Screws or Nails for Skirting?

[Jetheat]

I have just ordered some new skirting boards and I will be fixing them to the wall (first timer).

Some of the boards are 4m and 3m long.

I will be using Gripfill to stick them to the wall but I also need to make sure it's attached properly with screws or nails.

I have a brick wall with render on it.
a) Should I use nails or screws?

b) What length should I use? My skirting is 18mm thick.

c) Do I need wall plugs?

d) If I use a nail, how do I get it countersunk without damaging the skirting with a hammer?

Appreciate the help,

JH

 

[foxhole]

I find gripfill very poor on skirtings , slow to cure and poor grab. Adhesive foam works quicker and is easy to use. Then you won’t need any screws or nails .

 

[Jetheat]

I find gripfill very poor on skirtings , slow to cure and poor grab. Adhesive foam works quicker and is easy to use. Then you won’t need any screws or nails .

Since I have a 4m board, I wanted to secure it with something else also.
So I thought a nail or a screw.

Any suggestions?

JH

 

[foxhole]

Mine were all 4.2m boards , no fixings

 

[Jetheat]

Doesn't foam expand and create a type of thickness between board and wall?

I have used No Nonsense foam in the past but that was just to fill empty spaces. Is that the one?

JH

 

[TicTac]

Some do, others don't - experiment with it. Sometimes you need to foam it, push the board against the wall, take it off to break any expansion, and then put it back on again.

https://www.toolstation.com/shop/p60449?table=no
https://www.toolstation.com/shop/p75661

 

[endecotp]

I have used No Nonsense foam in the past but that was just to fill empty spaces. Is that the one?

You need something described as a "sticky foam", and you need a gun to apply it so that you get a thin uniform bead.

 

[Jetheat]

It seems like the foam will be a hit or miss. I don't want to mess up the boards if its gonna expand and create a large gap. I'd rather go with a standard adhesive and add nails or screws.

Anyhow, any suggestions on the nail and screws?

a) Should I use nails or screws?

b) What length should I use? My skirting is 18mm thick.

c) Do I need wall plugs?

d) If I use a nail, how do I get it countersunk without damaging the skirting with a hammer?

JH

 

[endecotp]

a) Should I use nails or screws?

Yes, nails or screws.

b) What length should I use? My skirting is 18mm thick.

More than 18mm then.

c) Do I need wall plugs?

Depends.

d) If I use a nail, how do I get it countersunk without damaging the skirting with a hammer?

With a nail punch.

Fundamental question: what is the wall behind made of?

 

[Jetheat]

a) Should I use nails or screws? I know I need one, but which one?

b) What length should I use? My skirting is 18mm thick. What should be the exact size of the nail (or screw)?

c) Do I need wall plugs? What does it depend on?

d) If I use a nail, how do I get it countersunk without damaging the skirting with a hammer? The wall is made of brick blocks and render on top. I don't have a nail gun though.

 

[endecotp]

The wall is made of brick blocks and render on top.

There are various nails and screws that will go into brick & block without the need for plugs, and there are also hammer- and frame-fixings that you could use. Have a look at the screwfix website and see what you fancy. I don't have any particular recommendations.

 

[lostinthelight]

a) Should I use nails or screws? I know I need one, but which one?

b) What length should I use? My skirting is 18mm thick. What should be the exact size of the nail (or screw)?

c) Do I need wall plugs? What does it depend on?

d) If I use a nail, how do I get it countersunk without damaging the skirting with a hammer? The wall is made of brick blocks and render on top. I don't have a nail gun though.

See this thread and post 6 ,either plug or fill contersunk heads, I mainly use 60mm in masonary.
litl
https://www.diynot.com/diy/threads/skirting-board-wedges-plugs.483971/#post-3929393

 

[motorbiking]

use screws with plugs recess the screws and use either filler to cover or a dowel plug if the boards are thick enough. I personally find they do less damage if you need to remove.

for corners where the two edges join in to the room rather than the corner a bit of glue and fine nails works to keep the edge sharp

 

[foxhole]

You need foam adhesive not foam filler.Very different products. Any expansion is allowed before contact with wall, no movement after fixing.

 

[Jetheat]

You need foam adhesive not foam filler.Very different products. Any expansion is allowed before contact with wall, no movement after fixing.

If it's expanded, doesn't that create a larger gap? Or is it still liquid enough to flatten into place?
Is it messier than the standard adhesives?

JH