How to choose a floor plinth? — 7 basic rules

No. 1. How to choose the color of the baseboard?

First, we pay attention not to the shape or material of the plinth, but to its color, so this parameter is always given the greatest importance. There are several approaches to choosing the color of the baseboard:

• to match the color of the flooring - the classic and most common method that allows the baseboard to merge with the floor. The likelihood of ruining the interior is reduced to a minimum, so this method is recommended for all those who are wary of bold, contrasting solutions. It is allowed to use skirting boards that are one or two shades lighter or darker than the floor covering. This option is great when the room uses solid boards, parquet, laminate or linoleum;

• match the color of the walls. This option is only possible if the walls are painted or plastered. one color. It is advisable to choose a plinth already when the coating has been applied and dried, otherwise you may not guess with the shade;

• match the color of the interior doors, but in this case the height of the plinth should be the same as the width of the door frames. Often this method is used when it is necessary to organically fit a door into the interior that does not match the color of the walls, furniture or floor. To make it look really good, you can make the color of the window frame, doors and baseboard the same;
  Read also:  DIY stained glass windows: stencils, templates and drawings for painting
• contrasting shade, which does not repeat the color of the flooring, the color of the walls, or the color of the doors. In order to correctly combine seemingly incompatible shades, you need to have a subtle sense of taste. You can take white skirting boards, which have recently been in high demand. Whatever it may be, it is still better to create a project for the future interior in advance in a special program and try different shades. There are very easy to use programs.

Important aspects

There are a number of other elements whose shade can affect the tone of the skirting boards:

• Ceiling elements and type of design.
• Ceiling beam (uterus).
• Wall covering.
• Furnishings.
• Windows, slopes and doors.
• Door and window cashing.

When relating each of them, pay attention to the rules similar to those used in the previously described situation.

To assemble a single composition of doors, baseboards and flooring, you need to pay attention to a number of parameters:

• Room area.
• Shape, texture and shade of skirting boards.

Gray baseboard to match the color of the laminate Source waysi.ru

Skirting color for self-leveling floor Source premium-laminat.

White baseboards and gray walls Source allepnina.ru

Important! Although the defining basis of any interior is carried out taking into account your own preferences, there are certain rules that must be followed.

No. 2. What can a floor plinth be made of?

The second most relevant and important issue when choosing a floor plinth is the question of the material used to make it. In this case, it is best to start from the flooring material:

• wooden plinth is suitable for floors made of block parquet and solid boards, parquet boards, laminate;
• MDF plinth and veneered plinth are suitable for parquet and laminate;
• PVC skirting boards are the cheapest and most popular option, often used with linoleum, tiles and carpet;
• ceramic baseboard Not so long ago it became available in a wide range and goes well with ceramic tiles.

We rely on the flooring material

To properly organize the finishing of the floor, you need to pay attention to ensuring that the baseboard has the same texture. A different solution will lead to an imbalance in the interior and will look inorganic.

In this case, you should rely on several aspects:

• Veneer or natural wood. It is preferable to use such options in combination with materials made from natural coatings or imitating them (laminate, wood, parquet, cork).
• PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Plastic skirting boards go well with linoleum-covered floors. No less effect is produced in combination with laminate and carpet. When choosing the appropriate color or texture, they can be used with floors made of other materials.
• Metal. The only place where these original elements can be used is porcelain tiles in a high-tech interior.
• Ceramics. The place of application is only a room with a tiled or porcelain stoneware floor.

Linoleum-like plinth coated in the style of natural wood Source otdelkino.ru

Plastic plinth in the color of the floor Source pbs.twimg.com

No. 3. Wooden plinth: pros and cons

Despite the emergence of many new materials that captivate with their high performance qualities, wood remains at the top of its popularity. In addition, it is difficult to imagine that a wooden floor would be decorated with a baseboard made of non-natural material. Wood is valued due to its many advantages:

• durability;
• environmental friendliness;
• strength;
• excellent appearance;
• ease of installation.

Flaws:

• high price;
• sensitivity to temperature changes and high humidity, which imposes restrictions on the scope of use of the material (it is not suitable for kitchens and baths, but solid wood is used there extremely rarely).

Installation of wooden baseboards is usually carried out using self-tapping screws with flat heads; sometimes screws with dowels are used. The tree is easily cut at any angle, easily attached to the base and removed, and can be repaired. It is important that the wall is perfectly flat, otherwise the wood will quickly deform, and there will be no need to talk about any aesthetic appearance. It is also not recommended to use liquid nails for installation: if the humidity changes, internal tension can be created in the wood, which will tear both the baseboard and part of the wall covering away from the wall.

