A step-by-step guide to fitting scotia beading, using mouldings and basic woodworking tools and techniques. 

1. What is scotia beading used for?

The floor is the foundation that an interior design is built on, it sets the tone and mood for your space. Adding scotia beading allows you to keep your Atkinson & Kirby flooring in pristine condition. Result: happiness m2. 

Wood is a natural product and has the ability to expand and contract when temperature and moisture levels fluctuate, when installing flooring it’s important to leave a sufficient expansion gap around the perimeter of the room. Scotia is a decorative moulding used to cover this expansion gap without removing the skirting board. Ensure you choose a scotia that is thick enough to cover this gap. Top tip: Select a scotia style and colour that matches the skirting board or floor for a cohesive look. Measure the perimeter of your room to determine the total length of scotia required, then add another 20% for wastage. 

2. Cutting the moulding 

When joining two ends of scotia together, they will need to be cut to a mitre joint, this means cutting at a 45 degree angle for a seamless finish. For internal and external corners measure the distance to the next corner and mark onto the back of the scotia, and the intended direction of the mitre cut. Next, use a mitre box and mitre saw at a 45-degree angle in the marked direction. Then cut the adjoining scotia to make a mitre cut in the opposite direction, sand both mitred ends until smooth. Hold both mitred ends together ensuring they fit properly. If the fit isn’t exact you can use a block plane to shave down the ends to achieve a better fit. When fitting the end of the scotia flush to the wall, cut at a 90-degree angle.

3. Fitting a return 

In installations when the end of the scotia is exposed, such as next to a door, fitting a return to the exposed end will achieve a neater finish. Firstly, make a mitre cut to the exposed end of the scotia. Next, complete a mitre cut on another piece of scotia in the opposite direction to the previous mitre cut, then cut this small piece to size. Ensure it fits into the exposed end of scotia, then apply PVA to the mitre and fit the return onto the scotia and flush to the wall. 

4. Securing the moulding to the wall

You can opt for nails which offers a more reliable hold, or adhesive which allows for a more clean and professional finish. To fit scotia using nails, secure into position by nailing the scotia to the skirting by spacing one nail every 30cm, ensure you don’t nail the scotia to the floor. To fit scotia using adhesive, apply grab adhesive to the back of the scotia and carefully apply to the wall, ensuring not to get any on your flooring. Apply PVA to any external mitres. Use flexible decorators caulk to fill any gaps between the top of the scotia and skirting, wipe any excess with a damp cloth to smooth the surface. 

5. Add the finishing touches

Once the scotia is applied, use decorators caulk to patch any gaps, cracks, or holes prior to finishing. There are many different finishing options, you can stain for a traditional look, paint for a contemporary finish, or choose to retain the original look of raw pine. These little finishing touches are where you can tie in with your chosen décor and match your existing skirting or Atkinson & Kirby flooring. Result: happiness m2. 

6. Share your renovation project

We love seeing how you have transformed your home with Atkinson & Kirby flooring. Upload a picture of your project to Instagram or Facebook and tag us @atkinson_kirby. You can also upload your images to our testimonials page here. We can’t wait to see Atkinson & Kirby flooring in your homes!