Advice Hub

 MW Profiles Team

Aluminium skirting board is the finish that makes a room look intentional. Walk into a modern office, a contract fit-out, a minimalist kitchen or a contemporary apartment and you will see it running along the base of the wall: a sharp, sleek line of anodised silver metal that catches the light without drawing attention. It sits flush against the wall, needs almost no maintenance, and lasts for decades. This guide covers what aluminium skirting board is, the three standard UK sizes we stock (59mm, 80mm and 100mm), what anodised silver actually means, why aluminium is the best choice for waterproof and wet-area installations, where it wins over PVC and wood, and how to cut and fit it properly. If you are still deciding which type of skirting suits your room, our guide to matching skirting boards with floors and walls is the place to start.

Browse all aluminium skirting boards

What Is Aluminium Skirting Board?

Aluminium skirting board is a slim metal profile fitted along the base of a wall where it meets the floor. It replaces the traditional MDF or softwood skirting most UK homes use, and swaps out timber's warmth and paintable finish for a harder, thinner, more contemporary look.

You will also see it called metal skirting board, metal skirting trim, aluminium baseboard or silver skirting board. All these names describe the same product. The aluminium is extruded (pushed through a shaped die at high pressure), so the profile is precise and consistent along the entire length.

Almost all aluminium skirting boards on the UK market, including ours, are anodised. Anodising is a controlled chemical process that hardens the surface of the aluminium and integrates a colour layer into the metal itself. The result is a finish that will not chip, peel or fade the way paint does. That is why aluminium skirting board still looks factory-fresh after ten years of wear.

Where Aluminium Skirting Board Is Used

Aluminium skirting board earns its keep anywhere the finish needs to look clean, hold up to abuse, and stay looking that way for years without a top-up coat.

Contract, offices and retail

The default choice in commercial fit-outs. Offices, showrooms, gyms, retail units and hospitality projects use aluminium skirting because it handles heavy footfall, trolley traffic and cleaning equipment without denting or scuffing. It also works with the sharp visual lines that contract designers tend to specify.

Aluminium Skirting for Kitchen and Bathroom

Because aluminium does not swell, rot or discolour when wet, aluminium skirting for kitchen and bathroom installations is one of its strongest use cases. Around kitchen units where water splashes are inevitable, along the base of wet-room walls, and in utility spaces, it holds up to daily moisture where MDF would fail and PVC would only manage. It also pairs particularly well with matte grey and black kitchen carcasses, and with modern tap and handle finishes.

Minimalist and contemporary interiors

In domestic projects, aluminium skirting board is increasingly popular in loft conversions, new-build apartments, and renovations aiming for a modern minimalist aesthetic. The 5mm to 15mm profile depth sits almost flush against the wall, so it reads as an intentional design line rather than a chunky border.

Expert tip: if you are matching aluminium skirting to modern kitchen furniture or matte black window frames, the silver anodised finish reads as a neutral rather than a competing colour. It pairs cleanly with almost any colour palette, which is why designers reach for it as a default rather than a statement.

Aluminium Skirting Board Sizes: 59mm, 80mm and 100mm

MW Profiles stocks three standard heights. The right choice depends on the room, the flooring, and the visual scale you want.

59mm aluminium skirting board

The most discreet of the three. 59mm is a low-profile height that suits minimalist interiors where you want the skirting to almost disappear against the wall. Also useful where door frames and architraves sit low, or where a subtle transition between wall and floor is more important than a statement line.

View 59mm aluminium skirting board

80mm aluminium skirting board

The middle option, and the best all-round choice for most contemporary domestic and light contract projects. 80mm sits proportionately against standard interior doors, gives enough visual presence to read as a deliberate finish, and covers the base of the wall without dominating the room. If you are unsure which size to choose, start here.

View 80mm aluminium skirting board (LP80)

100mm aluminium skirting board

The tallest of the three, and the right choice for contract projects, large open-plan spaces, or period conversions where the ceiling height calls for a taller skirting to keep proportions balanced. 100mm reads as substantial without being ornamental. Popular in office fit-outs, showrooms and modern apartments with 2.7m+ ceilings.