The wooden plinth is chosen from the same species from which the floor finishing is made, and it is advisable to select the plinth at the same time as choosing the finishing material. As for wood species , pine is the cheapest, oak and linden are more expensive, ash, alder, teak, cherry, walnut, and birch are less commonly used. Fans of exotic and non-standard solutions can turn their attention to merbau or dusiya wood. If the plinth is suspiciously cheap , pay attention to its quality: some manufacturers offer products glued together from three longitudinal layers of wood.

The cross-section of a wooden plinth can be different, as well as its shape and width. Today it is even possible to make custom-made skirting boards , if it is necessary that they accurately follow the curves and other complex areas of the room, but this is an expensive pleasure.

If you plan to open the baseboard with varnish or wax, remember that the wood may change color. To roughly understand what the result will be, you can wet a part of the surface of the untreated baseboard with a sponge.

Selection rules

The choice of skirting boards on the finishing materials market is very large, and if we take into account the production of custom-made planks, we can say that it is limitless. In order not to get lost in this diversity, when choosing a plinth for laminate, you should be guided by the expediency, aesthetics and identity of the materials

By material

Laminate is a budget flooring option that consists of several layers of different materials, covered with a durable film on top. It is logical to select a profile made using the same technology for such a floor. The closest thing in structure and texture to a laminate baseboard made of MDF is laminated. As a rule, manufacturers use the same lamination films, so buying an identical profile in color and texture is not a big problem.

It is better to buy MDF laminated floor plinth complete with the floor covering so that the color and texture match perfectly

Aesthetics and design tricks

A harmonious and balanced interior is the main task of renovation, along with comfort and practicality. Every detail is of great importance. In addition, the floor border, merging with the laminate, visually makes the room area larger, and the contrasting one emphasizes the graphic nature of the space. A profile that matches the trim and frames connects the details into a single picture.

It is for these reasons that the correct selection can improve the interior, and the incorrect selection can highlight the shortcomings of the room and highlight repair defects. If you can’t choose a profile based on the material, then you can go another way, for example, buy a plinth made of wood or veneered from MDF, and paint it in the desired color to match the laminate or trim.

In order to make the room a little higher, very often a white polyurethane floor molding is installed on the laminate and painted to match the color of the walls.

The combination of a light floor and a dark border adds graphics and expressiveness to the interior

Feasibility

No matter how much repair you do, it never ends, and financial possibilities are not rubber. Therefore, when choosing a plinth, one should not forget about rationality. You can purchase a plastic profile to go with the laminate, especially since these profiles have a huge range of textures.

If for wood lamination you can choose different profiles from MDF, veneer and solid wood, then for laminate in stone or exotic colors, it is difficult to imagine any other options other than plastic skirting boards. For example, there is absolutely no reason to tile the baseboard with lamination. Therefore, a combination of laminate and plastic profiles with a cable channel is one of the most appropriate ways to arrange a floor covering.

Thus, there are several rules for choosing a baseboard for laminate flooring. Which one is most appropriate depends on each specific case

One thing can be said with confidence: among inexpensive panels made of MDF, wood, polyurethane and PVC, you can always find the option for laminate that will fit perfectly into the interior; it is only important to evaluate the situation in its entirety

Installing a plinth on a laminate, profile photo matched to the color of the decorative elements of the opening

No. 4. Veneered plinth

Veneered plinth has a structure similar to parquet boards. In it, only the top layer is made of valuable wood (walnut, oak, bamboo, pear, etc.), and the base is made of pine or spruce wood. The advantages and disadvantages are the same as those of a purely wooden baseboard, but the price is slightly lower . The shade and texture of the surface can be anything you want. By the way, today veneered and wooden plinths are equipped with a cable channel for laying electrical wires.

DIY installation of plastic skirting boards

As mentioned above, plastic skirting boards are quite easy to install yourself, and this can be done in several ways.

Tip: Before installing a plastic floor plinth, you should calculate the required amount of material. The perimeter of the room minus the doorways is measured with a tape measure, the resulting number is divided by the length of one plank and rounded up. It’s also worth adding 10% for trimming and don’t forget about plugs and connectors.

Method 1 – Using screws/self-tapping screws

This method is best suited for fastening products with a cable channel, since the caps of the fasteners will be hidden, and the connection itself will be reliable and will not become loose if access to the wires is necessary.

How to nail a plastic plinth with self-tapping screws - sequence of actions Tip: It is better to cut the plinth with a hacksaw for metal, using a miter box. Before this, the channel cable strip must be removed and cut separately.

