Which skirting board is best for the floor. Which plinth to choose for the floor

The skirting board serves two purposes: it hides uneven seams between floors and walls and improves the design of the room. With the wrong choice, all efforts to create finishing of the floor, walls and ceiling can be leveled. Conversely, the skillful selection of this element will not only decorate the room, but also hide imperfections or problem areas. Such a dependence of the appearance of the room on a small-sized element requires a balanced final decision.

How to choose a plinth for the floor: rules

When choosing a particular model, you need to take into account several factors, each of which has a significant impact.

Appointment of the premises. In residential buildings in bedrooms and bathrooms, corridors and halls, you need to install various types of skirting boards. There are specific requirements for office buildings, trade and exhibition halls, etc. For rooms with high humidity, it is recommended to choose skirting boards made of moisture-resistant materials: ceramics, artificial stone, plastic. In rooms with high traffic, elements of increased strength should be installed: ceramics, MDF.
Room decoration style. Designers recommend various skirting boards for high-tech and classic styles, for country and baroque styles. Classic styles look better with skirting boards made from natural materials and natural colors, retro skirting should be decorated with antique skirting boards, modern styles allow the use of plastic and aluminum materials.
Height and total area. In some cases, skirting boards can visually enlarge the premises, in others, on the contrary, reduce it. In spacious rooms, you can lay a dark floor with the same skirting boards, it is allowed to use original colors. Low ceilings look more spacious with light floors and baseboards.
Color solutions. There are no general universal rules for choosing; there are options for contrasting skirting boards or to match the existing flooring and wall decoration. It is not recommended to combine blue with pink, purple with green. The skirting board should be in harmony not only with the flooring, but also with the windows and doors.

Floor skirting boards are designed to serve as an emphasis on the perimeter of the room.

Skirting boards can be of different colors, widths, made of different materials

Modern solution - illuminated skirting board

According to these criteria, skirting boards from various materials can be found, but each of them has its own performance indicators, which must also be taken into account when choosing a specific model.

If the appearance affects the harmonious design of the room, then the durability and installation technology depend on the material of manufacture. What should you pay attention to?

Durability. In all cases, the service life of skirting boards should be 30 years or more. The outer coating must be resistant to infrared radiation, not change color, be resistant to mechanical stress.

Skirting boards must be durable

Ease of maintenance. The more the surface is embossed, the more difficult it is to maintain it. If the room is often cleaned, it is recommended to choose elements with an even, smooth surface, preferably matte, not glossy. On the glossy one, the smallest scratches are noticeable.

Smooth skirting board

Resistance to direct contact with water, low coefficients of thermal linear expansion. Bathrooms, kitchens and hallways are most commonly wet cleaned, and these floor coverings have an increased risk of flooding. Skirting boards should not lose their original properties after prolonged contact with water.

Plastic skirting board is not afraid of contact with water

Flexibility. If the quality of the walls does not meet the required parameters, then the skirting boards should hide problem areas. After fixing, there should be no gaps between the wall and the element. This is achieved in two ways: by leveling the walls or by selecting flexible types of skirting boards. The first method requires a lot of time and special construction activities, is associated with a large amount of dust and construction waste. Flexible skirting boards make it possible to remove irregularities much easier, while visually the walls will seem perfectly even.

Floor flexible skirting board

Additional functions. In many cases, utilities are located along the perimeter of the premises. The skirting board must have special grooves in which television cables are torn off, electrical wiring for various low voltage household appliances.

Plastic skirting board with cable channel

Price. There are no cheap and reliable materials at the same time, this should always be remembered. In some cases, the price of skirting boards is almost equal to the cost of cheap flooring. When choosing, you should always adhere to the universal rule: expensive floors require the same expensive skirting boards and vice versa.

Wide wooden plinth

To make the right decision, you need to familiarize yourself with the types of skirting boards existing in the implementation.

Types of skirting boards for the floor

Modern renovation is not complete without such a product as a skirting board. These are thin rigid or flexible planks used in the finishing decoration of the floor space. Products are produced in a huge range. Let us consider in detail what types of floor skirting boards exist, where they are used and how they are installed.

General classification of skirting boards

The range of floor moldings is impressive, they are divided according to several criteria. So, by appointment allocate:

Versatile profiles that can be used in residential and commercial construction. Therefore, they are the most demanded;
Flexible, recommended for rooms with complex shapes, as well as for decorating the base of columns, arches, etc.;
Fluted, with which you can mount the floor covering with an institution on the wall. Basically, this type of product is used in hospitals, laboratories and other facilities with special requirements for cleanliness;
Frame or carpet, allowing you to form a decorative strip of finishing material for the floor. A very good solution for the so-called author's or designer's repair;
Special, characterized by high indicators of resistance to mechanical stress, intended for public, trade and commercial organizations.

Universal skirting boards for all occasions.

By format can be distinguished:

Classic curly fillets;
Modern straight planks;
Profiled products.

To size distinguish between:

Small skirting boards, the height of which does not exceed 40 mm.
Standard moldings up to 70 mm in size on the front side - universal moldings for any objects;
High profiles with a usable width of up to 150 mm - for rooms where the distance from floor to ceiling exceeds 3 m.

The length of the products varies from 1.5 to 2.5 m, and the thickness is 2–2.5 cm (rarely 3-4 cm).

By fixing method manufacturers offer:

Products installed using ordinary self-tapping screws or dowel-nails;
Planks with a self-adhesive strip industrially applied to the wrong side;
Skirting boards glued on "liquid nails" or any other strong glue.
Moldings mounted on original fasteners: "clips", mounting strips, etc.

The most practical type of skirting boards are profiles that are fixed with fasteners. They can be installed on walls lined with decorative plaster or wallpaper, PVC panels or clapboard.

By decorating method skirting profiles are divided into:

Untreated and primed, which can be painted, toned with one- and two-component compositions on oil, acrylic, latex, polyurethane and silicone bases (glazes, enamels, varnishes, stains, etc.). As a rule, PVC and MDF products are white, so they do not need to be processed;
Painted or pigmented with abrasion and water resistant compounds;
Covered with PVC film with a texture like wood, tiles, marble, granite and the like.

Tinted wood skirting board.

Finally, the most important classification feature is the raw material from which the moldings are made. Let's dwell on this group in more detail.

Classification by material of manufacture

Floor decoration strips are made from:

Each type of floor plinth has a unique set of properties, therefore, before choosing, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with a brief description of each type of product.

Plastic moldings for the floor

The largest group of products is made from thermoplastic polymer mass, better known as plastic. Perfectly combined with almost all types of floor finishing materials, from laminate to ceramic tiles. Due to their wear and water resistance, they can be used in living rooms, baths and toilets, offices, shops, clubs, even on open balconies and terraces.

Hard, tinted in the most popular colors. In budget collections, the surface is smooth and light gloss. The more expensive ones go through deep or surface texturing stages, so they ideally mimic natural wood moldings. In addition, the premium series have a so-called soft edge edging - a rubber strip glued to the main strip, which ensures a good fit to the floor and walls;
Colored flexible profiles called edging. They can be used both for walls and for decorating arched or doorways, columns, bay windows, paintings, mirrors, false fireplaces and much more;
White, which can be fixed neat or painted after installation. Foamed plastic is used for their production, which has good adhesion. Thanks to this property, the paint compounds fit perfectly on the skirting board.

