How to install Shadowline
Everything you need to know in easy to follow steps and video guides to install Shadowline skirting boards and doorjambs.
Installing Shadowline skirting boards and door jambs is made easy by following this guide. We will show you the tools and steps in simple step by step guides and video instructions to install Intrim Shadowline skirting and Shadowline door jambs. To help you produce a quality flawless finish we show you the problems to avoid with tips and tricks to ensure your installation runs smoothly.
Shadowline SK800 system has different installation instructions depending on which skirting you have selected. First start by identifying the correct instructions, either 1 piece system, 1 piece Fire Rated System, or 2 piece system. Click on the relevant section below to open the step-by-step instructions and video guides.
The Intrim 800 Series shadowline system eliminates the inconvenience of using a P50 angle, saving you time and money.
More detailed instructions with diagrams are below or download Shadowline 1 Piece Installation Instructions
Cut DJ800 door jamb material to required lengths with a 45-degree mitre cut to the top of stiles and each end of the head.
Assemble the head and stile mitre joints with PVA glue and nails or screws. (Detail A)
Pack opening and install DJ800 door jamb plumb and level. Take care when installing jamb material, to make sure it is fixed parallel with timber framework. (example – if framework is 90mm wide and plasterboard is 10mm thick = 90mm frame + (2 x 10mm) 2 thicknesses of plasterboard + (2 x 3.5mm) 2 thicknesses of plaster set = 117mm total width of DJ800 door jamb, therefore the difference between timber framework face and door jamb face = (117 – 90) divided by 2 = 13.5mm on both sides between the jamb face and framework face. (Detail B)
Once all DJ800 door jambs are installed, it is time to install the SK800 skirting.
Cut SK800 skirting to required lengths to fit neatly between door jambs and internal and external corners of framework. Cut SK800 skirting with 45-degree mitre cuts for internal and external corners.
SK800 Skirting must be nail or screw fixed to timber frame, and screw fixed only to steel frame, into every stud at a maximum distance of 600mm centres. (minimum of 2 fixings per stud up to 90mm wide,
minimum of 3 fixings per stud for 135 to 185mm wide, and minimum of 4 fixings per stud for 235 to 285mm wide). These fixing points must include 1 fixing 20mm from base of skirting board and another
fixing must be through the centre of ribbed section at top of skirting board.
Install with 5mm packers between the bottom edge of skirting and floor to allow for any subframe movement.(Detail B)
(Refer to Figure 2)
Install plasterboard sheet to framework as per manufacturer’s specifications. Cut and fit plasterboard sheet as close as possible to door jamb and skirting edges. It is preferable to have the factory finish plasterboard edge sitting on the top of SK801 skirting edge.
Install all PVC stop beads (PLTB 630 – 30mm x 6mm tear off bead) to door jamb surrounds and metal perforated angles to external wall corners, taking care to cut the corners to a point to eliminate plasterset material build-up. (Detail C)
Brush down the top ribbed section of the skirting to remove all dust prior to plaster setting. Set all plaster joints including the joint where the bottom edge of wall plasterboard sits on top of the shadowline skirting (SK801), using FibaFuse or paper joint tape. (Any tape used that does not meet the recommended tape types will void all warranty). The FibaFuse or paper joint tape should be centrally positioned within the joint so the bottom edge of the tape comes within 15 – 20mm of the bottom edge of the ribbed section of skirting.
All plaster set and accessories must be installed to manufacturer’s specifications and instructions.
TIP: To avoid the join between the skirting & plasterboard from cracking, you must allow the jointing compound to dry fully between coats as per the manufacturer’s specifications and instructions. Drying times are approximately 24 hours in normal conditions or 48 hours in cool conditions between each coat. See USG Boral instructions here
Apply plaster set to PVC stop beads around door jamb surrounds. All plaster set and accessories must be installed to manufacturer’s specifications and instructions.
Apply all coats of plaster set including top coats to all plaster joints and sand. Tear of PVC lip on stop bead around door jamb surrounds and it is now ready for painting. All plaster set and accessories must be installed to manufacturer’s specifications and instructions.
