A fibre-optic cable has been developed which can bend and make sharp turns without kinking.

Officially tagged ‘bend insensitive fibre’, it’s been developed by engineers at BT Innovate & Design and already put to use in the London 2012 Olympic village.

Just 4.8mm in diameter, the bendy fibre can be stapled to skirting boards, around corners just like any regular copper cable – this makes installation much easier.

There are two types of fixing point that are used to install new skirting boards.

The most common type of fixing point is a timber block. These blocks are nailed or screwed to the wall at 450–600mm intervals with masonry nails or screws and wall plugs.

The other type of fixing point is a timber wedge. These are inserted into the mortar joints between bricks.

You must decide which fixing point is best suited for your new skirting boards before you install them.

There are some things that you should bear in mind before you start to fit your new skirting boards.

One thing to do is coat the back of a new skirting board with wood preservative. This will guard against rot and keep your boards in top condition.

Another handy tip is, before actually fitting the boards, lay them flat along the floor and mark the positions of any existing fixing points so you can nail through the marks. You should fit the skirting board to existing fixing points wherever possible.

If you use these tips, you’ll find the whole process far easier.

The days of using screws or masonry nails to fit your new skirting boards are gone.

The process is far easier with modern instant-grip adhesives. The adhesive is strong and durable, so it can secure skirting boards and other mouldings extremely quickly without any fuss.

When it comes to applying the glue, you should do it evenly – a zigzag pattern is often the best way – to the back of the moulding. Firmly press it against the wall and use wood offcuts to hold it in position while it sets. Wipe away any excess adhesive with a cloth and you are done!

There are a few things that you should keep in mind before you install your new skirting boards.

First of all, when you choose your skirting boards, you should be buying skirtings that are the same height as your previous skirtings (if you had any) in order to avoid having to patch up the plaster. You can also increase the height of the new boards through nailing moulding to the top.

If your new skirting board is thinner than the plaster or lining above it, simply pack behind with an extra piece of timber to bring it out to the required thickness.

If the plaster does reach to the floor, fix the skirting board through it into the brickwork with screws and wall plugs.

Using these tips will make fitting your skirting boards much, much easier.

When cleaning your skirting boards, it is likely you’ll come across stubborn dirt and stains that are difficult to remove with just soap and water.

To clear the dirt, there is one solution that is known to work – vinegar mixed in warm water.

After you have initially cleaned your skirting boards with the soap and water mixture, make the vinegar mixture and apply it to the more difficult spots – the boards will be clean in no time.

If you do not like the smell of vinegar, you can use bleach or any polish used for wood.

Skirting boards tend to collect a lot of dirt, though many avoid cleaning them due to the difficulty of the process.

However, it is extremely simple with no complications whatsoever.

All you need to do is some good, old-fashioned scrubbing with soap and warm water. Soak your cleaning rags in the soap and water solution, get the excess water out, and then wipe the rag all over the boards

Once you have cleared the dirt, rinse the skirting boards with a wet rag and then it’s done – easy!

If you live in a traditional home – or want to give your modern home a traditional touch – then the small touches can make a huge difference.

The design of your skirting boards can have a big impact on the overall style of a room.

Victorian design skirting boards are an option that can bring a hint of traditional style to your decor.

It has been revealed that Stoke-on-Trent city council was billed £708,922 for repairs in January after contractors made 10,078 visits to carry out 5,613 jobs.

Some jobs are being delayed due to workers being sent the wrong materials or turning up without enough to finish the job, according to the research.

The figures have shown that it took 28 visits to replace missing skirting boards and architrave in a tenant’s kitchen, costing £2,947 overall.

Councillors are now meeting to discuss ways in which they can slash the annual repair bill by £2 million – including spending £10,000 on a DVD for tenants showing them how to carry out basic repairs.

Independent councillor Dave Conway, said: “There seems to be an awful lot of waste.

“It doesn’t make sense for more than 200 jobs to have had more than five visits. We need to know what’s happening.”

When it comes to choosing which type of dado rail you would like for your home, you should know what your options are.

As well as this, it is always helpful to know what is the most popular choice, so you know which are known as the best options.

There are many dado rail profiles available, but the options that are usually chosen are:

Once you have chosen your preferred option, simply decide which wood you want them in – MDF, Oak, Pine and more – and you’re ready to go.