Fit skirting or flooring first?

[noshadow]

I've recently stripped out my dining room, removing old laminate, skirting etc. I'm pretty set on putting solid wood flooring down, but I'm not sure if I should lay the floor first or fit skirting/architrave first.

I'm guessing putting the flooring down first is the best idea to ensure a good expansion gap, but I'm concerned about damaging the floor when fitting the skirting/architrave or getting the likes of Gripfill on the floor. Do some people fit skirting/architrave first, taking into account the expansion gap needed for the flooring they have decided on?

The other option would be to fit the skirting/architrave right on top of the floorboards, lay the flooring to the skirtings and have beading run around the skirting but I don't think that looks as good.

Thanks

 

[JohnD]

Flooring first.

If you are clumsy, cover it with something protective.

 

[noshadow]

Flooring first and protective covering it is!