Should you be looking for a quote or more information for your current project, please complete and return the Shadowline Timber Moulding enquiry form.
Australian Patent No AU2018101091.
Watch our animated video or follow our easy to follow steps together with detailed illustrations to assist you install the Intrim SK801/SK802, Imtrim SK803 /SK804 Series Shadowline Skirting system.
As a summary, when installing the SK801 we recommend you place a packer of your expected thickness flooring under the SK802 and place the SK801 on top, with a 10mm spacer between SK802 and SK801 in the groove. Fix the SK801 in place. It also ensures you can cut the two pieces to the correct length at the same time as installing the SK801. You can then leave the SK802 in position (sitting on the floor and tack or tape in place) until it is time to install the flooring, at which time you can remove the SK802, install the flooring and replace the SK802 after and fix in place. The base of the SK802 may need planing or scribing to maintain the 10mm groove prior to fixing in place.
More detailed instructions with diagrams are below or Download Shadowline 2 Piece Installation Instructions
Cut DJ800 door jamb material to required lengths with a 45-degree mitre cut to the top of stiles and each end of the head. Assemble the head and stile mitre joints with PVA glue and nails or screws.
Pack opening and install DJ800 door jamb plumb and level. Take care when installing jamb material to make sure it is fixed parallel with timber framework. (Example – if framework is 90mm wide and plasterboard is 10mm thick = 90mm frame + (2x10mm) 2 thicknesses of plasterboard + (2×3.5mm) 2 thicknesses of plaster set = 117mm total width of DJ800 door jamb, therefore the difference between timber framework face and door jamb face = (117-90) divided by 2 = 13.5mm on both sides between the jamb face and framework face.
Once all DJ800 door jambs are installed it is time to install the two pieces SK801 and SK802 skirting.
Install SK801 upper skirting section. Keep the two pieces of skirting together and cut SK801 (top portion-fixed) and SK802 (lower portion of skirting – not fixed) to required lengths to fit neatly between door jambs and internal and external corners of framework. Cut SK801 and SK802 skirting with 45-degree mitre cuts for external corners and scribe joints for internal corners.
After cutting 2 pieces to length, keep the upper and lower portion together while installing.
When installing the 2-piece skirting place a packer with the expected finished thickness of flooring on top of existing flooring and underneath the SK802 and place the SK801 on top, with a 10mm spacer in the groove between SK802 and SK801 to keep the groove consistent and fix the SK801 only in place.
SK801 skirting must be nail or screw fixed to timber frame and screw fixed only to steel frame, into every stud at a maximum distance of 600mm centres. Must be fixed with 1 screw or 2 nail fixings through the ribbed section.
As you remove the floor thickness packers from the underside of the SK802 it will now lower onto the existing floor material leaving a large gap between the SK801 and SK802.
Temporarily tack or tape SK802 in place, until it is time to install the flooring.
Note: Do not permanently fix the lower SK802 portion in place at this stage.
Install plasterboard sheet to framework as per manufacturer’s specifications. Cut and fit plasterboard sheet as close as possible to door jamb and skirting edges. It is preferable to have the factory finish plasterboard edge sitting on the top of SK801 skirting edge.
Install all PVC stop beads (PLTB 630 – 30mm x 6mm tear off bead) to door jamb surrounds and metal perforated angles to external wall corners, taking care to cut the corners to a point to eliminate plaster set material buildup.
Brush down the top ribbed section of the skirting to remove all dust prior to plaster setting. Set all plaster joints including the joint where the bottom edge of wall plasterboard sits on top of the shadowline skirting (SK801), using FibaFUse or paper joint tape. (Any tape used that does not meet the recommended tape types will void all warranty). The FibaFuse or paper joint tape should be centrally positioned within the joint, so the bottom edge of the tape comes within 15-20mm of the bottom edge of the ribbed section of skirting.
All plaster set and accessories must be installed to manufacturers specifications and instructions.
TIP: To avoid the join between the skirting and plasterboard from cracking, you must allow the jointing compound to dry fully between coats as per the manufacturer’s specifications and instructions. Drying times are approximately 24 hours in normal conditions or 48 hours in cool conditions between each coat. See USG Boral instructions here.
