Floor molding, also known as baseboard, serves an important purpose in any home. It provides a finished look along the bottom of walls and helps protect them from damage. There are several key reasons why installing floor molding is so beneficial.
Page Contents
Aesthetics
One of the main reasons people use floor molding is for appearance. Baseboard trim gives a room a more polished, complete look. Molding helps conceal any imperfections where the floor and wall meet. It provides a smooth transition from wall to floor that pulls together the whole decor.
Floor molding comes in a variety of styles to match any design aesthetic. From simple, straight boards to intricate, carved patterns, the options are endless. Whether your home is traditional or modern, there’s baseboard trim to enhance the theme. Molding helps elevate the overall style of a room.
Protection
In addition to looks, baseboard trim serves a practical purpose – protecting walls. Without molding, drywall and plaster are more susceptible to dings, chips and other damage. Baseboards help prevent walls from becoming scuffed up.
Kids and pets running around along with everyday furniture moving and cleaning all take a toll along the bottoms of walls. Floor molding armors the wall edges from this wear and tear. It takes the brunt of the impact instead of the drywall.
Molding also protects walls from moisture. Splashes from mopping and spills can lead to water damage on drywall. The trim forms a barrier to keep lower wall sections safe. Proper floor molding installation with sealed seams prevents liquid from seeping underneath.
Gap Coverage
Gaps around the edges of the flooring are common. These gaps occur due to slight wall or floor unevenness or improper installation. Baseboard covers these spaces for a seamless look.
Without molding, you’d see all the imperfections that are typically present where floors and walls meet. The trim hides gaps, creating the illusion of flawless flooring installation. Covering gaps also helps limit the amount of air, moisture, pests and dust that can sneak through.
Hiding Wires
Floor molding also offers the benefit of discretely housing wires. Electrical, cable and telephone wires need to run along floors to outlets and connections. Baseboard provides a way to conceal these wires for a cleaner look.
Running wire through the wall can be complicated, requiring drilling holes and patching. The trim presents a much simpler option. The cable can be run underneath and hidden behind the molding. This prevents safety hazards and trip risks of exposed wires running across the floor.
Types of Floor Molding
There are several types of baseboard trim to choose from for different needs. The shape and material determine the use cases and pros and cons of each option.
Wood
Wood floor molding is a popular choice to complement hardwood flooring. It comes in various wood types like oak, pine, maple, hickory or fir. The styles mimic floorboard looks with tongue and groove or shiplap patterns.
Advantages:
- Matches wood flooring
- Classic, timeless look
- Variety of stain options
Disadvantages:
- Prone to swelling and shrinking
- Can be dented or scratched
- Regular repainting or restaining needed
PVC/Vinyl
PVC trim offers a water-resistant, budget-friendly option. It’s a molded plastic product that comes pre-primed and ready for paint. The style and look mimic wood molding but is made from polyvinyl chloride.
Advantages:
- Affordable
- Low maintenance
- Doesn’t warp or swell
- Durable and scratch-resistant
Disadvantages:
- Can be dented
- Prone to fading over time
- Not as attractive as real wood
MDF
MDF (medium-density fiberboard) trim offers a smooth, consistent look. The engineered wood is made by breaking down wood into fibers and reformed using wax and resin.
Advantages:
- Very smooth surface
- Consistent texture
- Doesn’t shrink or swell
- Takes paint well
Disadvantages:
- Prone to moisture damage
- Not as durable as wood
- Can sag over time
Polystyrene
Polystyrene trim is a lightweight yet durable option. It’s a plastic material made from styrene monomers. Polystyrene molding is moisture-resistant and provides an elegant look.
Advantages:
- Extremely water-resistant
- Lightweight
- Easy installation
- Economical
Disadvantages:
- Susceptible to damage from impact
- Prone to shrinking/expanding
- Not biodegradable
Polyurethane
Polyurethane molding contains no wood fibers. It’s made by combining methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and polyols. This petroleum-based material resists moisture.
