Floor skirting board: what it is, types, how to choose

A floor skirting board is a strip or board that is installed along the bottom of the wall, at the level of the connection between the floor and the wall. Its main function is to hide gaps and irregularities between the floor and the wall, and to give a finished look to the interior of the room. Skirting boards can also protect the lower part of the wall from impact and moisture. Baseboard installation is usually done after the flooring and wall finishes have been completed, making it an important part of completing a renovation or construction project. Let's take a look at the types of floor skirting boards and tips for choosing one.

Types of floor skirting boards

Main types of floor skirting boards:

• Wooden skirting boards are made of natural wood. They look natural and expensive and are available in different designs and shades of wood. Wooden skirting boards are often used in classic and stylish interiors.
• Plastic (PVC) skirting boards are made of plastic. They have a modern and versatile appearance. They are easy to clean. They do not deteriorate from dampness and are suitable for bathrooms and kitchens. Baseboards made of plastic are produced in different colors and textures.
• Metal baseboards are made of metals: aluminum, stainless steel and others. They have a modern and technological look. Metal skirting boards are installed in loft and modern style rooms, in production and offices.
• Foam skirting boards made of foam or polyurethane are the cheapest, easy to install. They can also mimic the texture and shade of wood or plastic baseboards.

In addition to regular baseboards, there are functional options, such as baseboards with channels for hidden wiring (cable channels) or baseboards with built-in lighting. They are convenient to hide wires and decorate the design of the room.

How to choose a skirting board for the floor

Pay attention to such factors:

• It is important to choose a skirting board that corresponds to the style of the interior. For classic interiors, wooden skirting boards are suitable, and for modern interiors - metal or plastic.
• The color of the skirting board is selected so that it harmonizes with the color of the floor and walls, creating a unified image of the room.
• Take into account the peculiarities of the conditions in the room. Moisture-resistant skirting boards are suitable for damp areas, and skirting boards with channels are suitable for hiding wiring.
• Skirting boards are selected according to the budget, taking into account that wooden skirting boards can be more expensive than other materials.
• Pay attention to the type of floor for which the skirting board is intended. Wooden skirting boards are suitable for laminate flooring, and moisture-resistant skirting boards are suitable for tiles. If it is necessary to hide wiring, choose skirting boards with channels for wiring.
• It is important that the skirting board does not have an unpleasant odor of plastic or lacquer. Some materials can be toxic. You can find out the composition of the skirting board material from the seller or manufacturer.

Choose such a skirting board for the floor, so that it corresponds to the conditions in the room, as well as complement the interior. You can read reviews on the Internet about specific models of such products.