Installation should begin from the corner of the longest wall. The plinth with the cable channel plug removed should be placed close to the wall with a distance from the corner equal to the width of the plinth. After that, using a hammer drill with a drill of the required size, holes are drilled in the wall through the baseboard every 30 cm.

Tip: To prevent the plastic from cracking, you can first pierce it in the right places with an awl.

If self-tapping screws are used, dowels are inserted into the holes

Then you should remove the bar, clean the mounted surfaces from dust and hammer plastic plugs into the drilled holes.

Sequence of fastening plastic skirting boards

After that, you need to put the plinth back on the wall, putting a plug-connector on one edge, and fasten it with screws or self-tapping screws. Repeat this action in the same way for each strip, after which you can put the cable channel cover back.

Necessary indentations during installation Tip: If the length of the plank is less than the length of the wall, then when installing the plinth at the junction with the next one, you must put on a plastic connecting element.

Let's see how to nail plastic skirting boards (video) with your own hands correctly:

Method 2 – On the mounting plate

Polyvinyl chloride plinth with a hidden fastening system
Fastening to a mounting strip is suitable for wide products, including those with a hidden cable channel - in this case, the fasteners are not visible from the outside, and to access the wiring it is enough to remove the upper decorative part of the frame.

The plank should be attached to the wall in the place of intended installation and marks with a pencil should be made through the holes in it for installing screws.

How to attach a plastic skirting board to a mounting strip

After removing the plank, holes are made in the wall using a hammer drill. Then the plank is put back and dowels are inserted into the holes through it. The element is fixed to the wall with self-tapping screws or dowel nails.

Tip: Easier methods of fastening are with double-sided adhesive tape or liquid nails. In these cases, either tape or glue is applied to the back of the plank, after which the fastener is simply pressed against the wall. Hidden fastener can be glued

After installing the hidden fastening system, the skirting board is simply placed over it and pressed until it clicks.

Place the wires in the cable channel and snap the outer bar into place.

If fastening clips are used instead of a mounting strip, they should be attached to the wall with self-tapping screws (see above) in increments of 30 cm. If the wall is uneven, the spacing should be reduced.

Clips allow you to both remove the baseboard and install it back

No. 5. MDF plinth

A plinth made of MDF is the golden mean in terms of price and quality . In terms of properties, the material is almost as good as wood, and in some respects it even surpasses it, and at the same time it costs much less. MDF boards are made from sawdust, which is pressed under high temperature and pressure along with urea resins. The result is a durable and non-hazardous material that does not emit harmful substances into the air. The top of the board can be painted, laminated with a film or veneered with a thin layer of natural wood, so the appearance is very varied.

Advantages:

• resistance to moisture and temperature changes;
• UV resistance;
• antistatic;
• ease of installation and maintenance;
• relatively low price.

Flaws:

• strength and mechanical resistance are much lower than that of wood, but higher than that of plastic.

Experts say that MDF skirting boards can be attached to liquid nails, but it is better to use special clamps that are screwed to the wall. Due to this fastening, the plinth can be removed and reused. The slight flexibility of the material allows it to be attached to slightly curved walls.

LDF skirting boards on store shelves . LDF board is manufactured using the same technology as MDF, but has a lower density: 450-650 kg/cm3 for LDF versus 650-850 kg/cm3 for MDF.

Types of skirting boards: ranking of the best

Photo	Name	Rating	Price
#1		Plastic skirting board	⭐ 99 / 10021 - voice	Find out the price
#2		MDF plinth	⭐ 98 / 10041 - voice	Find out the price
#3		Solid baseboard	⭐ 97 / 1006 — votes	Find out the price
#4		Polyurethane skirting board	⭐ 96 / 10030 — votes	Find out the price
#5		LDF skirting boards	⭐ 95 / 10013 — votes	Find out the price
#6		Tile plinth for the bathroom	⭐ 94 / 1009 — votes	Find out the price
#7		Metal skirting	⭐ 93 / 1006 — votes	Find out the price
#8		Cork plinth	⭐ 92 / 1001 - voice	Find out the price

What would you choose or recommend?

Take the survey

On sale now you can find a variety of variations of skirting boards, which differ not only in color, size, but also in the material from which they are made. Depending on this, they have different recommendations for use, as well as appearance and a number of specific performance characteristics. Let's figure out what kind of skirting boards there are, depending on the material, and find out which option will be preferable in certain cases.

No. 1 - Plastic skirting board

Plastic skirting
The first place in our rating is unconditionally occupied by the ordinary plastic version. This is an inexpensive skirting board that is very practical and convenient, and it can also have almost any color and is often equipped with cable channels, inside of which it is convenient to lay wires. It is made from ordinary PVC.

