Classification and Differences of Skirting Boards
Skirting Boards, also as known Baseboard, is a decorative trim installed at the junction of walls and floors, primarily used to protect wall corners and conceal gaps.
Classification of skirting boards:
Skirting boards differ significantly in durability and applicable scenarios based on their materials.
1. Solid wood skirting board
Features: With the strongest texture and the highest aesthetic value, it can achieve the same color as wooden doors, suitable for decoration styles such as natural wood and Chinese style.
Advantages: Good decorative effect, natural texture, and soft visual appeal.
Disadvantages: High price, afraid of moisture, prone to deformation and cracking, especially not suitable for first floor or humid areas.
Applicable scenarios: Families with sufficient budget and pursuit of texture, paired with solid wood flooring for the best effect.
2. MDF/WPC skirting board
Features: The appearance can imitate the texture of solid wood, and the price is cheaper than solid wood.
Advantages: High cost-effectiveness, similar in appearance to solid wood.
Disadvantages: Not moisture-proof, cannot touch water, low environmental protection coefficient (high adhesive content).
Applicable scenario: Families with limited budget and basic needs.
3. PVC/bamboo wood fiber skirting board
Features: The appearance imitates wood grain and is an affordable substitute for solid wood.
Advantages: Low price, waterproof and moisture-proof, easy installation, and low requirement for wall flatness.
Disadvantages: Poor texture, easy to fade, age and break over time, multiple and unsightly joints, and the adhesive layer may peel off.
Applicable scenarios: rental housing, budget constrained decoration, or damp environments on the first floor.
4. Ceramic tile skirting board
Features: It is commonly cut from the remaining edge strips of floor tiles, with low cost.
Advantages: Waterproof and moisture-proof, wear-resistant and durable, high cost-effectiveness; The embedded installation effect is neat and free of dust accumulation.
Disadvantages: The aesthetics are average, and it is easy to accumulate dust and difficult to maintain when installed openly. In addition, the tiles have joints that affect the effect.
Applicable scenarios: households with tiled flooring, especially in damp areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
5. Metal skirting board (aluminum alloy/stainless steel)
Features: Minimalist and lightweight, capable of extremely narrow design. In recent years, popular models have mostly been aluminum alloy buckle style.
Advantages: sturdy and durable, waterproof and moisture-proof, no deformation; You can hide the wires inside and use concealed wiring.
Disadvantages: There are few color options, making it difficult to match the exact color of wooden doors; The requirement for wall flatness is high, and the wall should not be prone to cracking or overturning; The price is relatively high.
Applicable scenarios: minimalist and light luxury decoration.
6. Stone skirting board (natural stone/artificial stone)
Features: Natural stone requires splicing, while artificial stone can achieve seamless splicing.
Advantages: High end and atmospheric, strong durability, and no radioactive concerns about artificial stone.
Disadvantages: High price, low cost-effectiveness, suitable for high space.
Applicable scenarios: high-end decoration such as mansions and villas.
7. Glass skirting board
Features: Crystal clear and highly decorative.
Disadvantages: Fragile, with safety hazards, not suitable for families with elderly and children.
Applicable scenarios: heavily decorated households, currently used less frequently.
8. PS polymer skirting board
Features: The surface is decorated with wood or stone grain, waterproof and wear-resistant.
Advantages: The price is between that of MDF and solid wood, and it is often used as a substitute for solid wood.
Disadvantage: The visual effect is still inferior to solid wood.
Precautions for installing skirting boards:
The key to installing skirting boards is to check whether the wall is flat, whether the color matches, and whether the order is correct.
1. Before installation, it is necessary to check the flatness and verticality of the wall surface, especially when selecting metal or extremely narrow skirting boards. Wall errors can cause obvious gaps, and later gluing will also be unsightly. If there is a large error in the wall, it is recommended to level it first or use solid wood skirting boards to cover up the ugliness.
2. The color of the skirting board should be the same as the door frame or floor, and the temperature should also be consistent to avoid “colorful white”. White skirting boards should be identified with anti yellowing paint, otherwise they may turn yellow and peel off over time.
3. It is generally recommended to paint the wall and lay the floor before installing the skirting board, which will result in a cleaner finish. 45 degree cutting and splicing should be done at the corner of the wall to make the interface more beautiful. Remember to leave expansion joints for wooden skirting boards to avoid thermal expansion and contraction and arching. When fixing, prioritize using buckles or traceless nails, and use less foam glue, which is more environmentally friendly and sturdy.