Apply plaster set to PVC stop beads around door jamb surrounds. All plaster set and accessories must be installed to manufacturers specifications and instructions.
Apply all coats of plaster set including top coats to all plaster joints and sand. Tear off PVC lip on stop bead around door jamb surrounds and it is now ready for painting. All plaster set and accessories must be installed to manufacturers specifications and instructions.
Remove the SK802 and install the flooring and replace the SK802 after and fix in place at every stud (minimum of 2 fixings per stud up to 90mm to 135mm wide, minimum of 3 fixings per stud for 185mm to 235mm wide and minimum of 4 fixings per stud for 285mm wide). The base of the SK802 may need planning or scribing to maintain the 10mm groove prior to fixing in place. The skirting is now ready for painting.
We have prepared easy to follow steps together with detailed illustrations to assist you with the installation of the Intrim SK800FR Fire Rated Shadowline® Skirting system to meet the testing application and conditions noted in the CSIRO Short Form Assessment Report FCO-3351 Rev B, “Fire-resistance of various plasterboard lined walls that include an Intrim FR MDF skirting detail when tested in accordance with AS 1530.4-2014,” dated 28 July 2021.
Detailed instructions with diagrams are below or download Shadowline SK800FR Installation Instructions
Plasterboard lined wall system incorporating 64mm steel stud wall framing, lined on both sides with 16mm thick CSR Fyrchek plasterboard (or another brand with same fire rating standards), and the 18mm thick SK800 Shadowline FR MDF skirting board, screw fixed along the bottom of the steel framing, on both sides of the wall frame.
The bottom of the wall frame cavity must be lined with 50mm thick x 60kg/m3 Bradford Fibretex 350 Rockwool insulation board, continuously behind the skirting board and between the steel studs and must have a minimum distance of 160mm between the top edge of SK800 skirting and the top of the insulation board. (Refer to figure 1 below).
Cut SK800 to required lengths to fit neatly between door jambs and internal and external corners of framework. Cut SK800 skirting with 45-degree mitre cuts for internal and external corners.
FR MDF SK800 must be screw fixed to steel frame into every stud at a maximum distance of 600mm centres. (Minimum of 2 fixings per stud up to 90mm wide, minimum of 3 fixings per stud for 135 to 185mm wide and minimum of 4 fixings per stud for 235 to 285mm wide). These fixing points must include 1 fixing 20mm from base of skirting board and another fixing must be through the centre of ribbed section at top of skirting board. Install with 5mm packers between the bottom edge of skirting and floor to allow for any subframe movement. Apply a bead of Bindex Fire & Acoustic Sealant between base of skirting and floor substrate.
Using 50mm CSR Fibretex 350 Rockwool. Cut and fix in between framing studs and rear faces of skirting boards allowing a maximum distance between the face of the insulation and the rear face of skirting of 14mm.
The height of the insulation must be 160mm minimum above top edge of skirting.
Using 16mm Fire Grade Plasterboard, Install plasterboard sheet to framework as per manufacturers specifications. Cut and fit plasterboard sheet as close as possible to door jamb and skirting edges. Preferable to have the factory finish plasterboard edge sitting on the top of SK800 skirting edge.
Brush down the top ribbed section of the skirting to remove all dust prior to plaster setting. Set all plaster joints including the joint where the bottom edge of wall plasterboard sits on top of the Shadowline skirting, using paper joint tape or FibaFuse tape. (Any tape used that does not meet the recommended tape types will void all warranty).
The tape should be positioned within the joint, so the bottom edge of the tape comes within 5-10mm of the bottom edge of the ribbed section of skirting. All plaster set and accessories must be installed to manufactures specifications and instructions.
Apply all coats of plaster set including top coats to all plaster joints and sand. All plaster set and accessories must be installed to manufacturers specifications and instructions.
TIP: to avoid the join between the skirting and plasterboard from cracking you must allow the jointing compound the dry fully between coats as per the manufacturer’s specifications and instructions. Drying times are approximately 24 hours in normal conditions or 48 hours in cool conditions between each coat.