View 100mm aluminium skirting board (LP100)

All three sizes come in standard 2.5 metre lengths. For a room with wider walls, two lengths can be joined with a butt joint that is barely visible once fitted.

Anodised Silver Finish Explained

Anodising is not paint and not a coating. It is a chemical process that thickens the natural oxide layer on the aluminium surface and locks a colour into that layer. The result is a finish that is part of the metal itself, not something applied on top.

Practically, this means three things:

• The finish will not chip, flake or peel over time.
• The colour will not fade, even under prolonged UV or bright indoor lighting.
• Scratches are much less visible because the anodised layer is coloured all the way through, not just on the surface.

Silver is the classic and most popular anodised finish, and it is what we stock across all three sizes. It reads as a neutral in almost any colour palette, which is why it works so well in commercial and modern domestic settings alike.

You will also see aluminium skirting sold as brushed aluminium skirting, satin aluminium or brushed silver. In practice these describe the same visual finish. The extrusion process leaves a subtle brushed texture on anodised aluminium, so when people search for "brushed aluminium skirting boards", the anodised silver we stock is exactly what fits that look.

Aluminium skirting board can also be produced in black, bronze, gold and RAL colours, or powder-coated to order, though these are less common in stock ranges. If you need a specific colour outside anodised silver, expect a longer lead time.

Expert tip: silver anodised aluminium reads slightly differently under different lighting. In warm domestic lighting it looks softer and slightly champagne. Under cool white LED it reads sharper and more industrial. If the look matters to your project, order a length as a sample first and hold it against the wall in your actual lighting.

Is Aluminium Skirting Board Waterproof?

Yes. Aluminium is by nature waterproof and does not absorb moisture the way MDF, wood or even PVC can over time. That is why waterproof skirting board installations in wet areas so often specify aluminium: it is the material that handles regular water contact without any degradation to the finish or the profile.

Wooden and MDF skirting swell when exposed to prolonged damp, and the paint layer bubbles and peels. PVC skirting resists moisture reasonably well but can trap water behind it if the bottom seal is not perfect. Aluminium does neither. It stays dimensionally stable, does not rot, and any water that lands on it wipes off cleanly.

This makes aluminium skirting the strongest choice for:

• Bathrooms, wet rooms, en-suites and shower rooms
• Kitchens, especially near sinks, dishwashers and washing machines
• Utility rooms and laundry areas
• Basement conversions where damp is a background risk
• Swimming pool surrounds, spas and gyms
• Commercial changing rooms and shower blocks

Expert tip: for a fully water-tight fit in a wet area, run a bead of neutral-cure silicone sealant along the top and bottom edges of the aluminium skirting after fixing. This closes any hairline gap between skirting, wall or floor and stops water tracking behind the profile.

Aluminium vs PVC, Wood and MDF Skirting

Aluminium is not always the right choice. Each material has its place, and the honest comparison looks like this.

Aluminium is the most durable, needs no painting, holds its finish for decades, and looks the sharpest. It is also the most expensive per metre. Best for contract projects, modern domestic settings, wet areas, and anywhere the visual line matters.

PVC skirting board is the value option. Lighter, cheaper, easier to cut, available in wood-effect and plain colours, and moisture-proof for kitchens and bathrooms. Best for rentals, budget renovations and areas where the finish is not the priority. Our PVC skirting board range covers this ground.

MDF and softwood are the UK standard for traditional domestic interiors. Cheap, paintable, easy to fit with grip adhesive and nails, and available in period profiles (ogee, torus, bullnose). Best for classic and country-style rooms. We do not stock MDF or wooden skirting, but our skirting fitting guide covers all four materials.

Other metals occasionally used for skirting include stainless steel (specified in commercial kitchens, healthcare and food preparation areas where hygiene rules apply), brass (a warm decorative look for hospitality and boutique retail), and powder-coated or galvanised steel (industrial and heavy-duty settings). All are significantly more expensive than aluminium and much heavier to handle, which is why aluminium remains the practical metal skirting choice for the majority of UK projects.