Table 1... Pros and cons of PVC skirting boards

Polyurethane skirting boards

The elastomer of the urethane group is sometimes mistakenly referred to as duroplast or a subtype of PVC. However, it is not. Polyurethane is classified as a separate type of polymer, surpassing even rubber in some properties.

The peculiarity of the floor profiles is that they are made from a rigid and semi-rigid variety by extrusion or casting. Finished products can be of increased strength or flexible, easily adapting to objects of complex shapes. The surface is white for painting, of a straight shape with partial profiling, less often - curly.

table 2... Advantages and disadvantages of polyurethane profiles

High-density MDF skirting board

The products of this group have a thermal expansion rate identical to wood, therefore they are perfect for laminate, parquet, multi-layer or solid boards. The assortment of well-known manufacturers:

MDF-products for painting;
Tinted or painted strips;
Profiles covered with colored decorative foil with a smooth or textured surface structure.

The front side of MDF products can be smooth, profiled, ornamental. The size range depends on the manufacturer, and the length can reach 3 m, thickness - 2 cm, and height - 15 cm.

Table 3... Advantages and disadvantages of MDF skirting boards

Wooden skirting boards

This type of profiled products is considered elite, as it is made from solid wood of valuable species (beech, oak, ash, etc.). The surface can be clean or treated with varnish, oil, stains. Some factories even produce veneered strips.

Wooden profiles are perfect for all types of wood coatings, as well as floor or wall materials that imitate natural textures: laminate, multi-layer board, vinyl tiles, linoleum, wood-like porcelain stoneware, etc. There are no unified standards, therefore the sizes, shape of the profile, the number of cable channels vary over a wide range.

Table 4... Advantages and disadvantages of solid wood molding

Metal skirting boards

The most resistant to damage, wear and water type of floor profiles are products made of aluminum, stainless steel or brass. Produced primarily for industrial and commercial applications. Although, as you can see in the photo below, some designers use metal strips to create high-tech, avant-garde or minimalist interiors.

To protect and give the surface decorative properties, aluminum skirting boards are painted by anodizing or powder enamel. Brass products do not need such a tread layer. Some manufacturers offer profiles covered with a decorative film that imitates wood in texture and color.

Table 5... Pros and cons of metal skirting boards

How to replace a floor plinth

We have considered the types of floor planks most demanded by buyers. But some are looking for their counterparts. Alternatively, you can choose:

Usual glazing beads made of PVC, MDF, wood. The latter must first be tinted to match the color of the floor or wall covering. For fixing, you can use glue "liquid nails" or any assembly (Titan, Master, etc.).
Cork dampers, polyurethane foam sealing cords, polyethylene foam and other types of materials that can be inserted into the gap between the wall and the floor.
F- or U-shaped plastic corners, which "dress" on the bottom of the panel. Most often they are used as ceiling cornices or side caps, but with the right thickness, they can be used instead of a baseboard on the floor. Installation - only when installing lining, wooden, PVC or fiberboard panels on the walls.
Ceramic or glass border, ready-made or cut to size tiles. It is fixed on a tile or super-strong assembly glue, while experts recommend leaving a gap of at least 0.5 mm between each element, decorated with an elastic grouting mixture to match.

Glass tile skirting board.

Thus, if you wish, you can always replace the skirting board with something more inconspicuous and small. But is it worth it? After all, it protects the edges of the coatings around the perimeter, gives a kind of charm and a finished look to the room.

Advice! If you need repairmen, there is a very convenient service for their selection. Just send in the form below a detailed description of the work that needs to be performed and you will receive offers with prices from construction teams and firms by mail. You can see reviews of each of them and photos with examples of work. It is FREE and non-binding.

Buyer's Guide: How to choose a skirting board for your floor - rules and tips

There are four main options, but there are a lot of unconventional solutions.

We start repairs with a rational desire to “save on everything”. But then "the process drags on", the projects suddenly appear expensive tiles, furniture from European factories. And the budget (in which, possibly, all expenses were taken into account) begins to “crackle” naturally. You have to either freeze the construction site, or switch to materials cheaper.

If you did not immediately plan in your estimate the costs "for the plinth" or are forced to save a lot right now, do it correctly. The skirting board will "go" along almost the entire perimeter of the premises, linking together the floor coverings of the entire house. Therefore, as soon as you have decided on the type of flooring, it is time to choose the right plinth for the floor. I tell you what to consider.

It is very easy to install, as well as to dismantle the floor plastic skirting board, it does not require special skill. You can approve such a skirting board in the color of the floor covering or doors, find a model with an internal cable channel (you can hide all the wiring, as shown in the photo). As a rule, plastic skirting boards are chosen for laminate, linoleum and carpet - that is, “no complaints” repair. The price for 2.5 running meters, depending on the manufacturer, ranges from 50 to 150 rubles. When you need to meet a very modest budget for the design of public spaces, this is almost the only possible option.

The main disadvantage is fragility
Whatever is written in marketing brochures about the latest technologies and innovative high strength polymers - plastic remains plastic. A brush from a vacuum cleaner, a chair leg, a crashed children's car, that is, any mechanical point effect leads to damage. For the home, you still want more durable solutions. Which skirting board should you choose? We look further.

2. MDF skirting board
The material is environmentally friendly (fine shavings pressed under high temperature and pressure), ideal for parquet boards. It has the same advantages as a plastic skirting board: it is possible to conduct electrical wiring inside.

There are two ways of attaching MDF skirting boards to the wall:

on special brackets (by analogy with a plastic skirting board);
on self-tapping screws without hats. A more reliable way is to create a tight fit to the wall.

How to choose MDF skirting board? The easiest way is to purchase it together with a parquet board, from the same manufacturer, choosing the profile shape, size and color.

A skirting board made of MDF could well be called the best solution, if not for its instability to mechanical stress (chips, scratches). In addition, if there are many radial partitions in the room, the appearance of the skirting board suffers. Unlike the solid wood version, the MDF skirting board is bent with notches on the inner surface. From the outside, they are also visible and spoil the appearance.

MDF skirting board is ideal for straight partitions and a budget, but solid project. The price for 2.8 running meters ranges on average from 250 to 700 rubles, depending on the size and type of coverage. For radial partitions, it is better to choose a different skirting board.

In the photo: when thinking about how to choose the right baseboard material, do not forget - it must be combined with the floor covering

3. Solid skirting board
The most environmentally friendly and durable option, perfect for rooms with complex configurations with radial partitions.

If twenty years ago pine was almost the only option, today there is a huge choice: an array of oak, cherry, maple, ash - which plinth to choose is up to you. As a rule, solid wood skirting boards are used when laying expensive block parquet floors. It is attached to the wall with liquid nails, the radius of curvature of the wall is measured on site, and then the dimensions of the rounded parts are calculated in production.

In order to precisely "match" the tone of the doors or parquet, the plinth is tinted. The price for one running meter of massive plinth is about 750 rubles, for the radius part - on average, twice as high.

Which skirting board should you choose for your floor?

During the repair work, after laying the floor and finishing the walls, various decorative elements are installed in the room. One of these details is the floor plinth. This building material gives the room a complete look.

There are a lot of varieties of this type of floor material. The main differences are not only in appearance, but also in durability, strength and resistance to external influences. For example, a wooden plinth should not be used in summer cottages or balconies, but plastic in rooms exposed to heating, for example, summer verandas and balconies with a metal roof.