The proposed construction shall be a steel plasterboard lined wall that includes an Intrim Mouldings FR MDF skirting board backed with 50mm CSR Fibretex 350 rockwool insulation as tested in FSP 1997 and subject to the following variations.
12mm thick for 10mm plasterboard.
15mm thick for 13mm plasterboard
Fire Rated Shadowline is 18mm thick.
The SK800 Shadowline System halves the install time compared to the P50 system because with the Shadowline you only need to install the actual skirting boards. The traditional P50 system involves installing a top piece as well as the skirting boards, adding additional time and money to you installation. The SK800 Shadowline system will save you money in installation time.
Unlike all our other trims Shadowline skirting boards are exposed to the inside of the wall cavity. Because of this we ONLY sell our Shadowline skirting in pre-primed FJ Pine and MDF. Not raw.
Any size over 185mm high we can only do in primed MDF. To prevent cupping or warping we only do the sizes 230mm and 285mm as FJ Pine at those sizes has the potential to warp.
Yes. The one piece SK800 profile is suitable for carpet finish and hard flooring which can be installed prior to plasterboard. The 2 piece profile is used in timber or tile flooring applications where installation occurs after the walls have been plastered.
Yes. We are able to manufacture these to suit any application.
Intrim’s Two Piece Shadowline SK801-802 and SK803- 804 systems have been created to solve this problem! It allows for removal of the bottom piece of skirting so that flooring can be installed and then the Shadowline skirting piece replaced and fixed in place over the top of the flooring.
They are both installed prior to the plasterboard installation. Door jambs are assembled by forming mitre joints where the head joins the stiles as opposed to the traditional half joint.
The door jamb is then installed and packed plumb and level. It is critical that the jamb material is centrally located over the framing material and runs parallel with the framing material so that the PVC (PLTB 630) plaster stop bead fits neatly against the door jamb material.
Skirting is installed to fit tightly between the door jambs.
The plasterboard sheets are then installed tight against the back face of the 800 Series door jamb and on top of 800 Series skirting.
The PVC (PLTB 630) stop bead is then installed to surround the door jambs. All joints between the bottom edge of plasterboard sheeting and top edge of shadowline skirting are to be plaster set and must also include reinforcing joint paper tape when setting. Also plaster set all PVC stop beads surrounding the door jambs.
The sizes of the Shadowline skirting are now shown as the visible height, NOT the total skirting board height. This allows you to simply measure from the floor up to the top of where you want the Shadowline groove to be positioned. That will be the visible height (as the top of the skirting is hidden behind the plasterboard). This diagram and the Shadowline table of dimensions provides you with all the dimension options to help you select the size that best suits your requirements.
Intrim’s Two Piece Shadowline SK801-802 and SK803-804 systems have been created to solve this problem! It allows for removal of the bottom piece of skirting so that flooring can be installed and then the Shadowline skirting piece replaced and fixed in place over the top of the flooring.
Intrim’s Shadowline SK800 Fire Rated MDF Skirting board has been extensively tested to meet the fire resistant AS1530.4-2014 standards it will achieve a FRL: -/60/60 . Find out more here.
No, we don’t, because the DJ800 Shadowline Door Jamb that works with the SK800 Shadowline skirting board system acts as both a doorjamb and Shadowline architrave on both sides. This is also another way to save on costs.
No. If correctly installed the skirting board and plasterboard join will be invisible. If during the installation the plasterboard is not allowed sufficient drying time for the jointing compound, it can crack in the future. It is important that the manufacturers instructions are followed to ensure the joint is dry fully between coats. Drying times are approximately 24 hours in normal conditions or 48 hours in cool conditions between each coat. See USG Boral instructions here
Complete one of the below forms and provide it to us so we can quote your specific requirements for your project.
Shadowline® Skirting Boards Enquiry Forms
Never use fibre glass tape as it causes cracks in plasterboard. We recommend using paper tape.
If you have timber or tiled floors use our 2-piece Shadowline system.
Make sure you nail in timber studs and screw in metal studs.
