Flush skirting

A flush skirting, often called a shadow gap skirting, is an aluminium profile fitted before plastering or into plasterboard. It gives either a skirting flush with the wall or a shadow gap between wall and floor: the wall appears to "float" above the floor and there is no protruding strip. It is a signature detail of minimalist and contemporary interiors.

How it works. The profile is fixed to the wall before the plaster or filler goes on (or built into plasterboard); stiffening ribs hold the plaster layer and protect the junction from cracks. In the finished wall only a narrow line of the profile remains. There are variants: flush skirting, skirting with a shadow gap, and a profile with a channel for LED lighting. The shadow gap between wall and floor is typically described as about 10-15 mm, but exact values depend on the model: take them from the datasheet of the chosen profile.

Where it looks good. Minimalism, modern classic, quiet luxury, interiors with high ceilings and smooth walls. A hidden skirting is often combined with a shadow profile on the ceiling and concealed doors: the walls become continuous planes. If lighting is built into the skirting, you get a soft night glow on the floor.

Honestly on cost and difficulty. The profile and the labour cost more than ordinary skirting, and the geometry demands are high: wall, plaster and floor must meet perfectly, and the slightest unevenness is immediately visible. Precise work on levels is needed, preferably with a laser level. The decision is made before rough works: a hidden skirting cannot be "added later" without redoing the wall. That is why we record it in the wall finishes schedule and in the details.

Pitfalls. The thin line of the profile forgives no unevenness: if the floor has gone off level, the gap will "wander". Adhesive and tile must not cover the gap. The junction of sockets, boxes and door frames with such a skirting is solved in advance. Cleaning: a narrow gap collects dust, but on a dark floor it is less visible. Door casings and other elements must be coordinated with the profile.

A compromise. For realistic budgets we often suggest a surface-mounted rectangular skirting of low height (40-60 mm) in the wall colour: it almost disappears, forgives unevenness and costs less. This option does not need perfect geometry. We choose between hidden and surface-mounted together with you at the layout and finishes schedule stage.