What Are Skirting Tiles? A First-Time Renovator’s Guide
When you're planning a bathroom, toilet room, or laundry renovation, you’ll likely hear the term "skirting tiles" come up — but what exactly are they? And do you really need them? Let’s break it down so you can make informed decisions for your project.
What Are Skirting Tiles?
Skirting tiles are the row of tiles installed around the base of the wall where it meets the floor — essentially like a tiled version of the skirting boards you see in other parts of the house.
They typically run 100–300mm high up the wall, but the height can vary depending on your design preferences.
What Is Their Purpose?
Skirting tiles serve both a functional and aesthetic purpose:
Protection: They protect the bottom of the walls from water splashes, cleaning impacts, mops, vacuum cleaners, and general wear and tear.
Waterproofing: In wet areas like bathrooms and laundries, they act as an extra layer of defence to prevent water from seeping into the wall base.
Clean Finish: They create a tidy transition between floor and wall, especially when the walls are painted instead of fully tiled.
Durability: Painted walls alone can become damaged or stained near the floor, particularly in high-moisture areas. Skirting tiles help preserve the wall's integrity over time.
Where Are Skirting Tiles Commonly Used?
You’ll often find skirting tiles installed in:
Powder rooms and toilets: where the walls might be painted rather than fully tiled.
Laundries: to protect against water from washing machines or sinks.
Bathrooms: particularly if the walls are not tiled floor-to-ceiling, but only partially tiled or painted above.
In fully tiled bathrooms (floor to ceiling), skirting tiles aren't needed separately because the wall tiles already serve that purpose.
Key Considerations for First-Time Renovators
If you’re new to renovation, here are some important things to think about:
1. Consistency Matters
If your bathroom walls are painted, adding skirting tiles can visually "finish" the look and protect the base of the walls. Make sure the style of the skirting tile complements your main floor tile — usually, the same tile is used, cut down to size.
P.S. Our personal opinion is to tile your walls floor to ceiling rather than using skirting tiles with paint. This results in more effective moisture resistance for your overall bathroom’s health.
2. Height of Skirting Tiles
There’s no strict rule, but 100mm–300mm is a standard height. Taller skirting tiles can make a small powder room feel slightly more elegant, while shorter ones might feel more understated.
3. When You Might Skip Them
If you're fully tiling the walls to ceiling height, you typically don't need a separate skirting tile.
If you're planning a very minimalist space, some renovators choose to omit skirting tiles — but you must accept the trade-off of less wall protection.
4. Talk About Skirting Early
Make sure you confirm whether you want skirting tiles before the tiling starts.
Good communication with your tiler ensures they know how much tile to allow for, and how it ties into the overall waterproofing strategy.
In summary, skirting tiles might seem like a small detail, but they play a big role in the durability and finish of your wet areas. As a first-time renovator, paying attention to these small details can elevate the quality and longevity of your space!
