/m³). The skirting is more impact-resistant, takes more abuse, and is the right answer for hotels, offices, retail, and any high-traffic application. The price per meter is higher, but the lifecycle cost is lower because the skirting doesn't dent, chip, or need replacement.
In both cases, the profile options cover the same range. A modern project uses a flat or simple stepped profile, often 80 to 120 millimeters tall. A traditional project uses a more developed profile, often 120 to 200 millimeters tall, sometimes with plinth blocks at the doors. A luxury project uses a tall (200+ millimeter) profile with a full classical geometry.
The other variable is the height. The same profile is typically available in multiple heights (100, 120, 150, 180 millimeters) at the same proportional geometry. A 100 millimeter version of a profile looks like a small version of the same profile at 180 millimeters; the design is consistent, the scale is just different.
For multi-unit residential projects (apartments, condos, student housing), the same profile in the same height is typically specified for the entire project. The factory ships in volume, the price per meter is at its best, and the on-site installation is consistent.
For commercial projects (hotel rooms, office floors, retail fit-outs), the same logic applies — a single profile in a single height across the entire project, with variations only in public areas (lobbies, restaurants) where a more substantial profile is often specified.
A practical sourcing note. The most common mistake in skirting specifications is under-specifying the height. A skirting that looks right in the sample room looks too small in a long hallway or a tall room. The right rule of thumb: in a room with 2.4 to 2.7 meter ceilings, 100 to 120 millimeters. In a room with 2.7 to 3 meter ceilings, 120 to 150 millimeters. In a room with 3+ meter ceilings, 150 to 200 millimeters or more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a PU skirting board?
A: A PU skirting board (also called a baseboard) is a polyurethane molding installed at the floor-to-wall transition. It protects walls from scuffs and vacuum damage while delivering a clean architectural edge. PU skirting is waterproof, impact-resistant, and far lighter than the equivalent timber profile.
Q: How do you install Polyurethane skirting solutions for residential and commercial?
A: Cut Polyurethane skirting solutions for residential and commercial with a fine-tooth miter saw. Apply construction adhesive in a continuous bead along the back, press to the wall, and tack with finish nails into studs where possible. Mitre joints at inside and outside corners, fill with spackle, sand, and apply two coats of paint. PU skirting requires no sanding of the face — it arrives primed.
Q: Can PU skirting be used in wet areas?
A: Yes. PU skirting is fully waterproof and ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Use a polyurethane adhesive (not water-based) and seal the bottom edge to the floor with a thin bead of clear silicone in wet zones to prevent mop water from wicking under the profile.
Q: What height skirting board should I choose?
A: Standard residential skirting heights are 60–100 mm (2.4–4 inches). For modern interiors, taller profiles (120–150 mm / 5–6 inches) deliver a more contemporary look and visually raise the perceived ceiling height. Heritage and Victorian restorations typically use 150–200 mm (6–8 inches) with a stepped or ogee profile.