This plinth consists of two parts - internal and external. During installation, the first one is fixed on the wall using self-tapping screws, and the second one is simply put on the first one. All joints, as well as the edges of the planks, are conveniently closed with special plugs, which are on sale wherever the plastic version of the plinth is sold. Installation is extremely simple and can be installed without outside help.

The color of the plastic version can be easily matched to both the color of the base coating and the material from which the doors are made. The price is very affordable, which allows you to include this option even on a very limited budget. The product, of course, has a drawback - it is fragile and not as durable as the same wooden one. It can be easily damaged by placing the chair poorly or hitting it during use. However, it still has many more advantages than disadvantages, which is why the majority choose it. For example, such a plinth can be installed even if the walls are not perfectly smooth.

On a note! A special plastic plinth is produced for carpeting, which allows you to fix the covering on the floor and at the same time disguise the plinth itself.

pros

• cheap
• large selection of colors
• doesn't rot
• not afraid of water
• can be installed in premises of any purpose
• not afraid of ultraviolet radiation
• there are often cable channels inside
• easy installation
• stores have ready-made components of the required size and color
• suitable for uneven walls

Minuses

• fragile

Prices for plastic skirting boards for floors

plastic skirting board for floor

No. 2 - MDF plinth

MDF plinth
This option is suitable for those who have flat walls, and it is relatively cheap, but at the same time durable and reliable. Optimal ratio of quality and cost. In terms of its parameters, it is almost as good as wood, and in some aspects it is even better than the latter, but it costs less.

This plinth is made from sawdust, which is pressed under pressure together with special resins. The result is a very strong and durable material. It is not hazardous to health if it is produced in compliance with all standards and requirements and does not become a source of harmful substances. The outside of each product is finished with veneer or laminated film or painted. Thanks to this, the color variations of MDF plinths are quite diverse. This option is ideally combined with parquet or parquet boards. By the way, just like a plastic baseboard, there may be cable channels inside.

It is a little more difficult to install than PVC skirting boards. It must be attached either to self-tapping screws that do not have heads, directly, or to special brackets.

The main disadvantage is that the outer coating of such a plinth is easily scratched. Overall, the product is very durable, but it can quickly lose its appearance if handled carelessly.

pros

• not afraid of moisture
• not afraid of temperature changes
• UV resistant
• relatively simple installation
• lasting
• antistatic

Minuses

• scratches easily
• not suitable for uneven walls

Prices for MDF plinths

MDF plinth for flooring

No. 3 - Solid baseboard

Solid baseboard
This option is created from solid wood. And it is considered the most environmentally friendly, since it is absolutely natural - there are not even any synthetic resins in the composition. This type of skirting board is ideal for children's rooms and bedrooms. Skirting boards are made from various types of wood, although literally 20 years ago only ordinary pine was available. Nowadays, stores offer products made from oak, ash, cherry and other species to suit every taste and budget.

Most often, such a plinth is chosen by people for whom the environmental friendliness of the material is important, as well as by those who lay parquet - the material combines perfectly. Installation is carried out using self-tapping screws or liquid nails. The main disadvantage is the need to tint and paint the baseboard in the desired shade. Also, this type tends to react strongly to changes in temperature or humidity levels - it should not be used in the bathroom or kitchen. But this is a durable option that will last for many years.

pros

• eco-friendly look
• high strength and reliability
• large selection of wood types
• beautiful view
• looks expensive

Minuses

• needs to be tinted
• Expensive
• afraid of humidity and temperature changes
• not suitable for curved walls

Prices for solid baseboards

wooden plinth for floor

Reviews of wooden skirting boards

No. 4 – Polyurethane skirting board

Polyurethane skirting board
This is the best option for those who have radius partitions or uneven walls in the room. Polyurethane plinth is flexible and suitable for framing non-standard shapes and curved planes.

This plinth is sold in the form of a long strip. Therefore, during installation, you can avoid the appearance of unnecessary joints of elements as much as possible. Looks great in combination with almost any type of flooring. They can have a beautiful relief pattern and different heights. Such a plinth is attached to a special profile pre-installed on the wall. Before fixing it, it needs to be heated in warm water - after cooling it will take the ideal desired shape.