Shadowline, recessed and flush aluminium skirting

Beyond surface-mounted aluminium skirting like the profiles we stock, there is a premium category called shadowline, recessed or flush aluminium skirting (also sold as p50 or cove-style skirting). These sit inside a wall recess rather than protruding, creating a floating-wall effect with a shadow gap along the base. They are used in architect-specified new builds and high-end apartments where the finish is designed in from the start.

The catch: they require the recess to be built into the stud wall during construction, so they are not a retrofit option. For standard renovation, fit-out and DIY work, surface-mounted aluminium skirting (like our LP59, LP80 and LP100) is the practical choice, and gives a very similar clean visual result.

If you like the aluminium look for stairs as well as floors, our guide to aluminium stair nosing covers the matching profiles for step edges.

How to Cut Aluminium Skirting Board

Aluminium cuts cleanly with the right blade. Wrong blade, and you will tear the profile and blunt your tool.

1. Measure and mark the length with a pencil (or a fine marker on the anodised surface).
2. Cut with a hacksaw fitted with a metal-cutting blade (18 to 24 teeth per inch), or a mitre saw fitted with a non-ferrous metal blade. Never use a wood blade.
3. Support the length on both sides of the cut to prevent flex.
4. Deburr the cut edge with a fine file. Run the file at a shallow angle along the edge to soften the sharpness.
5. Dry-fit before committing. Anodised aluminium is unforgiving on second cuts.

For mitred corners (internal and external), set the saw to 45 degrees and cut both meeting pieces. Test the fit before fixing, since UK walls are rarely exactly 90 degrees. A digital angle finder pays for itself on any full-room job.

How to Fit Aluminium Skirting Board

Aluminium skirting fits with one of three methods, depending on the wall.

Grab adhesive is the standard modern approach. Apply a zig-zag bead of grab adhesive to the back of the skirting, press against the wall, and hold for 30 seconds. Works on plastered walls, plasterboard, painted surfaces and tile. Fast and leaves no visible fixings.

Screws with plugs are the strongest fix. Suitable for masonry walls or where the skirting needs to be removable. Drill through the aluminium with a metal bit, mark the wall, plug and screw. Use screws with matching-colour heads or fill and touch up with anodised silver spray.

Combination fixing uses grab adhesive as the primary bond and one or two screws at each end to hold the skirting flush while the adhesive cures. Useful on long runs, uneven walls, or where you want extra confidence in the fix.

For a full breakdown of when to glue and when to screw, see our guide to adhesives versus mechanical fixings.

Expert tip: apply adhesive to a clean, dry, dust-free wall. Aluminium skirting is thin and rigid, so any dust or loose paint between the back of the skirting and the wall will show as a visible ridge along the top edge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Wrong blade on the saw. A wood blade on aluminium will tear the profile edge, blunt the teeth in minutes, and leave a jagged cut. Use a metal-cutting blade every time.
• Skipping the deburr. A rough cut edge shows on internal corners and cuts fingers during handling. Two passes of a fine file makes all the difference.
• Fixing to a dirty wall. Grab adhesive needs a clean surface to bond properly. Wipe the wall with a damp cloth and let it dry before fitting.
• Assuming 90 degree corners. Most UK walls are not exactly square. Test-fit mitres before cutting the second piece.
• Handling scratches. Anodised silver is scratch-resistant but not scratch-proof. Keep the protective film on the profile until the moment you fit it.
• Skipping silicone in wet areas. In bathrooms and wet rooms, a silicone bead along the top and bottom of the skirting completes the waterproof seal. Without it, water can track behind over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is aluminium skirting board?

Aluminium skirting board is a slim metal profile fitted along the base of a wall where it meets the floor. It replaces traditional MDF or wooden skirting with a sharper, thinner, more durable finish. Almost all UK aluminium skirting is anodised silver.

Is metal skirting board the same as aluminium skirting board?

Yes. In UK trade and DIY use, "metal skirting", "metal skirting board" and "aluminium skirting board" all describe the same product. Aluminium is by far the most common metal used for this application.