Advantages:
- Extremely durable and scratch-resistant
- Stain, warp and moisture-resistant
- Low maintenance
Disadvantages:
- Higher cost than wood or PVC
- Limited style options
- Not biodegradable
How to Choose Floor Molding
With all the floor molding options, how do you select the right type? Here are some tips for choosing trim to meet your needs:
Consider the Room
Think about the room’s traffic, moisture levels and activities that take place. For example, wood may not be the best choice for a bathroom prone to splashing. PVC or polyurethane would resist water better. Or if kids and pets will be running around, durable vinyl or MDF is a safer bet over easily dented wood.
Match Existing Trim
Look at moldings in adjacent rooms and match new trim to the same style and material. This helps flow spaces together with a cohesive look. Consistent molding profile throughout rooms also makes the home feel more spacious.
Complement the Flooring
Choose baseboard trim that works with your flooring type. For hardwood, opt for wood trim in a similar stain. With tile, vinyl and laminate, PVC or MDF molding pairs well. Let the trim accent the flooring instead of clashing.
Consider Maintenance
Factor in longevity and maintenance needs. Wood requires frequent refinishing to retain its luster while vinyl resists wear. In high traffic areas, opt for durable, low-maintenance materials. For quick DIY projects, lightweight polystyrene installs easier than heavy wood.
Match Climate
The environment impacts some materials. In damp climates, wood can warp while PVC withstands moisture. In dry regions, wood remains stable. Select molding suited for conditions to prevent shrinking, cracking or swelling.
How to Install Floor Molding
Installing baseboard trim is a relatively easy DIY project. Here are the basic steps:
- Select the molding based on your needs and style preferences.
- Measure the room perimeter that will receive trim.
- Cut molding to length with a miter saw allowing extra length.
- Nail molding to the wall studs, not just drywall, for most secure fastening.
- Install corner trim pieces and seal joints for clean finished look.
- Caulk along the top edge and along the floor to seal any gaps.
- Prime and paint the molding to match your color scheme.
These basic DIY steps work for most standard floor molding installation. For specialty designs or complex rooms, hiring a professional carpenter ensures proper trim placement and overall fit and finish.
Cost of Floor Molding
The cost of baseboard trim depends on the material, style and installation method. Here are rough estimates on price per linear foot for materials and labor:
| Type | Material Cost | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | $1 – $4 | $4 – $8 |
| PVC | $0.50 – $2 | $2 – $4 |
| MDF | $1 – $3 | $3 – $5 |
| Polystyrene | $0.50 – $1.50 | $2 – $4 |
| Polyurethane | $3 – $5 | $5 – $7 |
The total cost for a room will depend on the perimeter length needed. Labor accounts for about 50-60% of the overall installed cost. DIY installation can save significantly on the overall expense.
Pro Tips
Here are some expert tips and tricks for getting the most out of your floor molding project:
Allow Proper Overhang
When installing baseboard, extend it 1/4″ beyond the floor surface. This helps hide any gaps and creates a finished look.
Caulk Generously
Applying ample caulk along the top edge and floor creates a seamless appearance. Caulking also seals the trim to prevent moisture intrusion.
Consider Transition Molding
Where two flooring types meet, use transition molding to bridge the materials. This provides a professional, cohesive look.
Miter Interior Corners
Cutting trim pieces at a 45 degree angle on inside corners gives a clean, sharp finish. Don’t just butt vertical trim ends together.
Perform Regular Maintenance
Recaulk gaps, touch up paint nicks, and reseal wood trim annually to keep molding looking its best. Address issues promptly to prevent costly damage.
Conclusion
Floor molding is critical for both aesthetic and functional reasons. The right baseboard trim pulls a room together, protects walls and hides imperfections. Carefully consider the molding material, installation method and maintenance to enjoy the benefits for years to come. With proper installation and care, quality floor molding adds value, style and sophistication to any home.