It is important to remember that before installation, this plinth must be stored exclusively in its original packaging - when stored outdoors, it partially loses its properties. But this material can be painted in the desired color, it is safe and is not afraid of changes in environmental conditions. The service life declared by the manufacturers is about 30 years.

pros

• ideal for uneven walls
• may have different heights and textures
• easy to install
• helps prevent the formation of unnecessary joints
• can be painted in the desired color
• not afraid of changes in temperature and humidity
• durable

Minuses

• special storage requirements
• not a cheap option

Prices for polyurethane skirting boards

polyurethane floor skirting

No. 5 – LDF skirting boards

LDF skirting boards
This is a relatively new type of skirting boards that resembles MDF, but is created exclusively from fibers of a certain type of Radiata pine, eucalyptus. However, synthetic resins are still present. And yet this type of plinth is considered environmentally friendly. There is only one brand in the USA that makes them. The cost of products is not the lowest, but not much more expensive than products made from MDF. Installation is carried out either with glue or with self-tapping screws that do not have heads.

These are light, but strong and hard skirting boards that are easy to saw and do not crumble. They are quite easy to install yourself, without resorting to the services of a specialist. The material is not afraid of changes in humidity and temperature. However, it needs to be painted, and installation must be done only along smooth walls. This is an option for those who prioritize environmental friendliness.

pros

• high environmental friendliness
• strength
• not afraid of moisture - can be installed in rooms with high humidity
• withstands temperature changes

Minuses

• high price
• not suitable for curved walls
• needs to be painted
• only one brand produces

Prices for plinths made of LDF

Ultrawood plinth

No. 6 – Tile plinth for the bathroom

Tile plinth for the bathroom
This option is specific in terms of use. It is usually installed in bathrooms and where ceramics are used as flooring. The baseboard is selected to match the color and texture of the material used. It looks very good in combination with tiles, but is expensive, which increases the renovation budget.

By the way, previously such a plinth was made independently, simply by cutting the tiles. But now, along with the material, you can buy a specially created ceramic plinth. Installation of the material is the same as the tile itself - with tile adhesive. The seams can be easily sealed with special grout.

pros

• washes well
• not afraid of moisture and temperature changes
• not afraid of exposure to UV rays
• durable after installation

Minuses

• looks good only in combination with tiles
• Expensive
• difficult to transport, as it is quite fragile when unpacked

Reviews about LDF skirting boards

Prices for ceramic plinths

plinth for ceramic tiles

No. 7 – Metal plinth

Metal plinth
Metal plinth is rare, but, nevertheless, it is on sale. This is the optimal solution for modern interior styles such as loft or minimalism. As a rule, it is made of aluminum or steel. Brass options are also available.

This is an expensive option, which is distinguished by its simplicity and modesty in appearance, excellent strength and durability. Manufacturers note. that it can last more than 30 years without losing much of its appearance. Can be installed even in damp rooms. The main disadvantages are the high cost and a modest selection of design solutions. But there are cable channels inside. This look looks good in combination with linoleum, tiles, and self-leveling flooring. It should not be combined with other types of coatings.

pros

• durable
• very durable
• ideal for a loft
• not afraid of water

Minuses

• Expensive
• limited design options
• only for smooth walls

Prices for metal plinths

metal plinth

No. 8 – Cork plinth

Cork plinth
is a rather rare and expensive option, but it is environmentally friendly and ideal for allergy sufferers. It is created using a certain technology from the bark of a cork tree. As a rule, it is installed in combination with cork flooring or cork wallpaper. Unfortunately, the range of cork skirting boards does not offer a variety of designs. But this option can be laid along not the most even walls.

pros

• relatively flexible
• environmentally friendly
• can be laid along uneven walls
• fits well on the wall

Minuses

• Expensive
• no color choice
• easily damaged
• does not tolerate moisture

Prices for cork plinths

cork plinth

No. 6. Hard plastic skirting board

More than half of all those who begin to think about which skirting board to choose end up choosing the plastic option. There are much more such products on store shelves than wooden or veneered ones, because plastic skirting boards look very good and are cheap . These skirting boards are made from foamed polyvinyl chloride; the product can have any color and relief, so choosing the right option will not be difficult, but these are not the only advantages of PVC skirting boards.

Advantages:

• low price;
• resistance to moisture and rot, so this plinth can be used in the bathroom and kitchen, and can also be safely washed without fear of consequences;
• resistance to ultraviolet rays and temperature changes;
• the presence of cavities inside the baseboard, allowing you to hide a lot of cables.

Flaws:

• unnaturalness;
• low durability;
• low mechanical strength.

The plastic plinth consists of a fastening and a front part . It is the fastening part that is mounted to the wall with self-tapping screws, so the front side remains smooth. Between the fastening and front parts there is sufficient space in which electrical wires can be placed, and sometimes there is only enough space for a television cable, and sometimes a whole bundle of wires can be laid , and also divided by partitions for convenience. Special plugs are used at the ends and corners; when choosing, pay utmost attention to them, since they are often very different in color from the baseboard itself.