Let's figure out which type of skirting board is better, we will also get acquainted with the varieties and technology of its installation.

Plastic skirting board for the floor

Such products have a simple design and differ from their counterparts in their low price. According to experienced builders, plastic skirting boards can be installed in any room, regardless of the curvature of the walls.

In the outer side of such material there is a special groove, which allows the laying of electrical wiring. The main difference between a plastic product is considered to be a smooth surface, ease of maintenance. To clean surfaces from dirt, a standard set of cleaning agents is used.

The main disadvantage of plastic is considered to be an unrespectable appearance. Such materials do not look very nice on art parquet flooring or solid wood flooring. When using plastic elements on the edges, it is necessary to install special parts, corners and plugs that will stand out from the general background. The maximum height of this decorative element does not exceed 4.5 centimeters.

Polyurethane skirting board

The skirting board made of polyurethane is very popular among consumers and there are several reasons for this:

Excellent resistance to external aggressive factors.
Long service life. The surface of the material does not absorb foreign odors and water vapor. In addition, polyurethane does not suffer from high humidity, its operational period is at the level of 25 years.
The material does not react to sudden changes in temperature, so such products can be installed in rooms with a working heating system.
The polyurethane skirting board is flexible and flexible, which makes it easy to install on the floor.

The trimming of the decorative element is done with a sharp knife. After installation, the skirting board can be painted in the selected color.

Care of the products is quite simple, various stains on the surface are cleaned with the help of various chemicals and detergents.

In the modern construction market, there is a huge number of different types of polyurethane skirting boards, which allows you to satisfy even the most sophisticated tastes of buyers. The variety of sizes, textures and colors allows you to choose the necessary element for a specific interior.

Wooden plinth for floor

Such products are made from solid wood or veneer. The skirting board made of natural materials has a long service life. It retains its original appearance for a long time. After damage to the surface, there is a possibility of restoration.

The disadvantage of products made of valuable wood is considered to be the increased cost compared to analogues, as well as the impossibility of using it on curved walls.

The veneered skirting board has a more affordable price. Inexpensive pine is considered the basis of the material, then it is covered with a thin layer of valuable wood. The disadvantages of the material in question is the need to operate in a strict temperature and humidity regime due to the fact that conifers are considered unstable. In addition, it is not recommended to install such a plinth in rooms with a warm floor.

MDF skirting board

Laminated decorative elements (MDF) are produced from fibreboard. In terms of design features, such products resemble laminate flooring.

On top of the base, pressed paper is glued, the surface of which is covered with melamine. This layer protects the material from various types of mechanical stress, dents and scratches.

In construction stores, MDF skirting boards are produced in a laminate shade. Products differ in democratic cost, have resistance to mechanical damage, but are afraid of moisture. The maximum height of such a part does not exceed 5 centimeters.

Aluminum skirting board

Aluminum skirting board is expensive, but the high price of the material is justified by its merits. Among them:

High indicators of durability. The surface of the material is not afraid of corrosion and rodents.
Such products can be installed in damp and heated rooms.
Ease of installation. The element is fixed on special clips or glue mixture.
Attractive appearance.
High strength.
Resistance to the influence of aggressive substances.
Possibility of masking electrical wiring under the skirting board, which will only decorate the interior.

In addition to all these advantages, the floor aluminum skirting board can be easily cleaned from dirt with a regular cloth and detergent. Abrasive powders can be used to remove stubborn dirt.

Features of installing skirting boards

At the preparatory stage of the work, measurements are taken of the premises and cut skirting boards for areas of complex configuration.

During the marking work, it is necessary to overlap each element within 5 centimeters. This will prevent damage to the material during docking at a certain angle.

In the case of purchasing a skirting board for hidden wiring, you must pull the base of the product and pick up the strip. Next, the rail is fixed on the wall surface with screws or dowels, the cable is installed and the decorative panel is snapped in. Some products are attached to the base surface with glue or liquid nails.

How to choose a floor plinth

Any finishing work requires a responsible approach and attention to the smallest details that are used in the interior. Therefore, the decision on how to choose a plinth for the floor must be made with great care. It should be borne in mind that this element serves not only to close the gap between the wall and the floor, but also acts as a decorative solution that can transform the entire look of the room. The wrong choice will lead to the fact that even the most expensive finishing materials will not create the desired impression.

Nuances when choosing a plinth

Skirting board selection begins with identifying a number of factors that will influence the end result. First of all, the characteristics of the product itself are taken into account:

the material from which the skirting board is made;
size in width, which is an important aspect when choosing the right option;
a form that should be combined with other interior elements;
a color that creates a visual border and enhances the overall perception of other surfaces.

For those who cannot decide on the choice of color, there are skirting boards for painting.

The features of the room play an important role:

the color scheme of the floor and walls (in order to exclude possible difficulties, it is advisable to think over everything in advance);
the material used to finish the flooring;
the color of the edging of doorways;
the need to hide the wires.

Thus, it is necessary to select a floor element taking into account numerous parameters.

Interior details should overlap with the look, color and texture of the plinth

Varieties of products

Currently, there are many options that greatly facilitate the possibility of obtaining the ideal room, but significantly complicate the choice.

Skirting boards are made from the following materials:

Natural wood. For a long time this was the only possible option, now it is used much less often.
Veneer. An excellent solution for lovers of natural style.
MDF. This material can act as a stand-alone product or serve as a preparation for veneer application.
PVC. A modern variety with a low price and a large selection.
Aluminum. Such details are used subject to combination with other design solutions. Most often used to install decorative lighting.

Backlit aluminum skirting boards are relatively new and expensive, but they look impressive.

Of course, there are other types, but they are less popular as floor options.

To create a more harmonious space, it is important to consider the following combinations:

Floor coverings made of solid wood, laminate and parquet boards are suitable for parts made of natural wood or covered with veneer.
Modern floors, tiled with carpet, various types of linoleum or tiles, are in perfect harmony with plastic models of a different shade.
Naturally, the best solution is the choice of completely identical materials. So, for example, now there are special types that are fully combined with ceramic tiles.

There is no universal type of borders that fits everything, so when choosing, you need to take into account a number of factors

On a note! Modern technologies make it possible to create products with a cable channel, which greatly facilitates installation.

Which skirting board would be the best solution?

Given the large selection, a natural question may arise: which skirting board is better? In this situation, you will need to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of all popular options.

Wood

It is made of an array of various types of wood and has the following advantages:

Durability. The service life is calculated in decades, but only under the condition of correct operation.
In case of various types of damage, a complete or partial restoration is possible.
Environmental friendliness. It is important to take into account that the details will require subsequent finishing with the correct composition.

Although natural wood curbs are now less popular, they still dominate the luxury sector.

if the conditions are not suitable, then the material will quickly become unusable;
installation is carried out exclusively on well-prepared surfaces;
fixation can cause some difficulties, because it is carried out directly through the parts to different types of fasteners.

At the moment, the use of this option is justified for houses made of wood or trimmed with wood.

Veneered

This variety almost completely coincides in its characteristics with the previous version, since it can be based on MDF or inexpensive types of wood. Distinctive features are low price and ease of fixation. But the disadvantages are similar: veneered elements are also afraid of high humidity and temperature changes.

