All you ever wanted to know about baseboards

Let us help you install baseboards, wainscotting, crown molding, carved borders, trims, and any other kind of details that can really make a room look beautiful.

The best way to figure out which baseboard is right for your room is to look at tons and tons of photos. There are some great resources out there like houzz.com, Pinterest, and a variety of home magazines to give you ideas.

Once you decide on the type and style of molding or baseboard you like, we can help you find it, and install it for you. We can also help you decide if it’s the right look for your home or if something better would work.

Another option is to have a decorator or architect look at it ahead of time and help you pick that out along with drawing out a set of plans. Of course, if you already know what you like, that is not necessary.

Baseboards are essential in that they protect walls, they can hide any imperfections where the floor meets the walls, and they can catch dirt so that it doesn’t get caught in the space between the wall and the floor. They also add a focal point to the room as well as a decorative element.

MDF-which stands for medium-density fiberboard. These baseboards are the more reasonably priced option. Since they aren’t real wood, they cannot be stained and would need to be painted. Many times you can find these pre-primed or even pre-painted, which makes them easier and cheaper to install.

Jointed Pine-Pine molding is the least expensive of the natural woods. Jointed pine usually comes pre-primed and treated. The good news about this type of molding is that it can be painted or stained, so it gives you both options.

Hardwoods– hardwoods include maple, oak, cherry, and walnut. These are the most expensive type of baseboard and are an excellent choice if you are looking to stain your baseboards instead of just painting them. They take varnish and stain exceptionally well but will cost a lot more than both MDF and the jointed pine.

Vinyl is another option. It is a synthetic material and is water-resistant and termite resistant. Therefore, it is a perfect option for use in bathrooms, utility rooms, or any space where there might be moisture. Vinyl trim comes in rolls and is held in place with industrial strength glue.

These baseboards are very popular and come in tons of varieties. They are rounded either at the top or in the middle and have lots of names to them. Three-Inch Rounded or Stepped Baseboard are some names you may recognize. These types of baseboards are very common and can be used for traditional and modern homes because of their simple design. The top has a rounded shape and tapers towards the wall. They run around 3 inches tall and are usually approximately 5/8-7/8 inches wide.

This type of baseboard is flat on the front and has no design. Thus, it is best suited for modern homes or shaker style homes that go for a more sleek non-decorative style. They range from 3.5 inches to 4.5 inches and are pretty easy to install.

This packs an architectural punch, and they range in size from about 4 to 6 inches in height.

This is similar to the mid-height but even taller and makes more of an impact. This baseboard can range in size from about 5 to 8 inches or taller. This baseboard is best suited for larger homes with higher ceilings.

Shoe molding and quarter round trim are interchangeable and are sometimes used together with a baseboard to create a unique look.

Sometimes, there is a combination called a traditional three piece molding that comes where you take a shoe molding, base, and a cap and create your own design. Sometimes that is a more economical way to go than custom designing your own molding. The primary use of shoe molding is to run along the intersection of the baseboard and floor.

As mentioned above, baseboards generally come in ranges from 3-8 inches. However, you can always customize the height you desire. Ultimately to determine what will be best for your room depends on a few different factors. Some factors to consider are the size of the room, the height of the ceiling, what furniture pieces will come in contact with the wall, and your own personal preference.

To determine the cost of baseboards, you measure in linear feet for both materials and installation costs. You then measure the Linear feet by calculating the length in feet of all the walls in the room. For example, a 12’x12′ room might be 144 square feet, but for our purposes in linear feet, when you add 12 linear feet times four, you end up with 48 linear feet.

You can purchase most MDF baseboards for under $3.00/ft. Wood moldings can range from $3.00/ft up to $21.00/ft depending on the type of wood you choose and the intricacy of the design.

Installation can run anywhere from$3-$6 per foot.

Because so many options exist, it isn’t easy to put together a definitive process for choosing baseboards. If you are having difficulty, we recommend setting a budget, then starting with Looks and Style, and then Color. Narrowing down these options can potentially eliminate a materials decision (because only certain Materials may be available for your style) and help guide the height decision. If your budget allows, you may also want to consider hiring a designer to help provide input.

Finally, most baseboard trim and other trim work you will find can be purchased through local home centers. However, for more extensive and more unique designs, consider a custom-millwork shop. Depending on your area, they can be found locally, but many offer online selections and orders.

We can help you every step of the way in deciding the right look for your home and even help you source the product. However, at the end of the day, it is your decision, and we will always leave it up to you to make the final call.  Give us a call to help you with installation