For carpet flooring, there is a special plastic plinth, which looks like an L-shaped strip into which you need to insert a strip cut from the carpet. As a result, it is possible to completely disguise the baseboard.

Installation of kitchen plinth

If we are talking about installing a plinth on a tabletop, then it is necessary to have end caps, external and internal corners. Triangular-shaped aluminum models are mounted at an angle, using only plugs.

When installing plastic or aluminum baguettes on a stone countertop, you must pre-drill holes to install the base.

Floor and ceiling baguettes require thorough measurements and preliminary marking.

Do not forget to fasten the corner and connecting elements in time. Using special grooves, they easily snap onto the base bar.

Required Tools

• When fixing any plinth, tools are required: a screwdriver (when installing on self-tapping screws).
• A hammer drill (not always, but may be needed to make holes for dowels).
• A hammer, a hacksaw, a tape measure, a pencil and scissors will come in handy.

If you attach metal or wooden baseboards with screws, then be sure to treat the edges with silicone.

If you are installing a ceiling border you may also need:

• miter box (carpentry tool for correct cutting of corners);
• mounting gun;
• glue for ceiling plinths;
• acrylic sealant.

Typically, kitchen skirting boards are supplied with the kitchen set and form a set with it, harmonizing both in color and shape.

Installation

When installing a kitchen plinth, which most often comes with a set, the installation site must be treated with silicone. The plinth is mounted with a profile to the installation site. Using a screwdriver, screw the self-tapping screws into the strip and install the front cover into the groove until it clicks. There are overlays at the corners, and plugs at the ends.

Screwing the baseboard with self-tapping screws makes the product repairable. It is enough to unscrew the screws, remove the old baseboards and install new ones in the same way.

If installation of a ceiling plinth is required, if there are right angles in the kitchen, the baguette is cut using a miter box. Installation occurs by gluing.

No. 7. Flexible plinth

If the room has a lot of curved and non-standard shapes, then there is no better option than a flexible plastic baseboard. In order for the material to acquire unique properties, during production the spatial structure of the polymer threads is slightly modified, but to preserve such properties, the plinth must be stored in special packaging. Often flexible plinth is produced in the form of a long strip, which allows installation with virtually no seams.

Advantages:

• plasticity and ability to take the required shape;
• moisture resistance and ease of care;
• resistance to temperature changes.

Flaws:

• relatively high cost;
• complexity of installation.

Installation consists of installing a supporting profile, on top of which a flexible front profile is attached. It is preheated in warm water or exposed to hot air until it becomes pliable. After this, it can be fixed into the fastener segments and wait until it hardens itself, taking the required shape.

Features of PVC skirting boards

A few decades ago, there were only two main materials for hiding the joint between the floor and the wall. In most cases, wooden parts were used that had a standard beveled shape. For rooms with high humidity, a cement mixture was used to form the necessary joint. Therefore, plastic skirting boards created a revolution when they appeared on the construction market.

Naturally, the first products were simple and did not have a wide decorative range. But modern types made of polyvinyl chloride plastic have many advantages:

1. Durability. Indeed, it is difficult to find a material that surpasses PVC in service life. Any floor elements made from wood and even metal are significantly inferior in this parameter.
2. Easy to install. The work does not require any special knowledge; even a beginner can handle the process. There are models that have flexible rubber edges, which allows you to hide any imperfections and irregularities.
3. Flexibility. The plinth has flexible varieties, which allows you to design complex and rounded areas.
4. Wealth of choice. Many color options are a real treasure trove of solutions for creating a spectacular interior.
5. Resistant to temperature changes and high humidity. The material is suitable for installation in unheated rooms, as well as showers and bathrooms.
6. Wear resistance. The product is easy to care for and does not lose its original appearance.

Plastic borders are ideal for rooms with high humidity.
Undoubtedly, all the available advantages are complemented favorably by the price, which does not greatly affect the overall renovation budget. But it is precisely this factor that imposes some restrictions on the use of plastic floor skirting boards. So, they do not fit well with the “rich” finish, worsening the overall impression.

Thus, the technical characteristics make these products indispensable in most cases; they successfully fulfill their role in all rooms of the house or apartment.

Wood-look skirting boards harmonize well with linoleum and laminate

No. 8. Ceramic baseboard

Just a couple of decades ago, when decorating a room decorated with ceramic tiles, baseboards were made by hand, cutting the same tiles into pieces. It was not always possible to get a smooth edge, so the appearance of such a plinth was not particularly aesthetic. Today, ceramic plinth often comes complete with tiles, has exactly the same color as the main material, and differs only in size, and its width is made so that the seams can be joined. Of course, you can choose a baseboard of a completely different color and a different batch. A curved baseboard is often used between the wall and the bathroom.