Veneered skirting boards have a solid look and cost quite reasonable money

Products from MDF

To create MDF skirting boards, wood fiber is used. Such a product has the following positive qualities:

Low price, significantly different from previous options.
Fastening is much faster.
Resistance to mechanical stress.
A wealth of choice.

But when moisture gets under such parts, they gradually deform, which cannot be corrected or prevented.

MDF skirting boards have a wide range, in addition, they are produced both in veneered version and for painting

Plastic

The PVC variants have characteristics similar to the more modern polyurethane flooring elements. The following positive features are highlighted:

Almost every model allows you to hide interfering wires.
Installation can be done on uneven surfaces.
A wide variety of solutions in color, shape and size.
Excellent resistance to all influences.

Of the shortcomings, it is customary to single out a bad combination with expensive finishing materials.

Curbs with PVC cable channels have an ideal combination of price and practical efficiency

How to choose a skirting board depending on the material? In any case, it is necessary to proceed from a specific situation, taking into account financial capabilities and other important factors.

Color and size

Color skirting boards should be chosen based on simple guidelines:

There is a standard rule for classic interiors: floor elements should be the same tone with the floor or be one tone lighter.
Matching the color of the walls makes the ceilings look taller.
The room looks more elegant, where the skirting boards are combined with the casing of the door leaves.
Contrasting details will help emphasize the geometry of the room, but if used improperly, they will ruin the appearance.

Indeed, there are a large number of nuances, but the main thing is the choice of color based on your own preferences.

In ordinary apartments with ceilings up to 2.8 meters, it is not advisable to install plinths higher than 60 mm, high curbs are intended for large rooms

On a note! Correctly selected baseboard width is the key to a harmonious interior. It is advisable to take into account the area of the room, but the average size is considered ideal, it is suitable for most rooms.

There are some selection tips that will make the buying process easier:

The standard plank length is 2.5 meters. This allows you to quickly calculate the required number of elements.
Caps are an important addition, so it is best to purchase them in excess.
When buying, you need to pay attention to the fact that the material should not have a pungent smell.
Details are best taken from the same batch, this will avoid discord.

Not the last factor when choosing is the availability of fittings to ensure an easier installation.

How to choose a skirting board for your floor? There is no unambiguous answer to this question, it is advisable to rely primarily on your own preferences.

The plinth is a decorative finishing element that has some practical functions. Why you need it, what it is and how to choose a floor plinth, we will tell you in this article.

The skirting board primarily plays a decorative role. It is a kind of framing for wall and floor decoration, emphasizing and highlighting its beauty.
This small detail masks the gaps that remain when installing some types of flooring.
Skirting boards can be used to hide wires and cables.
It helps to better fix the lower cuts of wallpaper, as well as cuts of carpet or linoleum.

Types of floor skirting boards

It is customary to classify the floor plinth according to the material of manufacture, and we will consider the most popular options on the market.

Wooden plinth for floor

The most expensive type of wooden skirting board is made from solid boards. Often, it is the valuable species of wood that are used: walnut, pine, oak, ash, etc. If we consider the positive properties of such a product, then it is worth highlighting the following:

Long service life, during which the skirting board can retain its original decorative effect. In which case it can be restored.
Environmental friendliness is one of the most significant advantages of wood.
Nice, expensive, presentable appearance.
Decent wear resistance and strength.

When choosing such a plinth, you should pay attention to its disadvantages:

A wooden product is difficult to assemble. The wall should be perfectly flat, since a natural solid board will not be able to repeat the shape of bulges and depressions, which means that ugly gaps will remain in those places.
When installing such a plinth, there may also be problems with decorating the attachment points. It is better to entrust the work on sawing and fitting parts to the master, otherwise you can spoil a lot of material.
Of course, a natural solid wood of a valuable species will not be cheap, which can also be considered a disadvantage.
Wood does not tolerate high humidity and frequent temperature changes. If the conditions in the room are unfavorable for her, it can crack or even move away from the wall along with the finishing coating.

A solid wood plinth is used, as a rule, to decorate a floor from the same material.

Veneered skirting board is a cheaper type of wood product. It is made of glued pine, on which a thin veneer made of valuable wood is attached with a decorative layer on top. Such a plinth is covered with special agents to protect against fungi and ultraviolet radiation, and the color is given to the product with the help of toning impregnations. The veneered skirting board has the following positive properties:

It is relatively inexpensive, in any case, much cheaper than a massive profile.
He, like any wood product, is environmentally friendly and hygienic.
The appearance of such a plinth is very attractive.

Its main drawback is poor resistance to moisture and temperature fluctuations. So that the plinth does not dry out, it is not recommended to install it in rooms with a "warm floor" system.

MDF skirting board is an even cheaper option for wood products. It is made from high temperature compressed fibers. Let's list the positive characteristics of MDF floor skirting boards:

Unlike a solid board, MDF has no internal stress, and therefore better tolerates both moisture and temperature extremes.
It has all the advantages inherent in wood: environmental friendliness, naturalness, hygiene.
It is easier to install because, unlike an array, it bends more easily. Therefore, you do not need to level the walls to perfect condition.
The skirting board made of MDF is good at repelling dust, and also almost does not fade under the influence of the sun.
It costs less than its wooden counterparts.

Such a product also has disadvantages:

MDF is more susceptible to mechanical damage than solid wood.
It is impossible to restore a damaged skirting board.

PVC floor skirting board

The most economical option is a plastic skirting board. It is inexpensive and popular, but it is hardly suitable for decorating a noble wood floor. Let's consider in detail the advantages of PVC skirting boards:

Plastic skirting boards are cheap and very easy to install. You can install it with your own hands, because there is no need to file the fragments at an angle of 45⁰ and fit them to each other. The product consists of fixing and decorative parts. One is mounted on the wall with glue and self-tapping screws, the second is put on from above.
Such a plinth is light in weight, well cut and even bends. If PVC is heated to a temperature of 70 ° C, it will become so plastic that it can be shaped into almost any shape.
The plastic skirting board does not need painting. A very rich palette of shades for every taste is presented on sale.
It perfectly tolerates humidity, direct exposure to water, and temperature fluctuations.
This plinth is versatile and suitable for floors covered with tiles, linoleum, laminate, carpet, porcelain stoneware. For carpeted floors, they even sell a special type of skirting board, which is decorated with a piece of carpet.
PVC skirting boards are sold along with all the necessary fasteners and other details such as corner joints, plugs, etc.
From the inside, such a plinth is hollow, which makes it possible to hide a large number of wires behind it. True, it is advisable to additionally secure the hidden cables with something.

If we talk about the disadvantages of a plastic skirting board, then it is worth highlighting the following:

Its appearance is simple, and such a design will not work under an expensive floor covering.
The plastic is not very strong. It is thin, cracks easily and cannot withstand strong impacts.
PVC does not like frost.
If damaged, it cannot be restored.

A separate type of plastic skirting board is flexible skirting board. It appeared on the market relatively recently and is now often used where it is necessary to arrange curved floor boundaries. It bends very well and can take absolutely any shape. It is made of plastic with a slightly modified chemical formula. It is also resistant to moisture, water, but it is more expensive than a simple PVC skirting board and requires certain installation skills.

Its installation begins with fastening along the walls of the bearing profile, which is installed on self-tapping screws. Then the decorative profile is heated with hot water or a hairdryer to a plastic state. In this state, it is attached to the supporting profile and left to harden.