Is aluminium skirting board waterproof?

Yes. Aluminium does not absorb moisture and will not swell, rot or warp in wet conditions. It is the standard specification for bathrooms, wet rooms, kitchens, utility rooms and other areas with regular water contact. For a fully water-tight fit, run a bead of silicone sealant along the top and bottom edges after fixing.

What is anodised aluminium skirting board?

Anodising is a chemical process that hardens the surface of the aluminium and integrates a colour layer into the metal itself. Anodised finishes will not chip, flake or fade the way paint does, which is why they last for decades in high-traffic settings.

What sizes does aluminium skirting board come in?

MW Profiles stocks three standard heights: 59mm, 80mm and 100mm. All three come in 2.5 metre lengths and anodised silver finish. 80mm is the best all-round choice for most contemporary domestic and light commercial projects.

What size aluminium skirting board should I choose for my home?

59mm suits minimalist interiors where you want the skirting to almost disappear. 80mm is the safe all-round choice for standard modern rooms. 100mm suits open-plan spaces, taller ceilings and contract fit-outs where the room calls for a more substantial finish.

How much does aluminium skirting board cost?

Aluminium skirting board is priced per 2.5 metre length. Current pricing across our 59mm, 80mm and 100mm sizes is shown on individual product pages, with volume pricing available for contract quantities. Aluminium is more expensive per metre than PVC or MDF, but the anodised finish holds for decades without repainting, which usually makes the total cost lower over a 10 to 20 year period.

Is aluminium skirting board better than PVC or MDF?

Not universally. Aluminium is the most durable and looks the sharpest, so it wins for modern, contract and wet-area settings. PVC is cheaper and easier to cut, so it wins for budget and low-traffic projects. MDF is the UK domestic standard for period and painted interiors. Choose the material that matches the room and the budget.

Is aluminium skirting the same as brushed aluminium skirting?

In most cases, yes. The extrusion process gives anodised aluminium a naturally brushed texture, so what suppliers describe as "brushed aluminium skirting" or "satin aluminium skirting" is usually the same visual finish as anodised silver. The name simply varies by supplier.

What colours does aluminium skirting board come in?

The most common finish is anodised silver, which is what we stock. Aluminium can also be produced in anodised black, bronze, gold and RAL colours, or powder-coated to order, but these are less common in stock ranges and usually have longer lead times.

How do you cut aluminium skirting board?

Use a hacksaw with a metal-cutting blade (18 to 24 TPI), or a mitre saw with a non-ferrous metal blade. Never use a wood blade, as it will tear the profile and blunt the teeth. Deburr the cut edge with a fine file before fitting.

How do you install aluminium skirting board?

The three standard methods are grab adhesive (fastest, no visible fixings, suits most walls), screws with plugs (strongest, best for masonry or removable fittings), or a combination of both for extra hold on long runs and uneven walls.

Can I paint aluminium skirting board?

Yes, but it is rarely worth doing. The anodised silver finish is more durable than any paint you would apply on top, and paint on aluminium tends to chip at the edges over time. If you need a different colour, powder-coating gives a better result than paint.

Where is aluminium skirting board typically used?

Offices, retail spaces, gyms, showrooms, contract fit-outs, modern kitchens, wet-room bathrooms, loft conversions, new-build apartments and minimalist domestic interiors. Anywhere the finish needs to be sharp, low-maintenance and long-lasting.

Can aluminium skirting board be used in kitchens and bathrooms?

Yes, and it is one of the best materials for both. Aluminium does not swell, rot or discolour when exposed to moisture, so it is a strong choice for kitchens, bathrooms, wet rooms and utility spaces. Anodised silver is also easy to wipe clean.

Shop Aluminium Skirting Board at MW Profiles

MW Profiles supplies aluminium skirting board in 59mm, 80mm and 100mm sizes, anodised silver finish, in 2.5 metre lengths, with fast UK delivery from our Barnsley warehouse. We have supplied trade and DIY customers across the UK since 2015. Browse the range below, or see the full skirting boards hub for a breakdown by material.