Advantages:

• durability;
• resistance to moisture, sunlight, temperature changes, so this is an ideal option for kitchens, bathrooms and hallways;
• stability of shape and size;
• mechanical strength.

Installing a ceramic plinth should not be difficult - the process is similar to laying ceramic tiles. The plinth is mounted with glue and nailed with a light rubber or wooden hammer. The seams are masked with waterproof grout.

Plastic and ceramics

These skirting boards are made from foamed PVC and are always highly environmentally friendly. Therefore, they can be used additionally in combination with non-natural coatings:

• Linoleum;
• Carpet;
• Laminate;
• Ceramics.

Plastic skirting boards are very popular today because they are cheap and practical. Products may vary in shape, color and shade. This makes it possible to choose materials to suit every taste.

Such products are resistant to moisture and dirt, do not rust over time, will last a long time, but are less durable.

Special plugs are installed at the corners and ends. Inaccurate shade matching is a significant drawback.

Plastic skirting boards are fixed to the wall using ordinary self-tapping screws. The caps are not visible on the front side because they are covered with special plastic inserts. Cable channels, depending on the size of the skirting boards, may differ in volume. Often only one TV cable is suitable for them. Some products can even cover a whole bundle of wires.

Until recently, no one used ceramic skirting boards at all. When it was necessary to make a ceramic floor edging, the same tiles were used, only divided into several fragments. At the same time, irregularities were clearly visible on the cut.

Today, ceramic skirting boards are often sold complete with tiles. It is always adjusted to the size of the tile and fully matches the color. You can select a separate skirting board that differs in color.

Ceramic baseboards for the bathroom are considered an indispensable tool. With its help, the space between the wall with the bathtub and the tiles is framed. These skirting boards are made in an unusual shape of a concave hemisphere and look quite attractive.

No. 9. Metal baseboard

Aluminum, stainless steel and brass can be used to make skirting boards ; anodized aluminum is, of course, more common.

Main advantages:

• high strength and durability;
• beautiful appearance;
• resistance to mechanical damage, changes in humidity and temperature;
• wear resistance;
• presence of a cavity for laying cables.

Disadvantages include high cost and not compatibility with all materials . An aluminum baseboard will look good with tiles, porcelain stoneware, self-leveling flooring and commercial linoleum. Most often the material is used in public spaces, but is also suitable for kitchens and bathrooms and will complement the high-tech style of the interior.

Polyurethane skirting boards

For the production of skirting boards and stucco decoration, a polymer called polyurethane foam is used. This is a highly durable material, unlike cheap polystyrene.

Advantages:

• Durable, despite its low specific gravity, moisture resistant, not susceptible to the formation of mold and mildew.
• Polyurethane skirting boards are easy to cut without breaking, serve for a long time without absorbing dirt. The material allows you to create decorative strips of various shapes, sizes, textures, and lay a channel for electrical wiring.

The main advantage is the ability to create models of flexible plinths from polyurethane with the addition of rubber for the design of columns, niches, rounded protrusions and other curved surfaces.

Flaws:

• Requires puttying and painting;
• They are not cheap;
• Joint ruptures occur if the humidity in the room decreases after installation;
• For a durable installation and to avoid ruptures, only adhesive for installation is not enough, so it is recommended to also secure it with self-tapping screws.

Europlast

The Europlast brand (Russia) belongs to a large enterprise in the Moscow region, which is distinguished by:

• the world's only automatic filling line for products
• casting products in molds
• the largest and most productive, as well as modern plant in Eurasia for the production of architectural decor
• there is quality control at all stages
• New technologies are constantly being developed
• There is a repair and maintenance service for equipment

The manufacturing process of Europlast skirting boards:

• High-precision mixture preparation
• Pouring into molds on an automatic line
• Foaming procedure
• Mechanical processing of products
• Application of polyurethane primer

All this makes Europlast polyurethane skirting boards high quality products. The range offers a wide choice for the consumer, which also includes flexible elements.

Perfect

White floor plinth Perfekt (China) made of polyurethane has the following advantages:

• impact resistance and high density
• compliance with international quality standards
• a wide range of models differing in height (50-148 mm) and profile shape
• installation with glue or liquid nails, as well as additional fastening with self-tapping screws
• can be painted in any color using latex, acrylic, or water-based paints
• decent quality at a reasonable price

Orac Decor

Orac polyurethane products are manufactured in Belgium and feature a wide range of different profiles. Thanks to products for every taste and easy installation, Orac makes beautiful framing accessible to everyone. The Orac Flex line is a flexible profile that allows you to frame curved areas.