Metal skirting board for the floor

Sometimes on sale you can find floor skirting boards made of metal profiles. They are usually made from aluminum or stainless steel. The disadvantages of a metal skirting board include high cost, but it is very durable and perfectly tolerates moisture. Metal skirting board is the optimal solution for bathrooms, kitchens and toilets.

Ceramic floor plinth

Ceramic or stone skirting boards are considered an exclusive product and are made to order. Such a skirting board is suitable for an expensive exclusive tile, since only it can harmonize with it and emphasize its beauty. It is installed, as a rule, with tile glue. If there is no possibility to order such a plinth, then you can arrange the boundaries of the floor with segments of the tile with which it is paved.

If we talk about the shortcomings of such products, then the following should be highlighted:

Replacing a damaged fragment is very difficult.
It is not very easy to install such a plinth, especially when you do not have the skills to work with tiles.
Ceramic skirting boards can only be used in combination with tiled flooring.

When choosing a skirting board, designers recommend paying attention to such factors: the material and shade of the floor covering, the texture and color of the walls, the appearance of the doors. Skirting boards are often chosen to match the finish or in the same color scheme, but some prefer to play on contrasts. It is worth saying that with such a bold design, you need to have good taste.
If the floor in the room is wooden, it is better to select the plinth from the same material, and it is desirable to order it even from the same manufacturer. This will help you achieve the best match between floor and skirting shades.
When laminate, tiles, carpet, linoleum are installed as a floor covering, it is necessary to choose a plinth after a complete finish of both the floor and the walls.
Sometimes people try to choose a plinth to match the door. In such a case, it is better to get advice from a professional designer, since there is a high probability of ruining the interior.
Now it has become fashionable to use white skirting boards. With the right design of the entire room, such a design really looks elegant. In order not to miscalculate with a shade, first it is better to create a model of the room in a computer program, there to consider how certain options will look, and only after that make the final decision.
In rooms with a low overhanging ceiling, it is better to decorate the floor with a narrow plinth of the same shade as the walls in order to visually make the room taller.
If the room is of standard height, then it is better to choose a standard plinth, that is, with a width of 45 to 70 mm.
But in very high rooms, narrow skirting boards cannot be used categorically. In this situation, the best option would be a wide skirting board in a contrasting or white shade.

Choosing the color of the floor plinth

The color of the skirting board should, above all, be in harmony with the floor covering. Consider several design options.

Skirting board for a white floor

White floors work especially well in small rooms, where they can create the illusion of spaciousness. Making the room visually wider, such a shade of the floor, at the same time, brings some coldness to the interior. Any shades of the interior are in perfect harmony with the white floor, and in order to choose the baseboards for it, you can use any details of the furnishings as a guide:

doors or platbands;
window frames or window sills;
chandeliers or other interior elements.

With the help of the skirting board, the non-binding white color of the floor can be harmoniously connected with the rest of the furnishings into a single harmonious composition.

Gray floor decoration

Floor in gray tones tends to soothe, it looks elegant and restrained, moreover, it has recently enjoyed unprecedented popularity. In the decoration of the room, the gray floor can be combined with a variety of bright shades like red, yellow, turquoise, lilac, pink. It looks great in combination with white and black details. But as for the plinth, it is better to select it to match the floor covering.

Warm floor

The flooring in brown, beige, yellow, sand can be considered classics. By the way, this floor looks good in almost any interior style. To decorate its borders beautifully, you should choose a plinth of the same warm shades. It is desirable that it be matched to the tone, but you can slightly change the color intensity.

Dark floor decoration

Many interior styles, such as hi-tech, pop art, avant-garde, Japanese or Egyptian, suggest a dark floor. It can be either a radically black or dark brown floor, a wenge or chocolate colored coating.

The dark floor looks great in offices, spacious halls, cafes, dance halls. The same dark baseboard is in good harmony with the dark floor. In monochrome interiors, you can make it white so that it echoes with wall decoration or other furnishings.

Choosing floor skirting boards. Video

When choosing finishing materials for the future interior, the question often arises - how to choose the right plinth? After all, this, at first glance, imperceptible, interior element is able not only to mask the joint between the floor and the wall, but also to give the room a more neat and finished look.

Why is it so important to choose the right skirting board for your floor? Firstly, an incorrectly selected molding can affect the performance of the floor covering. Secondly, the wrong choice of material will lead to the fact that the profile will look heterogeneous and alien. Thirdly, an error in the color choice of the element will negatively affect the overall picture of the interior solution.
So, the style of the interior has been chosen, sketches of the future interior have been made. It remains to make a small but important decision - to make the choice of skirting boards for the floor.

Features of the choice of dimensions and colors

Today there is a huge selection of different colors for floor moldings. In addition, a wide variety of moldings in width and decor will also have a beneficial effect on the choice of an element. In order to understand how to choose a plinth, you must follow some general rules for choosing colors and sizes.

How to choose the color of the skirting board?

In order to understand how to choose the color of the plinth correctly, first of all, it should be noted that related or monochrome shades of the flooring are the most successful solution to the task, since in this case the harmony of the flooring and the baguette is ensured. It is worth noting that those shades that are located within the same color are considered monochrome, and adjacent colors and shades within the color wheel are related. What color should you avoid?

The only disadvantage of such a solution may be that, in the case of dark shades and a wide baguette, this will visually reduce the height of the room.

In addition, it should also be mentioned that a light floor and light molding can be well combined with each other, even if they have a different color shade. However, such a decision should also be approached carefully and try to ensure that the shades are still complementary to each other.

Many people think about how to choose a plinth for the floor so that it does not get out of the general style. Another good option is to combine the baguette with existing interior details, for example, with wallpaper, furniture or door colors. Do not lay the skirting board under the door. A good solution would be the selection of moldings for individual parts of furniture or fittings.

In order to choose the width of the baguette for a specific interior, you need to do the following:

First of all, you need to evaluate the potential possibilities of the height of the room - if the ceiling is quite low, you should not select dark tones of the flooring and use a wide molding, since this will visually make the height even lower. In this case, the option with a light dim floor and an inconspicuous baguette matching in color will be a winning solution;
Next, you should analyze the color palette of the room. In order to understand how to find and choose a skirting board for the floor, the color of the wall coverings, as well as the furniture that will be present in the room, is analyzed. At this stage, it is important to highlight all the available color accents and understand whether it is necessary to select the molding taking them into account, or make it the background and as invisible as possible.

How to choose a skirting board for your floor - what are the rules?

Any molding can become both a unifying link of the entire interior as a whole, and a complementary detail that can give the interior a special charm. Absolutely any shades of baguette can be combined with white flooring. As a rule, in the case of a white floor, it is worth focusing on the color of doors or platbands, window frames and cladding, furniture or other interior items. Plinth in the color of the walls is a universal solution for a successful interior.

Here are some tips for choosing a floor molding according to your floor color:

Gray floor. This color practically does not go out of fashion and is classic. Gray will go well with any color scheme, but gray, white, red, turquoise, black, purple and blue shades will be the most suitable;
Beige or brown floor. Floor covering in these shades is most often found in modern interiors, as they suit almost any style direction. These shades repeat the colors of natural wood, so the molding for them should also be kept in a single wood scale and match, for example, the color of the doors;
Orange or red tint. It is advisable to select shades of molding for this color scheme using a color wheel - either adjacent colors or opposite colors are suitable here, depending on whether contrast is expected;
Black color. Another classic flooring option that will suit most interior styles. By the way, the option with a black floor is able to visually expand the space if the walls are left snow-white.

Varieties of skirting boards for the floor

In order to understand what kind of baguette to choose for the room, it is important to take into account not only the color scheme of the interior, but also many other factors, such as humidity, temperature level and flooring material.

Wooden profile

One of the classic options for floor moldings is solid wood elements, which can be made from a variety of species and colors. However, some types of wood can crack due to frequent temperature jumps. To prevent this from happening, it is worth choosing valuable types of wood for baguettes and treating them with antiseptic compounds. In some cases, molding made of valuable wood species has too high a price, therefore the profile itself is made of pine, and on top it is covered with veneer from valuable varieties.

MDF molding

Such material can often be found in the production of interior elements and furniture. These are wood fibers, pressed and glued together in a special way. The profile of this material in the interior is versatile and can be perfectly combined with a variety of floor coverings, including carpet and linoleum.

PVC varieties

The most affordable material in terms of price. In addition, it is very versatile as it comes in many different colors and textures. The plastic profile on the floor is very convenient to attach to the wall; in addition, it often has cable channels that facilitate convenient masking of various wires.

Ceramic profile

Ideal for rooms with high humidity. In addition, ceramics are easy to clean and do not lose their decorative properties over time. Ceramic molding is easy to choose for floor tiles, since there are a huge number of all kinds of patterns, colors and textures on the market.

Polyurethane baguette

A modern, versatile, easy-to-install material that suits most flooring and interior styles. This profile can be washed and painted in the color of the floor. In addition, there are flexible models that allow it to be mounted on uneven surfaces.

The universal answer to the question "How to choose a stylish skirting board for your floor?" does not exist, however, by adhering to a number of basic rules, you can choose a model that meets expectations. Choosing the right skirting board is easy.

In order not to miscalculate with the number of the profile, it is necessary to make the necessary measurements of the room.

For convenient docking in the corners, it is advisable to purchase special corner elements. In order not to get into a mess when buying, it is advisable to produce it in large hardware stores, and when ordering via the Internet, it is advisable to see the product with your own eyes before buying.

Video: choosing a plinth for the floor

The final chords of the renovation can already be heard: the walls are finished, the flooring has been laid. It's time to draw the bottom line. At first glance, everything is fine, but the feeling of incompleteness definitely does not leave. Perhaps the point is in the annoying crevices left by the walls. Of course, these beautiful floors need an appropriate frame, which will not only hide small defects, but also bring completeness and comfort to the atmosphere.

You have already guessed what is needed. But to a specific gender, because there are several of them? We will help you make the right choice.

It is difficult to underestimate the importance of the skirting board for the floor, so skillfully it separates the floor and the walls. It can be said to be simple, but. But it should be noted and the practical side of the floor plinth - thanks to it, you can, in particular, passing through the room.

Wide floor skirting boards: a photo of a wooden skirting board for the floor in the interior

Today on the market of finishing materials there are various models of floor fillets. For a long time already disappeared from sight boring in the form of plinths for the floor, representing in a section an ordinary right-angled triangle. Today everything has changed - both materials, and, and forms. Consider the most common types of floor skirting boards, their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.

Plastic skirting board

It is the most popular today. Plastic floor skirting boards have exceptionally high consumer qualities and, first of all, amazing and versatility.

Wide plastic skirting boards: a combination of aesthetics and functionality

The plastic used in the manufacture of these products, thanks to the latest technology, is quite durable. It is resistant to mechanical stress, but at the same time it is elastic. Plastic skirting board for the floor is in no way inferior, and even surpasses it in some characteristics. Plastic panels are moisture resistant, extremely unpretentious to maintain, do not require significant financial investments or time costs. It is impossible not to mention its biological stability - it does not rot, does not corrode, does not create an environment favorable for the life of bacteria.

The original version of the heating system: heated skirting board

Floor skirting boards are made of plastic and, therefore, they are simply irreplaceable when framing round or multi-profile walls.

Advice: if you want to give a PVC product some form, just heat it up with a hairdryer or hot water to about 70 ° C.

Moldings for plastic skirting boards

All kinds of plastic elements for edging corners, external and internal, help to avoid inaccuracies when filing corners when joining. On their reverse side there are special clips-clips: the corners are pushed onto the edge of the bar and snapped into place.

The use of corners when joining plastic fillets significantly increases the aesthetics of the finish.

Plastic skirting board: dimensions, shape and color scheme

The height of the floor profile made of plastic varies between 5 cm and 8–10 cm. Products with a height of 60 mm are most in demand, they cover approximately 22 mm across the floor, providing a large indent. The standard profile length is 2.5 m, although there are samples up to 5.05 m.

Soft roll PVC profile

Plastic skirting boards are also supplied in rolls with a length of 25-50 m. They are a flexible tape that is installed almost seamlessly around the entire perimeter. True, it is almost devoid of decorative indicators, therefore its main purpose is to finish the joints of the floor and walls in offices and administrative premises.

How is flexible floor skirting used

PVC profiles have a wide range of colors, both monochromatic and textured - "wood grain", "metal" and others. For example, you can choose the color and texture of the panel for any natural wood: oak, mahogany, wenge, etc. This gives enormous design possibilities for decorating a room.

A striking white high plinth for the floor adds a special elegance to the interior

The shape of the edging has also become more graceful: it can be flat and convex, with a "leg" or protrusion.

Increasingly, plastic can be found in the design of modern large rooms. Combined with high ceilings, it lends grandeur to the building.

Plastic panels are used with almost any coating: porcelain stoneware, ceramic tiles, carpet, linoleum, with self-leveling and wooden floors.

Advice: nevertheless, when decorating floors from artistic parquet or solid boards, you should first think about whether the simpler look of PVC skirting boards with their luxurious look will be discordant.

Plastic panels, despite their flexibility, are still inferior to wooden ones. The reason is in the hollow structure of PVC, therefore it is better to handle the installed floor profile made of plastic more carefully.

Floor skirting board with cable duct

Wide are in great demand today. What are their advantages?

Floor skirting board with cable duct

inside the product, you can hide up to ten cables laid along the walls;
they allow you to make electrical wiring without undesirable difficulties, while maintaining the appearance of the room unchanged;
the presence of a removable panel on the outer side of the profile allows you to complete the existing cable system

On a note: a similar design, although much less common, is still found in modifications made of wood.

The undoubted advantage of these products can be considered a soft rubber edge, which allows you to effectively hide the unevenness of the walls and floor.

When choosing the dimensions of products with a cable channel, they proceed from the number of wires that are supposed to be passed through it. On the one hand, I would like to have a compact model, but on the other, wouldn't it be better to mount a thicker baseboard to be able to lay another cable if necessary.

Plinth with plastic cable duct: dimensions are selected depending on the number of wires

Polyurethane skirting board

Wide profiles made of foamed plastic are no less in demand -. This material has many positive characteristics. For example, we can note its strength and environmental friendliness, lightness and moisture resistance.

High baseboard-plinth made of polyurethane divides the wall horizontally, visually expanding the space

Polyurethane floor skirting boards are produced in two versions:

already painted and ready for installation;
white,.

Veneered skirting board

This type of skirting board is made of inexpensive glued raw materials - pine or spruce. On top of the base, a thin layer of veneer is attached from valuable wood species, including the most exotic ones.