Orac Decor products also include:

• classical traditions and modern performance are ideally combined;
• the visual appearance is in no way inferior to products made of wood or plaster;
• characteristic features are specified that are always at the peak of popularity in the field of interior design;
• technologies have been introduced to eliminate the emission of harmful substances into the environment, which ensures the environmental friendliness of products confirmed by European certification;
• The consumer is attracted by reliability, ease of maintenance and installation, and practicality.

Decomaster

Decomaster is a brand (China) that produces stucco decor, including white polyurethane floor plinths.

Dekomaster products are distinguished by:

• Ideal stable geometry;
• Long lasting color;
• Moisture resistance;
• Resistance to mechanical damage;
• Environmental friendliness, confirmed by compliance with European standards;
• Quality due to control at all stages of production and certification;
• Resistant to dirt and odor absorption.

White floor plinth Modus Decor

The Modus Decor brand occupies a special place among polyurethane products. These profiles produced by the Russian company TECHNOCOM have a number of advantages:

• European quality, which is ensured by high-tech equipment, the use of the best raw materials and components, and strict control;
• The highest hardness of products, close to the hardness of plastic and achieved by using especially durable polyurethane;
• Unsurpassed performance characteristics;
• Resistance to humidity and elevated temperatures;
• Durability;
• Environmental friendliness;
• Exclusive aesthetic properties and a large selection of profiles.

Modus Decor skirting boards can be painted more than once, they are easy to install and maintain, and do not absorb odors. The free space inside the baseboard allows you to hide the required number of wires.

No. 10. Cork plinth

Cork plinth is far from the most common option. Made from the bark of the cork tree, it is a completely natural material, harmless to health, excellent for those rooms where cork flooring or cork wallpaper was used. The color range is limited, the price is high.

No. 11. Choosing the size of the plinth

The height of the plinth can vary from 3 to 15 cm , and the choice of a specific parameter depends on the size of the room and the height of the ceilings:

• for small, low rooms (with a height of about 2.5 m), it is better to choose thin baseboards 3-5 cm, and the color should preferably match the shade of the walls, so that the baseboard seems like a natural continuation of them;
• for rooms of medium height (about 2.7 m), skirting boards with a height of 4.5-7 cm are suitable, the choice of which is wide;
• V spacious high rooms It is highly not recommended to use narrow skirting boards - it is better to opt for high planks, which will either be contrasting or match the color of the floor covering.

Criterias of choice

The color of skirting boards can be influenced by several criteria. The most significant are:

• Ceiling height. If the height of the walls is 270 cm or more, it is possible to install dark shades of both the baseboards themselves and the floor covering. In the case of low ceilings and a small room area, this can create a negative impression and create the visual effect of a cramped space. In this situation, it is more advisable to use light colors (light gray, golden, sunny).
• Choose the color of the baseboards and floors in harmony with the walls. In this case, it is important not to overdo it with shades.
• Creating a unified harmony due to the combined play of tones of other elements of the room.

Skirting boards for the attic floor Source remontum24.ru

No. 12. Skirting and interior style

To choose the right plinth, you need to take into account the style of the interior:

• the classic style involves the use of high plinths made of wood or MDF, with a noticeable relief. All wood shades are suitable, especially dark ones, as well as white;
• minimalism involves using the simplest possible baseboard, with a smooth surface, usually white. Material: MDF, metal, less often wood and plastic;
• hi-tech – these are shiny metal skirting boards, plastic or MDF;
• Country style is characterized by an abundance of roughly processed solid wood, and baseboards are no exception;
• For the Art Nouveau with its ornate shapes, a flexible plastic plinth is perfect.

The floor plinth is installed at the end of the finishing work, after installation of the floor and wall coverings. However, even before the renovation begins, it is necessary to at least have a general idea of ​​what color, shape and size the baseboard will be - it is better to choose the final option after all the finishing is done and the final shades of the floor and walls are visible.

The article was written for the site.

Tags:Apartment design, Flooring

Sizing

When determining the required size of the plinth, rely on:

• ceiling height in the room;
• room volume;
• color of the floor and walls.

In large rooms it is highly undesirable to install thin skirting boards. They will disrupt the geometry of the room and spoil the design of the room. Wide models would be more suitable for this case, and they should be attached exclusively to the wall. Models in white or contrasting colors look good in such rooms.

For a small room with low ceilings, it is better to take a model in the same tone as the walls. Visually, the surface of the wall will seem to continue, and the entire room will visually stretch in height.

For a standard room, models with a height of 4.5 cm to 7 cm are usually taken.