The veneered floor profile consists of several layers glued together

During the production process, a special UV-curing and bioprotective varnish is applied to the panel in several layers to protect the product from fungus and microorganisms. The veneered profile is tinted in the required color. Such a plinth is actually made from natural raw materials, is environmentally friendly and much more affordable than a wooden one.

Important: but it must be borne in mind that conifers are quite sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and humidity conditions, and this cannot be ignored. For example, veneered profiles cannot be installed on a "warm floor".

MDF skirting board

One of the best combinations of skirting boards with a floorboard, laminate and linoleum gives products from MDF - natural cellulose, which is pressed into a certain profile shape and covered with a fixing film with water-repellent properties. MDF skirting boards very well imitate wooden products, their technical characteristics are much lower.

Planks made of MDF are afraid of constant excess moisture, and, having absorbed moisture, they can deform. A brute mechanical force, such as a sharp blow, can cause the product to break or break. However, the material is UV resistant and does not fade, it is well cleaned.

MDF skirting boards are more often used for laminate floors

These skirting boards are also favored by their beautiful wood-like appearance and very low price. But they are not particularly durable. So, having once saved on repairs, after a while the skirting boards will have to be replaced.

MDF cable channel looks more attractive, but more difficult to install

But from MDF - the most different, and this greatly facilitates the choice.

Metal skirting board for the floor

These skirting boards are usually made of stainless steel, brass or aluminum. These materials have increased strength, are highly resistant to the influence of moisture, therefore, such premises as a bathroom, kitchen or hallway are often chosen for their installation.

Wide Aluminum Floor Skirting Board

Metal skirting boards are also in demand in commercial buildings with heavy traffic. They are mounted on a base of commercial linoleum, tiles, porcelain stoneware and self-leveling floors.

Metal profiles are different:

great durability;
long service life;
high resistance to mechanical stress, including shock;
are not afraid of moisture and extremely high and low temperatures;
easy to install;
are available with the ability to build in sockets.

Metal floor framing

The main disadvantage of this type of skirting board is the high price and limited choice of textures and colors.

Traditional wood plinth for the floor

The classic version, and today has not lost its relevance, with the only difference that from the everyday framing of the floor has turned into an elite one. To describe a modern quality wood product, you will have to use epithets such as luxurious or sophisticated.

Oak skirting: dovetail profile

The following models of wooden skirting boards are especially popular:

profile with a "sole" - has a height of up to 60 mm, a distinctive feature - a relatively narrow lower part, up to 25 mm. The smoothed relief of the front side of the product makes it easier to remove dust;
Euro skirting board - its dimensions -10-16 mm allow you to install furniture quite tightly to the wall. There are other, non-standard models of products, for example, up to 80 mm high with a figured recess on the front or up to 30 cm, made of beech or oak.

Perfection of wooden skirting boards: wide fillets in dark color

When choosing a particular model, you need to take into account several factors, each of which has a significant impact.

Appointment of the premises. In residential buildings in bedrooms and bathrooms, corridors and halls, you need to install various types of skirting boards. There are specific requirements for office buildings, trade and exhibition halls, etc. For rooms with high humidity, it is recommended to choose skirting boards made of moisture-resistant materials: ceramics, artificial stone, plastic. In rooms with high traffic, elements of increased strength should be installed: ceramics, MDF.
Room decoration style. Designers recommend various skirting boards for high-tech and classic styles, for country and baroque styles. Classic styles look better with skirting boards made from natural materials and natural colors, retro skirting should be decorated with antique skirting boards, modern styles allow the use of plastic and aluminum materials.
Height and total area. In some cases, skirting boards can visually enlarge the premises, in others, on the contrary, reduce it. In spacious rooms, you can lay a dark floor with the same skirting boards, it is allowed to use original colors. Low ceilings look more spacious with light floors and baseboards.
Color solutions. There are no general universal rules for choosing; there are options for contrasting skirting boards or to match the existing flooring and wall decoration. It is not recommended to combine blue with pink, purple with green. The skirting board should be in harmony not only with the flooring, but also with the windows and doors.

Modern solution - illuminated skirting board

If the appearance affects the harmonious design of the room, then the durability and installation technology depend on the material of manufacture. What should you pay attention to?

To make the right decision, you need to familiarize yourself with the types of skirting boards existing in the implementation.

What materials are currently used for finishing elements of the floor?

Manufacturing material	Performance characteristics
	The most popular skirting boards belong to the budget price segment. They consist of two parts, one is attached to the walls with dowels, the second is decorative. Most plastic skirting boards have grooves for cables for various purposes. Advantages - a wide range of models, relatively low price, plastic does not react to contact with water. Disadvantages - insignificant resistance to mechanical damage. For ease of installation, it has plugs and corners. When purchasing a kit, compare the appearance of all additional elements, quite often they differ. Such products are manufactured by unscrupulous companies. The skirting boards of the Polish company Arbiton enjoy positive reviews; to improve the fit, the upper edges have a thin soft strip.
	For manufacturing, wood waste is used, which gives them some naturalness. The outer front surfaces are covered with self-adhesive films, which give the skirting boards a different color and texture. For the price, they are on a par with the plastic ones. They can be fixed to the walls with dowels or special metal brackets. Disadvantages - low indicators of physical strength and instability to high humidity. They are fixed with liquid nails, clips or glue. The clips greatly simplify the repair work, the damaged area is snapped off and replaced with a new one. End cuts have special plugs.
	Traditional material with all the advantages and disadvantages of wood. Various species are used for production, from cheap pine to expensive oak or other valuable species. External surfaces can be natural or tinted. To protect against moisture, they are covered with durable polymer-based coatings. During the purchase, you need to pay attention to the class of products, very cheap goods are made not from solid wood, but from glued sections. They differ in structure and shade in length. One more nuance. After varnishing, the shade of the wooden skirting boards changes, keep this in mind when choosing a color. If desired, skirting boards made of natural wood can be made to order, but this will cost much more.
	Most often used in bathrooms and kitchens, less often in corridors. Ceramic tiles are not afraid of moisture, the glaze has high mechanical strength. Skirting boards can be purchased together with tile collections or separately to give the room an exclusive interior.
	One of the most expensive types of skirting boards, used in prestigious premises. In terms of performance, they occupy leading positions. When choosing sizes and colors, you need to take into account the parameters of the premises. It is recommended to install skirting boards made of artificial stone in prestigious premises with large dimensions.
	They are of limited use due to insufficient indicators of physical strength. Advantages - cheapness and unlimited appearance. Depending on the needs, it is possible to paint the surfaces yourself.
	It is made of special grades of plastic and is sold in rolls. Flexible skirting board is used for finishing vertical columns or other architectural elements of complex geometric shapes.
	A cheap option for skirting boards made of natural wood. The supporting base is made of low-value wood, the top layer is made of valuable veneer. They have a wide assortment, in terms of operational parameters they are inferior to natural wooden ones, but much cheaper. Burkle (Germany) has positive recommendations. The thickness of the veneered plinth is 15–22 mm, the height is up to 80 mm.
	It takes the first place in terms of strength, the front surface can be of a natural color or tinted by various methods. It is used in rooms with high traffic, is not afraid of moisture, the term of use is practically unlimited. Maximum strength allows the elements to be installed in public places: train stations, hospitals, etc.
	Completely natural, made of cork bark by gluing and pressing. Used with cork floors. In terms of performance, it belongs to the middle category, and in terms of cost, it belongs to the elite category.

Prices for PVC skirting boards

pvc skirting board

When choosing, you should focus on the floor, walls, doors and windows. Products can be matched exactly to the tone of the floor, in this case they will not stand out and visually increase the area of the room. Most designers consider it a universal option to install skirting boards to match the floor color, but the final decision must be made by the consumer. The main criterion is that you personally like the design of the room.

For wooden flooring, you need to choose skirting boards from the same materials; on laminate floors, you can install skirting boards made of plastic or MDF. The tone should be as identical as possible.

Skirting boards are selected according to the color of the walls only if they have a completely uniform color. But lately, white skirting boards have become widespread; they give the room a special charm.

Contrasting skirting boards are a bold decision that does not suit all interior styles. Before buying materials, it is advisable to draw a sketch and first evaluate the result of the choice.

Thick or thin skirting board

When choosing, you need to build on the size of the room and the prevailing colors. Small rooms look better with narrow, thin elements, they should match in color with the walls. Due to this, the room becomes more spacious and brighter.

It is strongly discouraged to use thin skirting boards for large rooms, they distort the geometry and disfigure the interior.

Practical advice. Choose skirting boards at the stage of thinking over the methods of finishing the floor and walls.

Step-by-step installation instructions for veneered skirting boards

The skirting board is made of low-grade wood, the outer surface is covered with valuable wood veneer.

For the installation of products, manufacturers suggest using special fasteners, but professional builders do not recommend listening to these tips.

The fastening technology involves fixing the metal bracket to the wall with dowels, the lower part abuts against the floor surface. On the hooks installed at the top and bottom of the staples, a wooden plinth is held. The problem is that this fastener can only be used on perfectly flat walls and a perfectly flat floor. The slightest deviations from these parameters cause the appearance of gaps between the plinth and the wall. And if the floor is uneven, then putting a wooden element on the bracket is very problematic. In addition, even during operation, with slight touches, the plinth comes out of the holders, and this is a very unpleasant phenomenon.

We offer our own way of fixing the skirting boards, it excludes the occurrence of the above-described problems. To install the skirting boards, you will need polyurethane foam and finishing studs.

Initial data. The floor is made of parquet boards, the walls are fully papered, the door is with platbands.

Step 1. Due to the fact that the skirting boards are glued to the foam, you need to remove the wallpaper strip along the width of the elements. For this, it is recommended to make the simplest device. Cut a piece of wood a few millimeters shorter than the baseboard height. At one of the ends, using self-tapping screws for wood with wide caps, fix a piece of the mounting knife. Its tip should protrude slightly beyond the plane of the bar. The mounting knife on the blade has special notches, along which the metal breaks off easily.

Place the block on the floor, rest the edge of the knife against the wall, move it along the wall and cut off a strip of wallpaper. After cutting, the desired part can be removed without problems.

Step 2. Make the correct abutment of the skirting board to the door trim. To do this, carefully cut the edge at an angle of 45 °; it is better to use a special circular saw with an adjustable cutting tool position. If it is not there, then you can cut it by hand using a hacksaw for metal. An equilateral triangle must be cut from the edge of the plinth. Rotate it 90 ° and attach it to the cut end. You will get a beautiful connection with an even rim of the end of the skirting board, the place of contact with the platband will become the same in thickness.

Step 3. Prepare the abutment of two long skirting boards. If this is not done, then a difference in height is possible between the two slats, and this is very ugly. The abutment is made by cutting the edge into the butt end at an angle of 45 °. On one element, you need to cut off the outer corner, and on the second, the inner one.

Step 4. Prepare the inner and outer corners of the joint. If the walls are at right angles, then the cut is done at 45 °, if there are deviations, then in each case, the actual angle between adjacent walls should be previously measured. If the error between the mills is small, then it can be leveled while cutting the sharp end of the skirting boards to be connected, due to this they will be able to approach each other by a few millimeters. Before gluing, check that all elements are in the correct position.

Step 5. Apply a thin strip of polyurethane foam to the wall. Make sure that there is not too much of it and after expansion it does not appear outside. This requires a little experience, it is recommended to practice for a few minutes on any surface. Instead of foam, you can use liquid nails, but they are much more expensive, and the effect is the same.

Important. Do not let the polyurethane foam get on the flooring, it is then difficult to remove, stains or mechanical damage may appear on the surface. Place a piece of film or paper under the gun at all times.

Step 6. Glue the baseboard to the wall. It is better to start from the corner, this is the most difficult place. Fit the second skirting board immediately, this way you will be able to control the connection parameters of the two elements.

Step 7. If everything is normal, then the skirting boards can be fixed with finishing studs. It is better to use a special electric gun, it greatly simplifies and speeds up the work.

Step 8. Gently place the cut triangle in place with a rubber mallet, its flat side should adjoin the platband.

Step 9. After finishing the installation work, seal the holes from under the finishing nails with wood putty. Match it with the baseboards.

The described method allows you to slightly bend the wooden plinth, taking into account the actual plane of the walls, no cracks appear, the appearance of the room is improved.

Installing a plastic skirting board

Now let's take a quick look at a simpler and more widely demanded option for installing a collapsible plastic skirting board with two soft edges.

The product is supplied with fittings: outer and inner corners, left and right ends, plank connector.

The plinth is fixed to the walls with dowels. The plinth is convenient because it does not need to be dismantled during the wallpaper replacement, only the upper part is removed. At cost, this is the cheapest option, it is used for floors covered with linoleum or laminate.

Important. Make sure that there are no communications in the places where the plinth is attached to the wall inside it.

The distance between them is about 25–40 cm, if there are noticeable irregularities on the wall, then the distance must be reduced so that the fasteners allow the element to be bent under the required radius. When drilling, make sure that the skirting board does not move. Practitioners advise to first drill the two extreme holes, they will fix the plinth in the desired position. Then you can drill all the rest.

Step 2. Insert the plastic element of the dowel into the holes and drive in the dowel-nail. It is advisable not to hammer until the end, but to tighten it with a screwdriver, this will prevent excessive compression of the plastic and its possible cracking. After drilling the holes with a vacuum cleaner, remove the dust, otherwise it will spread throughout the apartment.

Step 3. Cover the skirting board with the upper decorative part. Insert it into the seats and press until you hear a click. Make sure that the elements fit only into special grooves. If there is a lot of effort, find the cause and eliminate it.

Step 4. At the end of one plinth, put a docking and attach the second. The skirting boards can be cut to length with special scissors, a hacksaw or a grinder with a metal disc. Measure the next plank together with the plastic corner you put on. There is no need for great accuracy, additional elements allow precise adjustment.

Practical advice. We have already mentioned that joints of plastic skirting boards differ in texture from stripes. In connection with this problem, it is recommended to think over the arrangement of the elements in such a way that they are invisible to the eyes: behind the bed or wardrobe, bedside tables, etc.

Continue decorating the entire room using the same algorithm. If you have chosen and installed the elements correctly, then the appearance of the room will always delight the residents. Do not rush to get to work, draw up a preliminary plan of action, decide on the materials, taking into account the above tips. If everything is done correctly, then the cheapest skirting boards will decorate the room, and the wrong actions can ruin the most expensive flooring.